Remove File Restore virus (Removal Instructions)

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Written by: Stelian

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File Restore is a computer virus that will display bogus alerts, claiming that several hard drive errors and computer issues were detected on your machine.This alerts are professional looking pop-ups and when you click on them, you are advised to buy File Restore to fix the detected errors.Some of the bogus alerts you may see include:

Hard drive boot sector reading error
System blocks were not found
Error while relocating TARE sectors
Error 0 – DATA_BUS_ERROR
Error 0x00000078 – INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE
Error 0x00000050 – PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
The storage device has failed a self-test
The self-test procedure of the storage device has detected an irreparable errors.
SMART state is “Out of order” before the disk scan

Apart from the bogus alerts,as part of its self-defense mechanism,File Restore has disabled the Windows system utilities, including the Windows Task Manager and Registry Editor,and will block you from running certain programs that could lead to its removal.
File Restore has modified your Windows files associations,and now whenever you are trying to run a program with  a .exe extension ,File Restore will display a bogus notification in which will report a hard river error,in an attempt to scare you.

Windows detected a hard drive problem.
A hard drive error occurred while starting the application.

Windows cannot find notepad.exe. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again. To search for a file, click the Start button, and then click Search.

Further more, File Restore has changed your desktop background to a solid black color,has hidden your files and folders and it’s causing browser redirects.

If your computer is infected with File Restore,then you are seeing this screens:
File Restore virus removal

File Restore malware

Registration codes for File Restore:
As an optional step,you can use the following license key to register File Restore and stop the fake alerts.
File Restore License Key: 08467206738602987934024759008355
Please keep in mind that entering the above registration code will NOT remove File Restore from your computer , instead it will just stop the fake alerts so that you’ll be able to complete our removal guide more easily.

File Restore Virus – Removal Instructions

STEP 1 : Start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking

  1. Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then restart your computer.
  2. Press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts.Please keep in mind that you need to press the F8 key before the Windows start-up logo appears.
    Note: With some computers, if you press and hold a key as the computer is booting you will get a stuck key message. If this occurs, instead of pressing and holding the “F8 key”, tap the “F8 key” continuously until you get the Advanced Boot Options screen.
  3. On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking , and then press ENTER.
    [Image: Safemode.jpg]

STEP 2: Run RKill to terminate known malware processes associated with File Restore.

RKill is a program that will attempt to terminate all malicious processes associated with File Restore virus,so that we will be able to perform the next step without being interrupted by this malicious software.
Because this utility will only stop File Restore running process, and does not delete any files, after running it you should not reboot your computer as any malware processes that are configured to start automatically will just be started again.

  1. While your computer is in Safe Mode with Networking ,please download the latest official version of RKill.Please note that we will use a renamed version of RKILL so that File Restore won’t block this utility from running.
    RKILL DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download RKILL renamed as iExplore.exe)
  2. Double-click on the iExplore.exe icon in order to automatically attempt to stop any processes associated with File Restore.
    [Image: run-rkill-1.png]
  3. RKill will now start working in the background, please be patient while the program looks for various malware programs and tries to terminate them.
    [Image: run-rkill-2.png]
    IF you are having problems starting or running RKill, you can download any other renamed versions of RKill from here.
  4. When Rkill has completed its task, it will generate a log. You can then proceed with the rest of the guide.
    [Image: File Restore virus rkill3.jpg]

WARNING: Do not reboot your computer after running RKill as the malware process will start again , preventing you from properly performing the next step.

STEP 3: Remove File Restore malicious files with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a powerful on-demand scanner which will detect and remove File Restore from your computer.

