{"id":409901,"date":"2026-09-05T06:17:24","date_gmt":"2026-09-05T06:17:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/?p=409901"},"modified":"2026-09-05T06:17:24","modified_gmt":"2026-09-05T06:17:24","slug":"hmdl-ransomware-virus-removal-recovery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/hmdl-ransomware-virus-removal-recovery\/","title":{"rendered":"HMDL Ransomware Virus: Removal and Encrypted Files Recovery Guide 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Your files still have their familiar names, yet documents and photographs suddenly refuse to open. A note called !!README_HMDL!!.txt appears nearby with an unfamiliar payment demand.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1628564481\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309684--placement_406659\" 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<p>That combination points to a disruptive ransomware infection that needs careful handling. Rushing to pay or randomly renaming files can make an already stressful situation harder.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Files encrypted by HMDL ransomware with their original filenames and an opening error\" title=\"\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/hmdl-files-original.jpg\"><\/figure>\n\n<div id=\"mwtad1336501978\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309746-ad_406044-placement_406660\" 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=\"4456629336\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2>Overview<\/h2>\n\n<h3>HMDL encrypts data without adding a new file extension<\/h3>\n\n<p>HMDL is file-encrypting ransomware. It changes the contents of accessible files so ordinary programs cannot interpret them, then demands cryptocurrency for the alleged recovery key.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad249129198\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381396-ad_406044-placement_406667\" 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=\"1471373341\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Unlike many ransomware families, the examined HMDL sample does not append a distinctive extension. A damaged document may keep the same name, icon, and apparent file type.<\/p>\n\n<p>This detail can cause confusion. Windows may still label a file as a photograph or spreadsheet even though the underlying encrypted data is unusable.<\/p>\n\n<h3>The ransom note is named !!README_HMDL!!.txt<\/h3>\n\n<p>HMDL creates a text note named !!README_HMDL!!.txt in locations where victims are likely to notice it. The message assigns the victim an identification code.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1179205223\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309686-ad_406044-placement_406668\" style=\"margin-top: 50px;margin-right: 10px;margin-bottom: 50px;margin-left: 10px;\"><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>\n\n<p>The reviewed note asks for 0.05 BTC and directs the victim to contact an address hosted by Proton Mail. Payment supposedly buys a private decryption key.<\/p>\n\n<p>A payment request does not prove the attackers possess a working recovery tool. It only proves somebody wants cryptocurrency sent to a wallet they control.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Containment must come before cleanup or file recovery<\/h3>\n\n<p>An infected computer may remain capable of encrypting attached drives, shared folders, or synchronized cloud data. Isolate it before investigating individual files.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad2658275174\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381401-ad_406044-placement_406669\" style=\"margin-top: 50px;margin-right: 10px;margin-bottom: 50px;margin-left: 10px;\"><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=\"5315249587\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Keep copies of the ransom note, suspicious files, and security logs. These details may help an incident responder identify the variant and judge available recovery options.<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Disconnect the infected device from wired and wireless networks.<\/li>\n<li>Unplug backup drives that are not already affected.<\/li>\n<li>Do not delete the ransom note or encrypted originals.<\/li>\n<li>Record the displayed victim ID and cryptocurrency address.<\/li>\n<li>Remove the malware before restoring clean data.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div id=\"mwtad2224411280\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309747-ad_406044-placement_406661\" 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>How to Recognize an HMDL Ransomware Infection<\/h2>\n\n<h3>Normal-looking filenames conceal unreadable content<\/h3>\n\n<p>A missing extension change makes HMDL less visually obvious than ransomware that renames every file. The strongest clue is a sudden wave of opening errors.<\/p>\n\n<div id=\"mwtad1117340402\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381404-ad_406044-placement_406670\" style=\"margin-top: 50px;margin-right: 10px;margin-bottom: 50px;margin-left: 10px;\"><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=\"8735619847\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><p>A photograph viewer may report an unsupported or corrupted image. Word processing software may say a document is damaged, encoded incorrectly, or not a recognized format.