{"id":403940,"date":"2026-08-20T13:17:12","date_gmt":"2026-08-20T13:17:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/?p=403940"},"modified":"2026-08-20T13:17:12","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T13:17:12","slug":"pclocked-ransomware","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/pclocked-ransomware\/","title":{"rendered":"PCLocked EXPOSED: .pclocked Files, RECOVERY_ID.txt, and a Free-Key Experiment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You open Documents the way you did yesterday. The invoice should still be <strong>invoice.pdf<\/strong>. The first photo should still be <strong>1.jpg<\/strong>. The snapshot should still be <strong>2.png<\/strong>. The tax sheet should still be <strong>taxes.xlsx<\/strong>. Instead every familiar name has a second ending tacked on. <strong>invoice.pdf<\/strong> is now <strong>invoice.pdf.pclocked<\/strong>. <strong>1.jpg<\/strong> is now <strong>1.jpg.pclocked<\/strong>. <strong>2.png<\/strong> is now <strong>2.png.pclocked<\/strong>. A small text file named <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong> is sitting in the same folder, as if it has always belonged there.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad3264472161\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309684--placement_400588\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3957935887\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is the trap, not a glitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad2425169378\" class=\"mwtadp1 mwtadentity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 50px;margin-bottom: 50px;\"> \r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\"\r\n     data-ad-layout=\"in-article\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"7312657698\"><\/ins>\r\n <\/div><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This page is for the hour those names appear. It is not a miracle key. It is a map of the trap, so the note does not become your incident plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"820\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pclocked-explorer.png\" alt=\"Encrypted files after PCLocked. The .pclocked names and RECOVERY_ID.txt are the tell.\" class=\"wp-image-403939\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pclocked-explorer.png 1400w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pclocked-explorer-300x176.png 300w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pclocked-explorer-1024x600.png 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Encrypted files after PCLocked. The .pclocked names and RECOVERY_ID.txt are the tell.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad448069994\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309747-ad_309691-placement_400589\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"9589536513\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PCLocked ransomware locks the files first. Then it keeps the old name and the old type, and hangs <strong>.pclocked<\/strong> on the end. Then it drops <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong> and talks like a recovery desk that also wants to look like a lab. The note is a storefront. It says all your files are encrypted. It tells you to place a file named <strong>DECRYPT_ME.txt<\/strong> with the key on your desktop. It tells you to obtain that key by writing <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong> with your Decryption Code. On the sample used for this page, the Decryption Code line is blank. It is printed as a dash. Then the flyer warns that if you lose this Code, the files cannot be decrypted. Then it adds the costume that makes this family feel different from a loud Bitcoin shop: Note: This is a Experiment. If you get compromised by this, please contact <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong> to obtain your decryption code for free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are staring at a pile of <strong>.pclocked<\/strong> files and that text note, you are in a ransom incident, not a broken disk and not a Windows lock screen. The folder is the evidence. The note is a checkout, even when the checkout pretends the key is free. Stay with the folder, not with the script.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad1405546226\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309686-ad_309691-placement_400597\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6935453015\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first tell is the rename. In the sample used for this page, <strong>1.jpg<\/strong> becomes <strong>1.jpg.pclocked<\/strong>. <strong>2.png<\/strong> becomes <strong>2.png.pclocked<\/strong>. <strong>invoice.pdf<\/strong> becomes <strong>invoice.pdf.pclocked<\/strong>. <strong>taxes.xlsx<\/strong> becomes <strong>taxes.xlsx.pclocked<\/strong>. <strong>vacation.jpg<\/strong> becomes <strong>vacation.jpg.pclocked<\/strong>. You can still read what the file used to be. You cannot open it. Windows may call the type a PCLOCKED File and offer a useless &#8220;choose an app&#8221; box. An app cannot talk locked bytes back into a JPEG or a PDF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The second tell is the note. After the files are locked, the malware drops <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong> into the same folders. RECOVERY sounds like a case number. ID sounds like a ticket. A .txt ending is something Windows already trusts. Put them together and the first English you can still read after the photos break is a sales flyer. The flyer is meant to be opened. It is not meant to be trusted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad2872895551\" class=\"mwtadp3 mwtadentity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\"\r\n     data-ad-layout=\"in-article\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"5910219726\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The body of that sample is short on purpose. All your files are encrypted. To recover them, place &#8216;DECRYPT_ME.txt&#8217; with the key on your desktop. To obtain a key, please write an E-Mail to <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong> with your Decryption Code. Decryption Code: then a dash. If you lose this Code, your files CANNOT be decrypted anymore. Note: This is a Experiment. If you get compromised by this, please contact <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong> to obtain your decryption code for free. That is the whole costume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no $ amount. There is no Bitcoin wallet. There is no onion site. There is no Session ID. This page will not invent them. A missing price is not a puzzle you solve by mailing the inbox. A blank Decryption Code is not a field you are supposed to guess. The note already named the only steps it wants: write <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong>, send a code it did not print, then create <strong>DECRYPT_ME.txt<\/strong> on the desktop with a key it also did not print. Following those steps is the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is the whole pitch. A locked folder of <strong>.pclocked<\/strong> names. A <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong> file that talks like a case file. A desktop ritual named <strong>DECRYPT_ME.txt<\/strong>. One Proton address. A Decryption Code line left blank on the sample. A warning that losing a code you were never given ruins the files. A line that calls the lock an experiment and offers the code for free. There is no public free decryptor known for this strain. There is no reason to mail that inbox today because a text file called itself a lab. This is not a full-screen &#8220;your PC is locked&#8221; scare, and it is not a smear of a real company that happens to share similar words. It is file-encrypting ransomware with <strong>.pclocked<\/strong>, <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong>, and <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The .pclocked name is the first warning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most lockers pick an extension so you notice the change in seconds. This family uses <strong>.pclocked<\/strong>. The extra cruelty is how readable the listing stays. You do not have to decode anything. You can still see <strong>invoice.pdf<\/strong> inside <strong>invoice.pdf.pclocked<\/strong>. You can still see <strong>1.jpg<\/strong> inside <strong>1.jpg.pclocked<\/strong>. You can still see <strong>2.png<\/strong> inside <strong>2.png.pclocked<\/strong>. The familiar words are still in the folder. The files are not familiar anymore.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad322320788\" class=\"mwtadp4 mwtadentity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\"\r\n     data-ad-layout=\"in-article\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"5910219726\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not treat that readable name as a fix. Do not strip <strong>.pclocked<\/strong> off the end and expect Photos or a PDF reader to open the file. Do not run a bulk &#8220;extension fixer&#8221; you found in an ad. The name is a label. The lock is in the content. Editing the label can make a later trusted tool have a harder time matching the file to what it was. Leave the locked copies as they are until you have a clean machine and a plan that does not start in a criminal inbox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The extra ending also does advertising. Anyone who sees <strong>invoice.pdf.pclocked<\/strong> next to <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong> can pretend they already have your case. A later fake helper will quote the extension back to you as if that were expertise. The extension is public. It is sitting in the folder. Quoting it proves nothing except that they can read a listing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">RECOVERY_ID.txt is a sales floor, not a help file<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ransom note is a plain text file with a name that sounds like a ticket. <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong> wants the first click after the panic. Plenty of real software drops an ID file. This one uses that habit against you. It is meant to be the first English you can still read when the photos will not open and the invoice will not print.