  1. Download the latest official version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE.
    MALWAREBYTES ANTI-MALWARE DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a download page in a new window from where you can download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free)
  2. Start the Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware installation process by double clicking on mbam-setup file.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Installer]
  3. When the installation begins, keep following the prompts in order to continue with the setup process. Do not make any changes to default settings and when the program has finished installing, make sure you leave both the Update Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware checked. Then click on the Finish button. If Malwarebytes’ prompts you to reboot, please do not do so.
    [Image: Finishing Malwarebytes installation]
  4. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start and you’ll be prompted to start a trial period , please select ‘Decline‘ as we just want to use the on-demand scanner.
    [Image: Decline Malwarebytes trial]
  5. On the Scanner tab,select Perform full scan and then click on the Scanbutton to start scanning your computer.
    [Image: Starting a full system sca]
  6. Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for File Restore malicious files as shown below.
    [Image: Malwarebytes scanning for malicious files]
  7. When the scan is finished a message box will appear, click OK to continue.[Image: Malwarebytes scan results]
  8. You will now be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware has detected.Please note that the infections found may be different than what is shown in the image.Make sure that everything is Checked (ticked) and click on the Remove Selected button.
    [Image: Infections found by Malwarebytes]
  9. Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start removing the malicious files.After completing this task it will display a message stating that it needs to reboot,please allow this request and then let your PC boot in Normal mode.

STEP 4 : Restore your shortcuts and remove any left over malicious registry keys

File Restore has moved your shortcuts files in the Temporary Internet folder and added some malicious registry keys to your Windows installation , to restore your files we will need to perform a scan with RogueKiller.

  1. This step can be performed in Normal Mode,download the latest official version of RogueKiller from the below link.
    ROGUEKILLER DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download RogueKiller on your computer)
  2. Double click on RogueKiller.exe to start this utility and then wait for the Prescan to complete.This should take only a few seconds and then you can click the Start button to perform a system scan.
    RogueKiller scanning after File Restore virus virus
  3. After the scan has completed, press the Delete button to remove any malicious registry keys.
    Remove File Restore virus infection with RogueKiller
  4. Next we will need to restore your shortcuts, so click on the ShortcutsFix button and allow the program to run.
    Remove residual damage from File Restore virus virus

STEP 5: Remove File Restore rootkit with HitmanPro

In some cases File Restore will also install a ZeroAccess rootkit on the infected machines,to remove File Restore rootkit will need to perform a scan with HitmanPro.

  1. Download the latest official version of HitmanPro from the below link.
    HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a download page in a new window from where you can download HitmanPro)
  2. Double click on the previously downloaded fileto start the HitmanPro installation.
    [Image: HitmanPro Icon]
    IF you are experiencing problems while trying to starting HitmanPro, you can use the “Force Breach” mode.To start this program in Force Breach mode, hold down the left CTRL-key when you start HitmanPro and all non-essential processes are terminated, including the malware process. (How to start HitmanPro in Force Breach mode – Video)
  3. Click on Next to install HitmanPro on your system.
    [Image: Starting HitmanPro]
  4. The setup screen is displayed, from which you can decide whether you wish to install HitmanPro on your machine or just perform a one-time scan, select a option then click on Next to start a system scan.
    [Image: HitmanPro installation screen]
  5. HitmanPro will start scanning your system for malicious files as seen in the image below.
    [Image: HitmanPron scanning for File Restore virus]
  6. Once the scan is complete,you’ll see a screen which will display all the malicious files that the program has found.Click on Next to remove this malicious files.
    [Image: HitmanPro scan results]
  7. Click Activate free license to start the free 30 days trial and remove the malicious files.
    [Image: Activate HitmanPro license]
  8. HitmanPro will now start removing the infected objects.If this program will ask you to restart your computer,please allow this request.

STEP 6: Unhide your files and folders

File Restore modifies your file system in such a way that all files and folders become hidden, to restore the default settings , you’ll need to run the below program.

  1. Download the Unhide utility, to unhide your files and folders.
    UNHIDE.EXE DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download the Unhide utility on your computer)
  2. Double-click on the Unhide.exe icon on your desktop and allow the program to run.The whole process should not take more than 10 minutes to complete,and at the end this utility will generate a report.
    Restore files after File Restore virus infection

STEP 7: Get your desktop look back!

File Restore changes your desktop background to a solid black color,to change it back to default one follow the below instruction.