<\/p>\n\n<p>Several unrelated file types failing at the same time is more significant than one broken document. It suggests a system-wide event rather than ordinary file corruption.<\/p>\n\n<p>Changing a filename or extension will not reverse encryption. The readable label is separate from the scrambled data stored inside the file.<\/p>\n\n<h3>The note describes encryption and a private key<\/h3>\n\n<div id=\"mwtad1643896781\" class=\"mwtadp5 mwtadentity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 50px;margin-bottom: 50px;\"><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>The HMDL note claims the malware used ChaCha20-Poly1305 for file encryption and protected its symmetric key with RSA-2048-OAEP.<\/p>\n\n<p>Those technical claims cannot be trusted simply because criminals wrote them. However, modern ransomware commonly combines fast symmetric encryption with protected per-victim key material.<\/p>\n\n<p>The note uses cryptographic language to discourage experimentation and make payment feel inevitable. Victims should treat its promises as coercion, not customer service.<\/p>\n\n<div id=\"mwtad3159851932\" class=\"mwtadp6 mwtadentity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 50px;margin-bottom: 50px;\"><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>The sample note includes a victim identifier, payment amount, Bitcoin address, and contact email. Preserve all four before security software removes surrounding artifacts.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"HMDL ransomware note demanding 0.05 BTC and displaying a fictional victim identification code\" title=\"\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/hmdl-note-original.jpg\"><\/figure>\n\n<div id=\"mwtad522981795\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309748-ad_406044-placement_406662\" 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>How HMDL Ransomware Can Reach a Computer<\/h2>\n\n<p>A ransomware executable must run before it can encrypt local data. The initial file may arrive through email, a compromised download, pirated software, or exposed remote access.<\/p>\n\n<p>The exact entry point varies between incidents. Finding HMDL on one computer does not prove that every victim received the same attachment or visited the same website.<\/p>\n\n<p>Investigators should preserve browser history, email headers, download records, and Windows event logs. These can reveal how the infection began and whether other devices were exposed.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Malicious email attachments and download links<\/h3>\n\n<p>An unexpected invoice, delivery notice, payroll document, or legal complaint can carry an executable directly. It may also link to a password-protected archive on a file host.<\/p>\n\n<p>Attackers use archive passwords to bypass automated scanning and create curiosity. The extracted file may imitate a PDF while actually being a script or executable.<\/p>\n\n<p>Windows can hide known extensions by default. A file named Invoice.pdf.exe may appear as Invoice.pdf, especially when its icon is chosen to resemble a document.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Cracked software and fake installers<\/h3>\n\n<p>Key generators, unofficial activators, game cheats, and repackaged software are common malware delivery vehicles. Their instructions often tell users to disable antivirus protection first.<\/p>\n\n<p>A fake update can use the same tactic. The installer may display a normal progress window while silently launching ransomware in the background.<\/p>\n\n<p>Software should come from the developer\u2019s official website, Microsoft Store, or another verified distribution channel. Search advertisements are not proof that a download is authentic.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Stolen passwords and exposed remote services<\/h3>\n\n<p>Some ransomware intrusions begin when criminals obtain remote desktop, VPN, or administrator credentials. They may explore the network before deploying encryption across multiple systems.<\/p>\n\n<p>Review successful and failed sign-ins, newly created accounts, remote administration tools, and changed security policies. A single encrypted endpoint may be part of a broader compromise.<\/p>\n\n<p>Change exposed passwords from a clean device. Reusing the infected computer for account recovery can hand the replacement credentials to remaining malware.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Software vulnerabilities and compromised websites<\/h3>\n\n<p>Unpatched internet-facing software can provide another path inside. Vulnerable gateways, remote management panels, and outdated plugins deserve immediate review during a business incident.<\/p>\n\n<p>A compromised advertising chain or website may redirect visitors toward deceptive downloads. AdGuard can reduce malicious advertising exposure, but it cannot disinfect an encrypted computer.<\/p>\n\n<p>Security updates, application allowlisting, restricted administrator access, and offline backups provide stronger protection than relying on browser filtering alone.<\/p>\n\n<div id=\"mwtad1854091760\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_318930-ad_406044-placement_406663\" 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=\"3818335085\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2>What HMDL Does After It Runs<\/h2>\n\n<p>Ransomware normally enumerates drives and searches for file types that matter to the victim. Documents, databases, archives, photographs, projects, and business records are common targets.