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad1352770490\" class=\"mwtadp5 mwtadentity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\"\r\n     data-ad-layout=\"in-article\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"8560433799\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Double-clicking it opens Notepad. That is why a panicked first click feels like opening the case file. It is not a case file. It is the demand, written so it looks official enough to follow. The filename is built to look like paperwork. RECOVERY. ID. A .txt ending Windows already trusts. Paperwork is easier to obey than a threat. A line that says This is a Experiment makes the rest of the flyer feel like a lab note instead of a shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep the file on disk. Then close it. Do not treat it as a set of steps you should follow. Do not tidy the filename. Do not shorten it to &#8220;the recovery note&#8221; when you write the incident down. Copy <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong> the way you would copy a serial off a stolen laptop. That string is how a responder matches this locker. It is not a coupon you redeem by mailing <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">DECRYPT_ME.txt on the desktop is a ritual, not a repair<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The note tells you to recover the files by placing <strong>DECRYPT_ME.txt<\/strong> with the key on your desktop. That sentence is a ritual. It gives you a job that feels technical. Create a file. Put a key in it. Drop it on the desktop. Wait. It is the kind of step a panicked person will do because it looks like following instructions. The sample does not print a key. This page will not invent one. Do not create <strong>DECRYPT_ME.txt<\/strong> with a pasted &#8220;key&#8221; from mail, from a comment, or from a stranger who says they already have the experiment code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A file you are told to create is not evidence that was already on the disk. <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong> is evidence. The <strong>.pclocked<\/strong> names are evidence. <strong>DECRYPT_ME.txt<\/strong> is a prop they want you to build. Building it does not unlock <strong>invoice.pdf.pclocked<\/strong>. It only proves you are still following the flyer. If a later message sends a long string and says &#8220;put this in DECRYPT_ME.txt,&#8221; that is still the same shop, or a copycat standing in the same doorway. Do not paste it. Do not run a helper that watches the desktop for that filename.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad842003936\" class=\"mwtadp6 mwtadentity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\"\r\n     data-ad-layout=\"in-article\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"4034304343\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you already created an empty <strong>DECRYPT_ME.txt<\/strong> before you found this page, leave it alone until a trusted responder says otherwise. Do not fill it. Do not delete every copy of <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong> because you think the desktop file replaced it. The note that asked for the ritual is the artifact. The ritual file is not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">up-coding@proton.me is checkout, not a research desk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The printed contact is <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong>. That is the aisle. Proton in the address does not mean a privacy company is on the other end. It does not mean a research group. It does not mean a coding class. It is a mailbox the people who locked the files can delete whenever they like. A private inbox puts you in a room they own, with a thread they can screenshot and reuse. &#8220;Write an E-Mail&#8221; is how they make that first message feel like the only polite move left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not open a fresh mail account because the note said to. Do not send a test file to prove you are a real victim. Do not paste a folder listing into a new message. Do not attach <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong> &#8220;so they can match your ID.&#8221; They already chose the extension. They already chose the note name. A photo of <strong>invoice.pdf.pclocked<\/strong> sitting next to that text file does not make you a verified customer. It makes you a person still following the flyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The handle is branding, the same way <strong>.pclocked<\/strong> is branding. up-coding sounds like a student project. proton.me sounds like a careful adult. Together they sell the experiment line. Anyone can stand up a lookalike inbox after a wave of locked folders. Writing the first message does not start a warranty. It starts a conversation you cannot enforce. Free is how they get people who think of themselves as too careful to pay a loud Bitcoin shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Decryption Code: &#8211; is blank on the sample<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The note says to write <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong> with your Decryption Code. Then it prints Decryption Code: and a dash. On the sample used for this page, that line is blank. This page will not invent a code to finish it. A missing code is not a puzzle. It is how the flyer is printed. If your own copy on disk still shows only a dash, treat the dash as evidence. Do not type a string from a forum into that line &#8220;just to complete the form.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The blank is useful to the shop. It makes you feel unfinished. It makes you feel that the next mail will finally hand you the missing ID. It also gives later helpers a hole to fill. Someone will publish a long code and call it the PCLocked Decryption Code. Someone will ask you to send the dash, a screenshot, and a sample file so they can &#8220;look up your ID.&#8221; None of that is a reason to finish their sentence. The sample used for this page does not print a code. Do not invent one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A code string, if a later copy on disk actually shows one, is an identifier for a responder. It is not a password you redeem by mailing <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong>. Copy it into the incident record. Then leave it alone. Do not send it. Do not paste it into <strong>DECRYPT_ME.txt<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you lose this Code is a threat printed without a code<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The note warns that if you lose this Code, your files cannot be decrypted anymore. That line is meant to make you clutch a thing you were never given. On the sample, the Code field is a dash. The warning still shouts CANNOT in capital letters. You are supposed to feel that waiting overnight is how the key dies. It is a fuse made of missing paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not start a personal countdown because a comment said the code expires. Do not print the note ten times because you are afraid of losing a dash. Keep one clean copy of <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong> as evidence. Losing a photocopy of a blank line does not change the bytes in <strong>vacation.jpg.pclocked<\/strong>. Mailing <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong> &#8220;before the code is lost&#8221; is still mailing the people who locked the files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">This is a Experiment is still a locker inbox<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The last beat is the one that makes people hesitate to call this ransomware. Note: This is a Experiment. If you get compromised by this, please contact <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong> to obtain your decryption code for free. That sentence is on the note. Name the mechanism. Do not treat it as a real research project. Do not treat it as a student lab that accidentally locked a stranger. A locker that encrypts <strong>invoice.pdf<\/strong> into <strong>invoice.pdf.pclocked<\/strong> and then offers a free key by mail is still a locker. Free is the price that gets the thread started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A real lab does not drop <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong> into every folder and ask you to build <strong>DECRYPT_ME.txt<\/strong> on the desktop. A real disclosure desk does not need you to send a Decryption Code that the flyer left blank. &#8220;Please contact&#8221; is still a hook. &#8220;For free&#8221; is still a checkout with $0 printed on the tag. $0 does not make <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong> safe. It makes the first mail easier to justify at 1 a.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not write them to &#8220;get the free code and be done.&#8221; Do not write them to scold a supposed experiment. Do not write them to ask whether your machine was a test. The people who locked the files do not get a customer-service rating. They get silence, a clean copy of the note, and a report through a desk you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">This is not a Windows lock-screen scare<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Older scares used a full-screen notice that said your PC was locked. Tech-support pop-ups did the same trick with a fake FBI page and a phone number. This family is not that costume. Windows still boots. Explorer still opens. The wallpaper can still be yours. The damage is in the files. <strong>1.jpg.pclocked<\/strong> next to <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong> is the tell. If you are looking for a lock screen and you do not see one, that absence is not a clean bill of health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not mix this incident with a brand that happens to sound like &#8220;PC locked&#8221; in ordinary English. This page is about the file locker that appends <strong>.pclocked<\/strong>, drops <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong>, and points at <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong>. It is not a review of a real company, a real product, or a lock-screen scare from another decade. If a later helper shows you a red full-screen image and calls it PCLocked, they are selling the wrong story. Stay with the folder in front of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">No $ amount and no wallet is still a checkout<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plenty of lockers print a number so you can panic-convert it at the kitchen table. This one does not. There is no $ figure. There is no Bitcoin line. There is no wallet string. There is no onion chat. There is no Session ID to copy into a portal. The missing numbers are not mercy. They are a shorter path to the inbox. Other families use a price so you feel the purchase is already quoted. This family skips the quote, calls itself an experiment, and sells the conversation. You are supposed to feel that the only remaining step is to write and wait for a free code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not invent a $ amount because a forum post guessed one. Do not invent a Bitcoin address to finish <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong>. Do