    • Windows XP : Click on the Start button and then select Control Panel. When the Control Panel opens, please click on the Display icon. From this screen you can now change your Theme and desktop background.
    • Windows 7 and Vista : Click on the Start button and then select Control Panel. When the Control Panel opens, please click on the Appearance and Personalization category. Then select Change the Theme or Change Desktop Background to revert back to your original Theme and colors.

If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove File Restore from your machine, please start a new thread in our Malware Removal Assistance forum.

10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams

Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.

  1. Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.

    warning sign

    Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).

    If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.

  2. Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.

    updates guide

    Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.

    If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.

  3. Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.

    shield guide

    Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.

    If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.

  4. Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.

    install guide

    Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.

    If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.

  5. Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.

    cursor sign

    Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.

    If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.

  6. Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.

    trojan horse

    Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.

    If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.

  7. Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.

    lock sign

    Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.

    If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.

  8. Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).

    lock sign

    Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.

    If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.

  9. Back up important files and keep one backup offline.

    backup sign

    Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.

    If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.

  10. If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.

    warning sign

    Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.

    • Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
    • Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
    • Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
    • Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
    • Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
    • Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
    • Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.

These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.

81 thoughts on “Remove File Restore virus (Removal Instructions)”

  3. It took me around 3 hours to complete your step by step instructions and it worked perfect!!! thank you very much!!! you are the MAN!!!

  4. Thank you for sharing. This was very helpful to me. I got the virus off and restored my files.-Robert

  6. I followed steps ok until I do RogueKiller. First I got a notice saying that the version I download is out of date. I ignored that because I don’t want to do anything you did not mention.
    Then, after a full scan finish, I got the alert sign blinking: Root.MBR. What does that mean? How should I handle it?

    thanks,

  9. i went true everything you said but it still doesn’t work. the only thing i didn’t do was run it in safe mode with networking because if i click it, my computer crashes.

    • Hello captain_Plazma,
      Can you please run a scan with Combofix, ESET online scanner and post the logs here so that I can get an idea on what’s going on:
      STEP 1 : Run a scan with Combofix
      Download ComboFix from here: COMBOFIX DOWNLOAD LINK #1 (This link will automatically download Combofix on your computer)

      VERY IMPORTANT !!! Save as Combo-Fix.exe during the download.ComboFix must be renamed before you download to your Desktop

      • Close any open browsers.
      • Very Important! Temporarily disable your anti-virus, script blocking and any anti-malware real-time protection beforeperforming a scan. They can interfere with ComboFix or remove some of its embedded files which may cause “unpredictable results”.
      • WARNING: Combofix will disconnect your machine from the Internet as soon as it starts
      • Please do not attempt to re-connect your machine back to the Internet until Combofix has completely finished.
      • If there is no internet connection after running Combofix, then restart your computer to restore back your connection.
      1. Double click on ComboFix.exe & follow the prompts.
      2. Accept the disclaimer and allow to update if it asks
      3. When finished, it shall produce a log for you.

      Notes:

      1. Do not mouse-click Combofix’s window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.
      2. Do not “re-run” Combofix. If you have a problem, reply back for further instructions.
      3. If after the reboot you get errors about programms being marked for deletion then reboot, that will cure it.

      STEP 2: Run a scan with ESET Online Scanner:

      1. Download ESET Online Scanner utility.
        ESET Online Scanner Download Link (This link will automatically download ESET Online Scanner on your computer.)
      2. Double click on the Eset installer program (esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe).
      3. Check Yes, I accept the Terms of Use
      4. Click the Start button.
      5. Check Scan archives
      6. Push the Start button.
      7. ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
      8. When the scan completes, push Finish

      NEXT,please run a scan with HitmanPro and RogueKiller as seen on the guide.
      Waiting for your reply to tell me if your machine is ok and the logs.

  10. So I found this information after I chose to do a system restore. My computer is old so I was just trying to get to the data thinking my computer had just crashed since I am going to buy a new one anyway. After doing the system restore I get an error and now windows will not load at all. Can I still get in and get my data files?

  11. Thank you so much for this! It worked and I really appreciate the time it took to put this together! Again THANKS!

  12. thank you for this! the only issue now is the items that were on my desktop aren’t there anymore, i’ve even done each step multiple times now but nothing comes back. is there anything else i can do for this??