<\/p>\n\n<p>System files may be skipped so Windows remains usable enough to display the ransom demand. That apparent stability should not be mistaken for a minor infection.<\/p>\n\n<p>The encryption process can consume noticeable processor, disk, or network resources. On fast systems, however, substantial damage may occur before the user notices unusual activity.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Local files and connected storage may be affected<\/h3>\n\n<p>Any writable location visible to the infected account can be at risk. This includes external disks, mapped drives, network shares, and folders synchronized to cloud services.<\/p>\n\n<p>Cloud synchronization can upload encrypted versions and replace healthy copies. Version history may help, but only after the infected endpoint is disconnected and cleaned.<\/p>\n\n<p>Do not attach a clean backup merely to test one file. If HMDL or another loader remains active, the backup could be encrypted as well.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Security settings and recovery features may be targeted<\/h3>\n\n<p>Ransomware sometimes attempts to delete shadow copies, disable recovery services, stop database processes, or weaken security tools. Success depends on the privileges obtained.<\/p>\n\n<p>Failure of System Restore or missing shadow copies does not identify HMDL by itself. Those conditions can have legitimate causes or result from other malware.<\/p>\n\n<p>Review changes rather than guessing. A qualified incident responder can compare timestamps, services, scheduled tasks, persistence entries, and event logs across affected machines.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Other malware may remain after encryption stops<\/h3>\n\n<p>The ransomware payload may be only the final stage. An information stealer, remote access trojan, or credential dumping tool could have operated earlier.<\/p>\n\n<p>Removing the visible ransom note does not remove those components. A complete scan and account review are necessary before the system can be trusted again.<\/p>\n\n<p>For a business, assume exposed credentials may include email, cloud storage, financial systems, and remote access until evidence shows otherwise.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Security scan detecting and quarantining an HMDL ransomware component\" title=\"\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/hmdl-scan-reconstruction.jpg\"><\/figure>\n\n<div id=\"mwtad2468884493\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381388-ad_406044-placement_406705\" 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=\"3191649120\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2>Should You Pay the HMDL Ransom?<\/h2>\n\n<p>Paying is risky. Criminals can accept the Bitcoin and disappear, provide a broken tool, demand more money, or target the same victim again.<\/p>\n\n<p>Even a functioning decryptor may be slow, unstable, or unable to restore every file. Damaged databases and large archives can remain unusable after partial recovery.<\/p>\n\n<p>Payment also reveals that the victim can obtain cryptocurrency under pressure. That information may increase future extortion attempts rather than end them.<\/p>\n\n<p>Organizations should consult legal counsel, their insurer, incident responders, and law enforcement before making any payment decision. Reporting requirements vary by location and exposed data.<\/p>\n\n<p>The FBI does not support paying a ransom because payment does not guarantee recovery and encourages the ransomware economy. Reporting still matters even when no payment occurs.<\/p>\n\n<p>Home users should resist direct negotiation. Preserve evidence, remove the malware, check trusted recovery resources, and restore from a verified clean backup when possible.<\/p>\n\n<div id=\"mwtad3037921354\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381392-ad_406044-placement_406664\" 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=\"2944237110\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2>What to Do if HMDL Ransomware Infected Your Computer<\/h2>\n\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Disconnect the device.<\/strong> Remove Ethernet, disable Wi-Fi, and disconnect shared storage without shutting down other unaffected systems.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Protect clean backups.<\/strong> Keep backup disks detached and pause cloud synchronization until the infected computer has been isolated.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Preserve evidence.<\/strong> Photograph the note, record the victim ID and Bitcoin address, and copy relevant logs when it is safe.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Notify the right people.<\/strong> Contact your administrator, insurer, incident responder, or law enforcement according to the situation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Secure accounts elsewhere.<\/strong> From a clean device, change exposed passwords and enable multifactor authentication, starting with email and administrator accounts.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Scan before restoring.<\/strong> Use Malwarebytes and additional reputable scanners to remove ransomware, loaders, stealers, and persistence mechanisms.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check recovery options.<\/strong> Search trusted decryptor projects and test copies of encrypted files, never the only originals.