not invent a Session ID because other ransomware families print one. Do not invent an onion link because you expected a dark-web shop. The published flyer has none of those. A stranger who adds a price, a wallet, a timer, or a &#8220;pay if the free key fails&#8221; discount is rewriting the flyer so they can stand in the aisle. The original shop already named the mail. It did not need a fuse, and it did not need a printed $ tag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Silence is not rude here. Silence is how you stay out of their queue. A relative, an insurer, or an incident lead can still talk on a phone. The people who locked the files do not get a seat in that call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad2792013258\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309748-ad_309691-placement_400590\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3906789406\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How The Attack Works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The shop is simple once you stop reading it as a lab. Lock the files. Brand the names with <strong>.pclocked<\/strong>. Drop a recovery-ID note that claims encryption, a desktop ritual, and a blank code. Point the scared person at <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong>. Warn that losing a code you were never given ruins the files. Call the whole thing an experiment and offer the code for free. Then wait for someone else to sell a pasted key for <strong>DECRYPT_ME.txt<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. The lock keeps the old name so you recognize the loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PCLocked encrypts the files it wants as leverage, then appends <strong>.pclocked<\/strong>. That is why <strong>1.jpg<\/strong> is still readable as <strong>1.jpg.pclocked<\/strong>, and why <strong>invoice.pdf<\/strong> is still readable as <strong>invoice.pdf.pclocked<\/strong>. The operators want you to inventory the damage in seconds. They want you to see the invoice, the photos, and the tax sheet in one glance. A coded filename can confuse you. A readable filename makes you feel the theft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If only one folder looks wrong, do not assume the rest of the disk is safe. Ransomware walks trees. It hits Documents, Desktop, Pictures, Downloads, and any drive letter it can reach, including a USB stick you forgot was plugged in. Unplug extra disks. Do not plug in a copy &#8220;just to check.&#8221; Checking is how the extra copy gets the same <strong>.pclocked<\/strong> ending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Double-clicking a renamed file does not bring the photo back. The thumbnail may already look broken. A PDF reader may ask for a document that is still sitting in the same folder, only the bytes inside are no longer a document. That broken open is the first proof. The second proof is the extra ending. Together they are enough. You do not need to mail <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong> to confirm what you are looking at.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. RECOVERY_ID.txt turns a break-in into a ticket<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the names are branded, the malware needs a voice. <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong> is that voice. It sits in the same folders as the locked files so the first sort puts help next to harm. On many machines a text file sorts near the top, especially with a name in capitals. You open it because it looks like the only thing that still speaks English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The body is short enough to finish before a relative walks into the room. All files encrypted. Place <strong>DECRYPT_ME.txt<\/strong> on the desktop. Write an E-Mail with your Decryption Code. A dash where the code should be. CANNOT if you lose it. This is a Experiment. Free code if you get compromised. Each beat closes a door. The first line closes &#8220;maybe this is a glitch.&#8221; The desktop ritual closes &#8220;maybe I should wait for IT.&#8221; The blank code closes &#8220;maybe I already have the ID somewhere.&#8221; The experiment line closes &#8220;maybe this is not really ransomware&#8221; by handing you a finished excuse to write.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Notice what the note does not give you. It does not give you a company, a refund policy, or a way to prove the other side will ever send a key. It does not give you a $ amount. It does not give you a wallet. It does not give you a test decrypt. It does not give you a Session ID. It does not even give you the Decryption Code it told you to send. It gives you a tone that says this is already decided, and that the decision is a favor. That tone is the product. Read the file as a sales flyer. Then close it. Keep it on disk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Place DECRYPT_ME.txt on the desktop is unpaid labor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To recover them, place &#8216;DECRYPT_ME.txt&#8217; with the key on your desktop, is not a repair procedure. It is a way to keep you busy in their story. You are supposed to feel one step away from a fix. You are supposed to hunt for a key that the same flyer never printed. You are supposed to put a file where they told you to put it, as if the locker were watching the desktop like a real product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not create that file with a pasted key. Do not download a &#8220;PCLocked decryptor&#8221; that claims it will write the file for you. Do not move <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong> to the desktop and rename it. The note asked for a new file with a key. The sample has no key. Leave the ritual unbuilt. If a later mail says &#8220;here is the free experiment key, drop it on the desktop,&#8221; that is still the checkout. A string in a text file is not <strong>invoice.pdf<\/strong> opening again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Write up-coding@proton.me with your Decryption Code is the door<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The recovery step in the sample is mail. Write an E-Mail to <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong> with your Decryption Code. That is the whole door. It looks like support because support uses email, and because the domain says proton.me. Criminal shops use free webmail too, because a thread is where a blank code becomes a negotiation and a locked photo becomes a sample they asked you to attach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not write that inbox. Do not create a throwaway account &#8220;just to see.&#8221; Do not send a screenshot of Explorer to prove the lock. They already chose the extension. They already chose the note name. A photo of <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong> sitting next to <strong>invoice.pdf.pclocked<\/strong> does not make you a verified customer. It makes you a person still following the flyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If someone later says they will &#8220;talk to the experiment for you&#8221; through that same address, that is a broker pitch. Brokers need you in the same funnel. You do not owe them a seat. Report the incident through official desks. Let counsel decide if contact is ever required for a specific legal reason. That decision is not yours to make from the Documents folder at midnight. And it is not Proton support. A privacy company did not lock <strong>1.jpg.pclocked<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. The blank Decryption Code is meant to make you write anyway<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The note tells you to include your Decryption Code, then prints a dash. That pair is not a printer error you should fix. It is how the flyer keeps you incomplete. You are supposed to feel that the ID exists somewhere: in another folder, in a pop-up you closed, in a mail you have not sent yet. Hunting a missing ID is how a person stays in the incident instead of leaving the room and calling someone they trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not invent a code. Do not send the dash. Do not send &#8220;Decryption Code: -&#8221; as if a blank form were a ticket. Do not ask a relative to guess what belongs on that line. If a later copy of the note on another machine shows a filled string, keep that file as evidence. Do not copy the string into a public screenshot. Do not mail it to <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. If you lose this Code is a timer they did not print<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other families print a 48-hour clock or a 7-day key threat. This sample prints a loss warning instead. If you lose this Code, your files CANNOT be decrypted anymore. That is a timer made of fear. You are supposed to feel that stalling is how the key dies. The key was not printed. The warning is still there. It is not a reason to mail <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong> &#8220;so the code is not lost.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not add a countdown yourself. Do not start a personal fuse because a comment said they only wait two days. The published flyer did not print a fuse. It printed pressure. Leave the fuse uninvented. If you need to report this, report it to a real desk you choose. Do not let the operators volunteer as your messenger to anyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Free experiment is bait for the first mail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a Experiment is not a disclosure. It is a costume. Obtain your decryption code for free is not generosity. It is how they remove the last excuse for delay. You do not have to &#8220;ask what it costs.&#8221; The tag already says free. The remaining step is the mail. The note has already done the quoting, with $0 where other families print 0.5 BTC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Low ransoms travel well. A free ask travels even better. It is easy to repeat in a family group. It is easy to treat like a support ticket. It is easy to round into &#8220;maybe we can just get this over with, they said it is an experiment.&#8221; It is still a message to the people who locked <strong>family photos<\/strong> into <strong>.pclocked<\/strong> names. It still funds the next copy of the same locker if a later mail invents a price. It still does not produce a warranty. Free is how they get people who think of themselves as too careful to pay a big crew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not treat the experiment line as a real research project. Do not search for a company named PC Locked and leave a review. Do not smear a real business that happens to share ordinary English words. The identifiers for this locker are the extension, the note filename, and the Proton address. Stay with those. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cisa.gov\/stopransomware\/ransomware-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CISA StopRansomware Guide<\/a> is blunt about this kind of squeeze. Paying does not ensure the files come back, does not ensure the systems are clean, and does not ensure anyone on the other side keeps a promise. A free-code offer does not change that math. Mailing is still contact. Sending the code is still cooperating with the shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. This is file encryption, not a lock-screen pop-up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you came here because an old scare said &#8220;PC locked&#8221; in a full-screen banner, look again. This family does not need to freeze the desktop to hurt you. It needs <strong>invoice.pdf.pclocked<\/strong> and a note you can still double-click. You can still open Explorer. You can still see the names. That is the point. A lock screen is a fight with the display. This is a fight with the files. Closing a window will not restore <strong>2.png<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not run a &#8220;PC unlock&#8221; tool from an ad because the family name sounds like a freeze. Do not call a number from a pop-up and read <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong> to the person who answers. A remote helper who asks you to create <strong>DECRYPT_ME.txt<\/strong> while they watch is still in the same market. Stay with the folder. Stay off the phone with strangers who found you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Third parties will sell a PCLocked conversation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After a ransomware incident, search results fill up with companies that say they can decrypt PCLocked or &#8220;all .pclocked files.&#8221; Some of those shops are ordinary overpriced consultants. Plenty are a second scam. They will quote <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong> so they sound close to the case. They will mention the experiment line. They will mention <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong> as if they already called the original crew. They will ask for a sample file, a remote-access session, or a deposit. They will offer to write <strong>DECRYPT_ME.txt<\/strong> for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A demo that &#8220;unlocks one file&#8221; is not proof they can unlock the invoice. Anyone can open one junk file they control. Anyone can send you a string and tell you to drop it on the desktop. A new text file on the desktop is not Photos opening <strong>vacation.jpg<\/strong> again. If a later message skips the original inbox and asks for coin over ordinary mail, that is still the same market, or a copycat standing in the same doorway. Do not answer. Do not help them invent a $ amount the original note left out on purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A real public decryptor, when one exists, shows up on an official project page that already existed before your incident. It does not need a mail to <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong>. It does not need you to build <strong>DECRYPT_ME.txt<\/strong>. If the pitch is &#8220;we can decrypt, pay us first,&#8221; you are still in the market the ransomware created. There is no public free decryptor known for this strain. Until a trusted project publishes one, treat any site that says &#8220;we already have the PCLocked key&#8221; as a second sales pitch. The experiment line on the note is not that project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Payment and mailing that inbox close nothing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Paying a stranger for a private key is not a guarantee. The people who send the note can take the money and disappear. They can send a string that only makes a decryptor show an error. They can come back later and lock the same machine again. A mail thread makes that outcome easier, not harder. You cannot leave a review on a criminal inbox. A free-code promise does not add a warranty. It only removes the $ figure from the first sentence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mailing <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong> is the free version of the same dead end. There is no public free decryptor known for this strain. Starting a thread does not rebuild a JPEG. It only keeps you in their story while the rest of the disk still needs a real plan. &#8220;Obtain your decryption code for free&#8221; is not a service-level agreement. It is a hook. Do not send the code. Do not send a dash. Do not send a sample.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If this is a company machine, tell counsel and your incident lead. If this is a home PC, tell the people whose files lived on it. Change passwords from a clean device. Watch bank and email alerts. Opening that Proton address again is not useful work. It is the checkout, even when the flyer printed no $ amount, no wallet, no onion, and a blank Decryption Code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad114927291\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309749-ad_309691-placement_400591\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"5354318971\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What To Do If Your Files End in .pclocked<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not pay. Do not mail <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong>. That address is not a research desk and it is not Proton support. Do not create <strong>DECRYPT_ME.txt<\/strong> with a pasted &#8220;key.&#8221; Do not send the Decryption Code. On the sample the Code line is blank. Do not invent a $ amount, a Bitcoin wallet, an onion link, or a Session ID to finish <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong>. Do not treat &#8220;This is a Experiment&#8221; as a real lab. If you already sent a message before you found this page, stop there. Do not pay a deposit to &#8220;hold the free key&#8221; for anyone who quotes the note.<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"stepsbox\">\n<li><a href=\"#rkill\"><strong>STEP 1<\/strong>: Use Rkill to terminate suspicious programs.<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#malwarebytes\"><strong>STEP 2<\/strong>: Use Malwarebytes to remove for Ransomware and Unwanted Programs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#hitmanpro\"><strong>STEP 3<\/strong>: Use HitmanPro to remove Trojans and other Malware<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#adwcleaner\"><strong>STEP 4<\/strong>: Use AdwCleaner to remove Malicious Browser Extensions and Adware<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#eset\"><strong>STEP 5<\/strong>: Perform a final check with ESET Online Scanner<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#restore\"><strong>STEP 6<\/strong>: Restore the files encrypted by ransomware<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 id=\"rkill\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 1: Use Rkill to terminate suspicious programs.<\/h4>\n<p>In this first step, we will download and run Rkill to terminate suspicious programs that may be running on your computer.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">RKill is a program that was developed at BleepingComputer.com that attempts to terminate known malware processes so that your normal security software can then run and clean your computer of infections. When RKill runs it will kill malware processes and then removes incorrect executable associations and fixes policies that stop us from using certain tools.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download Rkill.<\/p>\n<p>You can download RKill to your computer from the below link. When at the download page, click on the <em>Download Now<\/em> button labeled <strong>iExplore.exe<\/strong>. We are downloading a renamed version of Rkill (iExplore.exe) because some malware will not allow processes to run unless they have a certain filename. <\/p>\n  \n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bleepingcomputer.com\/download\/rkill\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-160643 mwt_product_icon_logo\" title=\"Malwarebytes Icon\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/RKill-Icon.png\" alt=\"RKILL Logo\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\"\/><\/figure>\n<strong>RKILL DOWNLOAD LINK<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em>(The above link will open a new page from where you can download Rkill)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Run RKill.<\/p>\n<p>After downloading, double-click the <strong>iExplore.exe<\/strong> icon to kill malicious processes. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the&nbsp;<em>Downloads<\/em> folder.<br \/>The program may take some time to search for and end various malware programs.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-160644 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/RKILL-2.jpg\" alt=\"RKILL Window\" width=\"800\" height=\"438\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/RKILL-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/RKILL-2-300x164.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>When it is finished, the black window will close automatically and a log file will open. Do not restart your computer. Proceed to the next step in this guide.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"malwarebytes\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 2: Use Malwarebytes to remove Ransomware and Unwanted Programs<\/h4>\n<p>In this second step, we will install Malwarebytes to scan and remove any infections, adware, or potentially unwanted programs that may be present on your computer.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Malwarebytes<\/strong> is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows \u2014 and it&#8217;s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your PC in just a few minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download Malwarebytes<\/p> <p>Click the button below to download the latest version of <strong>Malwarebytes for Windows<\/strong> from the official source. The free version is all you need \u2014 it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.<\/p> <div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Malwarebytes Icon\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-81150 mwt_product_icon_logo\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Malwarebytes-LOGO.png\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Logo\"\/><\/figure> <strong><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/downloads\/MBSetup-076886.076886-consumer.exe\" onclick=\"window.open(&#039;https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/malwarebytes-free&#039;);\">DOWNLOAD MALWAREBYTES FOR WINDOWS (FREE)<br \/>\n<\/a><\/strong><br \/><em class=\"small-text-disclaimer\">(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install Malwarebytes<\/p>\n\n<p>When the download finishes, open your <strong>Downloads<\/strong> folder and <strong>double-click the MBSetup file<\/strong>. If Windows shows a <strong>User Account Control<\/strong> pop-up, click &#8220;<em>Yes<\/em>&#8221; to allow the installation.