    • Hello David,
      Did you run unhide.exe?
      This rogue software has moved your shortcuts in a folder in the Temporary Internet files called smtmp, so now we will need to copy them back to their original locations.

      • Windows 7 and Vista users can find the smtmp folder in C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Temp
      • Windows XP users can find smtmp folder the in : C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\[Your Username]\LOCAL SETTINGS\Temp

      [Image: Show hidden files, folders, and drives.png]

      The smtmp folder will contain 4 folders and you’ll need to copy the content of this folders back to their original locations.

      • Copy the content from %Temp%\smtmp\1\ to:
        Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu
        Windows Vista and Windows 7: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu
      • Copy the content from %Temp%\smtmp\2\ to:
        Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\[your username]\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\
        Windows Vista and Windows 7: C:\Users\[your username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\
      • Copy the content from %Temp%\smtmp\3\ to:
        Windows XP: It does not exist on Windows  XP.
        Windows Vista and Windows 7 C:\Users\[your username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar
      • Copy the content from %Temp%\smtmp\4\ to:
        Windows XP : C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop
        Windows Vista and Windows 7: C:\Users\Public\Desktop

      Next,please run Unhide Non System Files

  13. dude !! awesome step by step instructions. Worked perfectly and very easy to follow, as i was extremely frusterated when this thing first took over ….. thank you !!

    Ryan

  18. thanks so much I was so scared when it happened, cuz I have a lot of important files but I google it and you help me resolve it, so thanks

  19. I believe the virus messed up my internet connection. Hitman pro seems to require a connection. Any advice? Thanks!!

    • This infection is known to disable the Ethernet Adapter in Windows ,to enable it ,please follow the below instructions:

      1. Press the “Windows” and “R” keys. Type “Ncpa.cpl” in Run and click “OK.” This runs the Network Connections component within a new window on the screen.
      2. Locate the “Local Area Connection” icon. Right-click the icon and click “Enable.” The adapter is now enabled. Continue reading if you do not see this icon.
      3. Press the “Windows” and “R” keys. Type “Devmgmt.msc” in Run and click “OK” to open the Device Manager component.
      4. Click the arrow next to “Network adapters.” This will expand all network devices installed on the computer.
      5. Right-click the adapter and click “Enable.”

      Next,can you please run a scan with Combofix and Complete Internet Repair utility, and post the logs here so that I can get an idea on what’s going on:
      STEP 1 : Run a scan with Combofix
      Download ComboFix from the below link:
      COMBOFIX DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download Combofix on your computer)
      VERY IMPORTANT !!! Save as Combo-Fix.exe during the download.ComboFix must be renamed before you download to your Desktop

      • Close any open browsers.
      • Very Important!Temporarily disable your anti-virus, script blocking and any anti-malware real-time protection beforeperforming a scan. They can interfere with ComboFix or remove some of its embedded files which may cause “unpredictable results”.
      • WARNING: Combofix will disconnect your machine from the Internet as soon as it starts
      • Please do not attempt to re-connect your machine back to the Internet until Combofix has completely finished.
      • If there is no internet connection after running Combofix, then restart your computer to restore back your connection.
      1. Double click on ComboFix.exe & follow the prompts.
      2. Accept the disclaimer and allow to update if it asks
      3. When finished, it shall produce a log for you.

      Notes:

      1. Do not mouse-click Combofix’s window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.
      2. Do not “re-run” Combofix. If you have a problem, reply back for further instructions.
      3. If after the reboot you get errors about programms being marked for deletion then reboot, that will cure it.

      STEP 2: Run a scan with Complete Internet Repair utility

      1. Download Complete Internet Repair utilityto your desktop
      2. Unzip all the files to their own folder on the desktop
      3. Within the folder double click CIntRep
      4. Select the following items,then press the GO button.
        • Reset Interent Protocol (TCP/IP)
        • Repair Winsock (Reset Catalog)
        • Renew Internet Connection
        • Flush DNS Resolver Cache
        • Reset Windows Firewall Configuration
        • Reset the default hosts fie

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