<\/p>\n\n \n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"975\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285934\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1.jpg 975w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1-300x154.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 975px) 100vw, 975px\" \/><\/figure>\n \n\n \n  \n\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes<\/p> \n\n<p>The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n \n  <li>\n    <p>Choose where you&#8217;re installing the program \u2014 &#8220;<strong>Personal Computer<\/strong>&#8221; or &#8220;<strong>Work Computer<\/strong>&#8221; \u2014 then click <strong>Next<\/strong>.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"737\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285953\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1.jpg 737w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1-300x204.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 737px) 100vw, 737px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n  <li>\n    <p>Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"759\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285937\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4.jpg 759w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4-300x198.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 759px) 100vw, 759px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n  <li>\n    <p>When installation is complete, the &#8220;<strong>Welcome to Malwarebytes<\/strong>&#8221; screen will open automatically.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"705\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285951\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1.jpg 705w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n  <li>\n    <p>On the final screen, click <strong>Open Malwarebytes<\/strong> to launch the program.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"749\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285952\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1.jpg 749w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 749px) 100vw, 749px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Enable &#8220;Scan for Rootkits&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the <strong>Settings<\/strong> gear icon on the left side of the screen.\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"842\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285942\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8.jpg 842w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the settings menu, find &#8220;<strong>Scan for rootkits<\/strong>&#8221; and click the toggle so it turns blue.\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"841\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285943\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9.jpg 841w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 841px) 100vw, 841px\" \/><\/figure>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Done? Click &#8220;<strong>Dashboard<\/strong>&#8221; in the left pane to return to the main screen.\n\n <\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Start the Scan<\/p> <p>Click the blue <strong>Scan<\/strong> button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"849\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285941\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10.jpg 849w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10-300x212.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 849px) 100vw, 849px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take several minutes. Feel free to do something else \u2014 just check back occasionally to see the progress.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"842\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285944\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11.jpg 842w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Quarantine the Detected Threats<\/p>\n<p>When the scan is done, you&#8217;ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found \u2014 malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the &#8220;<strong>Quarantine<\/strong>&#8221; button to remove all of them at once.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"844\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285945\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12.jpg 844w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 844px) 100vw, 844px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"842\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285946\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13.jpg 842w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><\/figure>\n <\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n  <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Restart Your Computer<\/p>\n  <p>Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click <strong>Yes<\/strong>. Once you&#8217;re logged back in, your PC is clean and you can continue with the next steps in this guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"844\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285947\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14.jpg 844w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 844px) 100vw, 844px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"hitmanpro\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 3: Use HitmanPro to remove Rootkits and other Malware<\/h4>\n<p>In this third step, while the computer is in normal back, we will download and run a scan with HitmanPro to remove Trojans, rootkits, and other malicious programs.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>HitmanPro<\/strong> is a second-opinion scanner \u2014 it&#8217;s designed to catch what your main antivirus might have missed. Instead of relying on a single detection engine, it checks the behavior of files in the locations where malware usually hides. Anything suspicious gets sent to the cloud, where it&#8217;s analyzed by two of the best antivirus engines available: <strong>Bitdefender<\/strong> and <strong>Kaspersky<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good news: <strong>scanning is completely free, with no limits<\/strong>. You only need a license when it&#8217;s time to remove what was found \u2014 and even then, you can activate a <strong>free one-time 30-day trial<\/strong> to clean your PC at no cost. (A full license is $24.95 per year for 1 PC.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download HitmanPro<\/p>\n<p>Click the button below to download <strong>HitmanPro<\/strong>. Remember \u2014 the scan is free, so you have nothing to lose by checking your PC.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-81147 alignleft mwt_product_icon_logo\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/icon-hitmanpro.png\" alt=\"HitmanPro Logo\" width=\"38\" height=\"38\" title=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/hitmanpro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><strong>DOWNLOAD HITMANPRO (FREE SCAN)<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em class=\"small-text-disclaimer\">(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install HitmanPro<\/p>\n<p>When the download finishes, open your <em>Downloads<\/em> folder and double-click the file: <strong>&#8220;hitmanpro.exe&#8221;<\/strong> on 32-bit Windows, or <strong>&#8220;hitmanpro_x64.exe&#8221;<\/strong> on 64-bit Windows.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136909 alignnone\" title=\"Double-click on the HitmanPro setup file\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-HitmanPro.jpg\" alt=\"Double-click on the HitmanPro file\" width=\"800\" height=\"422\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-HitmanPro.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-HitmanPro-300x158.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>If a <em>User Account Control<\/em>&nbsp;pop-up asks whether HitmanPro can make changes to your device, click &#8220;<em>Yes<\/em>&#8221; to continue.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136916 alignnone\" title=\"Windows asking for permissions to run the HitmanPro setup file\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-UAC.jpg\" alt=\"Windows asking for permissions to run the HitmanPro setup \" width=\"676\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-UAC.jpg 676w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-UAC-300x222.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Follow the On-Screen Prompts<\/p>\n<p>On the HitmanPro start screen, click &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; to begin the system scan. No lengthy setup required \u2014 it goes straight to work.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136913 alignnone\" title=\"Click Next to install HitmanPro on your computer\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install.jpg\" alt=\"Click Next to install HitmanPro on your PC\" width=\"800\" height=\"639\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136912 alignnone\" title=\"Click Next to finish the HitmanPro install\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-2.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro final installer screen\" width=\"800\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-2-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>HitmanPro will now check your computer for malicious programs. This usually takes just a few minutes thanks to its cloud-based scanning.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136915 alignnone\" title=\"HitmanPro while scanning for malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Scanning.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro scans your computer for any infections, adware, or potentially unwanted programs that may be present\" width=\"800\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Scanning.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Scanning-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Review the Results and Click &#8220;Next&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>When the scan is done, HitmanPro will show you everything it found. Click &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; to remove the detected threats.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136914 alignnone\" title=\"Click Next to remove the malware that HitmanPro has detected\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro scan summary. Click Next to remove malware\" width=\"800\" height=\"643\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Quarantine-Malicious-Files-300x241.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Activate Free License&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>To remove the malicious files, click the &#8220;<strong>Activate free license<\/strong>&#8221; button. This starts your <em>free 30-day trial<\/em> \u2014 no payment details needed \u2014 and unlocks the full cleanup.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136911 alignnone\" title=\"Click on the Activate free license button to remove malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-License.jpg\" alt=\"Click on the Activate free license button\" width=\"800\" height=\"635\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-License.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-License-300x238.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>When the removal is complete, HitmanPro will show a summary of everything it cleaned. Click <strong>Next<\/strong>, then click <strong>Reboot<\/strong> if prompted. If there&#8217;s no reboot prompt, just click <strong>Close<\/strong> \u2014 your PC is clean.<\/p>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"adwcleaner\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 4: Use AdwCleaner to remove Malicious Browser Extensions and Adware<\/h4>\n<p>In this next step, we will use AdwCleaner to remove malicious browser policies and unwanted browser extensions from your computer.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>AdwCleaner<\/strong> is a free on-demand scanner that specializes in adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted toolbars \u2014 the exact threats that mainstream antivirus programs often miss. It also includes tools that repair the damage malware leaves behind, like hijacked browser settings and malicious policies. It&#8217;s a quick scan that&#8217;s well worth running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download AdwCleaner<\/p>\n<p>Click the button below to download <strong>AdwCleaner<\/strong> \u2014 it&#8217;s free, portable, and requires no installation.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><figure><\/figure> <a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/adwcleaner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-84923 alignleft mwt_product_icon_logo\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/AdwCleaner-Icon.png\" alt=\"AdwCleaner Icon\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" title=\"\"><\/figure> <strong>DOWNLOAD ADWCLEANER (FREE)<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em class=\"small-text-disclaimer\">(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Run AdwCleaner<\/p>\n<p>Open your <em>Downloads<\/em> folder and double-click the file named &#8220;<strong>adwcleaner_x.x.x.exe<\/strong>&#8220;. There&#8217;s no installation \u2014 the program starts right away.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136932 alignnone\" title=\"Double-click on the AdwCleaner setup file\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-AdwCleaner.jpg\" alt=\"Download AdwCleaner on your computer\" width=\"800\" height=\"424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-AdwCleaner.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-AdwCleaner-300x159.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If Windows asks whether you want to allow AdwCleaner to run, click &#8220;<strong>Yes<\/strong>&#8220;. When the license agreement appears, click <strong>I agree<\/strong> to continue.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136935 alignnone\" title=\"Click Yes to allow AdwCleaner to run\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Windows-asks-to-run-AdwCleaner.jpg\" alt=\"Windows ask if you want to run AdwCleaner\" width=\"585\" height=\"424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Windows-asks-to-run-AdwCleaner.jpg 585w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Windows-asks-to-run-AdwCleaner-300x217.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 585px) 100vw, 585px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Enable &#8220;Reset Chrome policies&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>This setting removes malicious browser policies \u2014 a trick malware uses to lock your browser settings so you can&#8217;t change them back. Click &#8220;<strong>Settings<\/strong>&#8221; on the left side of the window, then turn on &#8220;<strong>Reset Chrome policies<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136933 alignnone\" title=\"Enable Reset Chrome policies to remove malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Reset-Chrome-Policies-AdwCleaner.jpg\" alt=\"Enable Reset Chrome policies to remove malicious browser policies\" width=\"800\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Reset-Chrome-Policies-AdwCleaner.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Reset-Chrome-Policies-AdwCleaner-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Start the Scan<\/p>\n<p>Click &#8220;<strong>Dashboard<\/strong>&#8221; on the left side of the window, then click the &#8220;<strong>Scan<\/strong>&#8221; button.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136934 alignnone\" title=\"Click on Scan to start a AdwCleaner scan\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Start-a-AdwCleaner-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"Click on Scan to start a AdwCleaner scan\" width=\"800\" height=\"479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Start-a-AdwCleaner-Scan.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Start-a-AdwCleaner-Scan-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>AdwCleaner will now check your computer for adware and other malware. This usually takes only a few minutes \u2014 it&#8217;s one of the fastest scanners around.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136931 alignnone\" title=\"AdwCleaner scanning for malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"AdwCleaner scanning for adware and other malware\" width=\"800\" height=\"479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Scan.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Scan-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Quarantine the Detected Threats<\/p>\n<p>When the scan finishes, AdwCleaner will list everything it found. Click the &#8220;<strong>Quarantine<\/strong>&#8221; button to remove all the malicious items at once.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136930 alignnone\" title=\"Click on Quarantine to remove malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg\" alt=\"Click on Quarantine to remove malware\" width=\"800\" height=\"473\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Quarantine-Malicious-Files-300x177.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Continue&#8221; to Finish the Cleanup<\/p> <p><strong>Save any open work first<\/strong> \u2014 AdwCleaner needs to close your open programs before it can clean. When you&#8217;re ready, click the &#8220;<strong>Continue<\/strong>&#8221; button.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Save your work and then click on the Continue button\" width=\"800\" height=\"477\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136929 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Confirm-Removal-Of-Malicious-Files.jpg\" alt=\"Click Continue to remove malicious files\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Confirm-Removal-Of-Malicious-Files.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Confirm-Removal-Of-Malicious-Files-300x179.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p> <p>AdwCleaner will now delete all detected malware from your computer. If it asks you to restart your PC, allow it \u2014 your computer will be clean when you log back in.<\/p> <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"eset\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 5: Perform a final check with ESET Online Scanner <\/h4>\n<p>This final step involves installing and running a scan with ESET Online Scanner to check for any additional malicious programs that may be installed on the computer..<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>ESET Online Scanner<\/strong> is a free second-opinion scanner that performs a deep, full-system check for viruses, trojans, rootkits, and other malware. We use it as the final step because it&#8217;s thorough \u2014 if anything slipped past the previous scans, ESET will find it. A clean result here means your computer is malware-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download ESET Online Scanner<\/p>\n<p>Click the button below to download <strong>ESET Online Scanner<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/esetonlinescanner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft mwt_product_icon_logo size-full wp-image-148927\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Eset-Logo.png\" alt=\"ESET logo\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" title=\"\"><\/figure><strong>DOWNLOAD ESET ONLINE SCANNER (FREE)<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em>(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Run the Installer<\/p>\n<p>When the download finishes, open your <em>Downloads<\/em> folder and double-click &#8220;<strong>esetonlinescanner.exe<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148926\" title=\"Double-click on the ESET Online Scanner setup file\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Installer.jpg\" alt=\"Image - Double-click on the ESET Online Scanner setup file\" width=\"800\" height=\"413\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Installer.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Installer-300x155.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install ESET Online Scanner<\/p>\n<p>On the start screen, select your language from the drop-down menu and click <strong>Get started<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148858\" title=\"Click Get Started to install ESET Online Scanner\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-1.jpg\" alt=\"Image - Click Get Started to install ESET Online Scanner\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>On the <em>Terms of use<\/em> screen, click <strong>Accept<\/strong>.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148863\" title=\"Accept Terms to Install ESET Online Scanner\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-2-1.jpg\" alt=\"Image - Accept Terms to Install ESET Online Scanner\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-2-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-2-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Choose your preferences for the <em>Customer Experience Improvement Program<\/em> and the <em>Detection feedback system<\/em> (either choice is fine), then click <strong>Continue<\/strong>.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148859\" title=\"Follow the on-screen prompts to install ESET Online Scanner\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-3.jpg\" alt=\"Image - Follow the on-screen prompts\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-3-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Start a Full Scan<\/p>\n<p>Click <strong>Full Scan<\/strong> \u2014 this checks your entire computer, not just the common hiding spots.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148860\" title=\"Start a Full Scan with ESET Online Scanner\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-4.jpg\" alt=\"Start a Full Scan with ESET Online Scanner\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-4-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>Select <strong>Enable<\/strong> for <em>Detection of Potentially Unwanted Applications<\/em> \u2014 this lets ESET catch adware and bundled junk programs, not just viruses. Then click <strong>Start scan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148929\" title=\"Enable PUA Detection and Start Scan\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-Step-5.jpg\" alt=\"Image - Enable PUA Detection and Start Scan\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-Step-5.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-Step-5-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>ESET will now check every file on your computer. Because it&#8217;s a full scan, this can take a while \u2014 often an hour or more, depending on how much data you have. Leave it running in the background and check on it from time to time.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148930\" title=\"Wait for the ESET Online Scanner scan to finish\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-6-1.jpg\" alt=\"Image- Wait for the ESET Online Scanner scan to finish\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-6-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-6-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Review the Results<\/p>\n<p>When the scan completes, the <em>Found and resolved detections<\/em> screen appears. Any threats found were <strong>automatically cleaned and quarantined<\/strong> \u2014 there&#8217;s nothing extra you need to do. Click <strong>View detailed results<\/strong> if you want to see exactly what was removed.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148933\" title=\"ESET Online Scanner malware removal\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Step-7.jpg\" alt=\"Image - ESET Online Scanner malware removal\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Step-7.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Step-7-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If ESET found nothing \u2014 congratulations, your computer has passed the final check and is malware-free.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"restore\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 6: Restore the files encrypted by ransomware<\/h4>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unfortunately, in most cases, it\u2019s not possible to recover the files encrypted by this ransomware virus because the private key which is needed to unlock the encrypted files is only available through the attackers. However, below we&#8217;ve listed three options you can use to try and recover your files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"mt_noter\">Make sure you remove the malware from your computer first, otherwise, it will repeatedly lock your system or encrypt files. If you suspect that your computer is still infected with malware, you can run a free scan with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/downloads-emsisoft-emergency-kit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Emsisoft Emergency Kit<\/a><\/strong>.<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Option 1: Search a decryption tool for this ransomware<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cybersecurity community is constantly working to create ransomware decryption tools, so you can try to search these sites for updates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/decrypter.emsisoft.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/decrypter.emsisoft.com\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/noransom.kaspersky.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/noransom.kaspersky.com\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.avast.com\/ransomware-decryption-tools\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.avast.com\/ransomware-decryption-tools<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Option 2: Use EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free to recover the encrypted files<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free can restore files and repair corrupted files with simple clicks. Its powerful scanning algorithms can identify and retrieve huge file type library, including all of the popular video files, audio files, photos, and document formats.<br \/>While the free version only allows you to recover 2 GB of data, this can be helpful to see if the recovery is possible and restore back the most important files from your computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free.<\/p>\n<p>You can download <strong>EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free<\/strong>&nbsp;by clicking the link below.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/get-easeus-data-recovery-wizard\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-150416 mwt_product_icon_logo\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-Logo.png\" alt=\"EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Logo\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" title=\"\"><\/figure> EASEUS DATA RECOVERY WIZARD FREE DOWNLOAD LINK<\/a><\/strong><br \/><em class=\"small-text-disclaimer\">(The above link will open a new page from where you can download EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Double-click on the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free setup file.<\/p>\n<p>When EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the <em>Downloads<\/em> folder.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150415\" title=\"EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Installer\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-0.jpg\" alt=\"Image: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Installer\" width=\"800\" height=\"413\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-0-300x155.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>You may be presented with a <em>User Account Control<\/em>&nbsp;pop-up asking if you want to allow EaseUS to make changes to your device. If this happens, you should click \u201c<em>Yes<\/em>\u201d to continue with the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free installation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Follow the on-screen prompts to install EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.<\/p>\n<p>When the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard installation begins, click on the &#8220;Install Now&#8221; as seen in the image below.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150403\" title=\"EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Install Now\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-1.jpg\" alt=\"EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Install Now\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-1-300x188.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>When your EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard installation completes, click the &#8220;<strong>Start Now<\/strong>&#8221; button to start the program.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150404\" title=\"Click Start Now\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-2.jpg\" alt=\"Image: Click Start Now\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-2-300x188.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Select a location to start recovering the encrypted files.<\/p>\n<p>Choose the drive or folder where you are the encrypted files that you want to recover and click &#8220;<strong>Scan<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150405\" title=\"Select a location to start recovering the encrypted files\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-3.jpg\" alt=\"Select a location to start recovering the encrypted files\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-3-300x203.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard scan to complete.<\/p>\n<p>EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard will now scan your computer files that can be restored. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150414\" title=\"Wait for the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard scan to complete.\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-4A.jpg\" alt=\"Image: Wait for the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard scan to complete.\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-4A.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-4A-300x203.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Find the files you want to recover.<\/p>\n<p>When the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard scan is finished scanning it will show a screen that displays the files that can be recovered. This tool can recover a lot of data, use the &#8220;<strong>Filter<\/strong>&#8221; button to quickly filter specific file types and find the files that you want to recover.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150421\" title=\"Filter the Files by Type\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-8.jpg\" alt=\"Filter the Files by Type\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-8-300x203.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Click the &#8220;<strong>Preview<\/strong>&#8221; button or double-click on a file for a full preview.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150423\" title=\"Click Preview to view the file\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-9.jpg\" alt=\"Image: Click Preview to view the file\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-9.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-9-300x203.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Select your files and click &#8220;Recover&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, select the the files you want to recover and click &#8220;<strong>Recover<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150407\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-5.jpg\" alt=\"Select your files and click Recover\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-5.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-5-300x203.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><br \/>Choose a safe location to save all the files.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150408\" title=\"Select a safe location\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-6.jpg\" alt=\"Select a safe location\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-6-300x203.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><br \/>The free version only allow you to recover 2 GB of data, however, this will allow you to recover the most important files and see if EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard can correctly recover them.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150409\" title=\"View Recovered Files\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-7.jpg\" alt=\"Image: View Recovered Files\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-7.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-7-300x203.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Option 3: Try to restore your files with ShadowExplorer<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This ransomware will attempt to delete all shadow copies when you first start any executable on your computer after becoming infected. Thankfully, the infection is not always able to remove the shadow copies, so you should continue to try restoring your files using this method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download ShadowExplorer.<\/p>\n<p>You can download <strong>ShadowExplorer<\/strong> from the below link.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shadowexplorer.com\/downloads.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> <strong>SHADOW EXPLORER DOWNLOAD LINK<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em>(This link will open a new web page from where you can download &#8220;ShadowExplorer&#8221;)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install ShadowExplorer.<\/p>\n<p>Double-click on the <strong>ShadowExplorer-x.x-setup<\/strong> file to start the installation process, then follow the on-screen promts to install this program.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-115405\" title=\"Install Shadow Defender\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Install-Shadow-Defender.jpg\" alt=\"Install Shadow Defender\" width=\"590\" height=\"466\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Install-Shadow-Defender.jpg 590w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Install-Shadow-Defender-300x237.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Select snapshot date.<\/p>\n<p>Open ShadowExplorer and then from the top bar select the drive where the files that you want to save are located, then select from the snapshot available one previous to this infection.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-115411\" title=\"Select drive and snapshot date\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Select-date.jpg\" alt=\"Select drive and date to recover the files encrypted by this ransomware \" width=\"1180\" height=\"895\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Select-date.jpg 1180w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Select-date-300x228.jpg 300w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Select-date-1024x777.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Export the files that you want to recover.<\/p>\n<p>Once you have found a copy of the original file or folder, right-click on it and the select &#8220;Export&#8221;. A window will prompt you where you want to save the file or folder.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-115403\" title=\"Find copy then click on Export\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Export-files-ransomware.jpg\" alt=\"Find copy then click on Expor to recover the files encrypted by this ransomware \" width=\"590\" height=\"448\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Export-files-ransomware.jpg 590w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Export-files-ransomware-300x228.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep every <strong>.pclocked<\/strong> name exactly as it is. Do not bulk-rename <strong>1.jpg.pclocked<\/strong> back to <strong>1.jpg<\/strong>, or <strong>2.png.pclocked<\/strong> back to <strong>2.png<\/strong>, or <strong>invoice.pdf.pclocked<\/strong> back to a normal PDF, or <strong>taxes.xlsx.pclocked<\/strong> back to a spreadsheet, or <strong>vacation.jpg.pclocked<\/strong> back to a photo. Stripping the extra ending is not a repair. It can make a later trusted tool worse, not better. The original name is already sitting in front of <strong>.pclocked<\/strong>. You do not need to edit it to know what you lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong> with the locked files. Keep at least one <strong>.pclocked<\/strong> sample next to it. Do not &#8220;clean up&#8221; every copy of the note. Do not fill in a Decryption Code so the flyer looks complete. Do not invent a key file on the desktop so the ritual looks finished. The blank Code line, the missing $ amount, the missing wallet, and the missing onion are part of how you prove this was this strain and not a different locker that only sounds similar. Keep the contact marks as identifiers: <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong>, the <strong>DECRYPT_ME.txt<\/strong> desktop ask, the blank Decryption Code dash, and the experiment \/ free-code line. Those artifacts are evidence. They are not instructions you should carry out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not pay. Do not mail that inbox. Do not ask a friend to write them &#8220;just to see.&#8221; A calm Proton address is still the people who locked the files. It is not a lab. It is not a coding class. If a later message quotes <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong> and offers &#8220;the real key for DECRYPT_ME.txt,&#8221; that is still the same shop. If a later message skips the original inbox and asks for coin over a different address, that is still the same shop, or a copycat standing in the same doorway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The experiment \/ free-code line is still a locker inbox. Do not write <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong> to collect a favor. Do not create <strong>DECRYPT_ME.txt<\/strong> with a pasted string. Do not send the code, and do not send the dash. This is not a Windows lock-screen scare. If someone claims they can already decrypt PCLocked files for a fee because they can recite the experiment sentence and that Proton address, they are selling a report, not a key. They read the same note you did. Do not answer. Do not complete their checkout. Do not help them fix the flyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If Windows still offers to pick an app for the <strong>.pclocked<\/strong> type, decline it. There is no player for that ending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad980053167\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309750-ad_309691-placement_400592\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"4041237300\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PCLocked ransomware is a locker with a readable filename, a recovery-ID note, and a checkout that pretends the key is free. It keeps the old name and appends <strong>.pclocked<\/strong>. <strong>1.jpg<\/strong> becomes <strong>1.jpg.pclocked<\/strong>. <strong>2.png<\/strong> becomes <strong>2.png.pclocked<\/strong>. <strong>invoice.pdf<\/strong> becomes <strong>invoice.pdf.pclocked<\/strong>. The note is <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong>. It says all files are encrypted. It tells you to place <strong>DECRYPT_ME.txt<\/strong> with the key on your desktop. It points you at <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong> and tells you to send your Decryption Code. On the sample that Code line is a dash. It warns that losing the Code ruins the files. It calls the lock an experiment and offers the code for free. It does not print a $ amount, a wallet, an onion site, or a Session ID, and this page will not invent them. This is not a full-screen PC-locked scare, and it is not a real company you should review. There is no public free decryptor known for this strain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not pay. Do not mail that inbox. Do not send the code. Do not create <strong>DECRYPT_ME.txt<\/strong> with a pasted key. &#8220;This is a Experiment&#8221; is still a locker inbox. Keep <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong> and a <strong>.pclocked<\/strong> sample. Do not rename the pile in bulk. If you take one sentence with you, take this. A folder of names ending in <strong>.pclocked<\/strong>, plus <strong>RECOVERY_ID.txt<\/strong> with a desktop ritual, a blank Decryption Code, a free-key experiment line, and <strong>up-coding@proton.me<\/strong>, is ransomware on the first sighting. Treat it that way before anyone offers to fill the missing code.<\/p>\n\n<div id=\"mwtad2127438542\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_176819-ad_309691-placement_400595\" style=\"margin-top: 50px;margin-bottom: 50px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"8386082122\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You open Documents the way you did yesterday. The invoice should still be invoice.pdf. The first photo should still be 1.jpg. The snapshot should still be 2.png. The tax sheet should still be taxes.xlsx. Instead &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"PCLocked EXPOSED: .pclocked Files, RECOVERY_ID.txt, and a Free-Key Experiment\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/pclocked-ransomware\/#more-403940\" aria-label=\"Read more about PCLocked EXPOSED: .pclocked Files, RECOVERY_ID.txt, and a Free-Key Experiment\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":51,"featured_media":403939,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2836,2727],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-403940","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-malware-removal-and-popup-scam-alerts","category-ransomware","masonry-post","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50","resize-featured-image"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/403940","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/51"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=403940"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/403940\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":403941,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/403940\/revisions\/403941"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/403939"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=403940"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=403940"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=403940"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}