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rebuild when trust is lost.<\/strong> Businesses and heavily compromised systems may require a clean Windows installation before restoring verified data.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<div id=\"mwtad405162046\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381392-ad_406044-placement_406665\" 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=\"2944237110\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2>Remove HMDL Ransomware and Recover the Files<\/h2>\n\n<p>The following process separates malware removal from data recovery. Removing HMDL prevents additional damage, but removal alone does not decrypt files already transformed.<\/p>\n\n<p>Keep the original encrypted files on separate storage before attempting repair. Future research may produce a decryptor even when no suitable tool exists today.<\/p>\n\n<p>If this is a company device or multiple computers are affected, stop here and involve an incident response professional. Evidence can be lost through well-intentioned cleanup.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Step 1: Restart Windows in Safe Mode with Networking<\/h3>\n\n<p>Safe Mode loads a reduced set of services and drivers. This can make active malware easier to detect, although sophisticated threats may still persist.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"su-tabs su-tabs-style-default su-tabs-mobile-stack\" data-active=\"1\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-tabs-nav\"><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Windows 11<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Windows 10<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Windows 7<\/span><\/div><div class=\"su-tabs-panes\"><div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Windows 11\">\n<strong>Safe Mode with Networking<\/strong> starts Windows with only the essential drivers and services, which stops most malware from loading \u2014 making it much easier to remove. First, we&#8217;ll open the Windows Recovery Environment (winRE):<\/p>\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps\">\n<li>Press <strong>Windows key + I<\/strong> to open <em>Settings<\/em>. If that doesn&#8217;t work, right-click the <strong>Start<\/strong> button and select <strong>Settings<\/strong>. Then, in the right-hand pane, click <strong>Recovery<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-129015 alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Go to Windows Settings\" width=\"700\" height=\"465\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Safe-Mode-Step-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Safe-Mode-Step-1.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Safe-Mode-Step-1-300x199.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>Under <strong>Advanced startup<\/strong>, click <strong>Restart now<\/strong>. Save any open work first \u2014 your PC will restart immediately.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-129016 alignnone lazyload\" title=\"Click in Restart Now to Sart Windows 11 in Safe Mode\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Recovery window in Windows 10\" width=\"700\" height=\"465\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Safe-Mode-Step-2.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Safe-Mode-Step-2.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Safe-Mode-Step-2-300x199.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Your PC will restart into the Windows Recovery Environment. From there, follow these steps to reach Safe Mode:<\/p>\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps\">\n<li>On the <em>Choose an option<\/em> screen, select <strong>Troubleshoot<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-90953 alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Windows 11 - Start in Safe Mode with Network\" width=\"520\" height=\"293\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-1.jpg 520w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-1-300x169.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>On the <em>Troubleshoot<\/em> screen, click <strong>Advanced Options<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-90954 alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Windows 11 - Start in Safe Mode with Network - Step 2\" width=\"520\" height=\"293\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-2.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-2.jpg 520w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-2-300x169.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>On the <em>Advanced Options<\/em> page, click <strong>Startup Settings<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-90955 alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Windows 11 - Start in Safe Mode with Network - Step 3\" width=\"520\" height=\"293\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-3.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-3.jpg 520w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-3-300x169.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>On the <em>Startup Settings<\/em> page, click <strong>Restart<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-90956 alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Windows 11 - Start in Safe Mode with Network - Step 4\" width=\"520\" height=\"293\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-4.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-4.jpg 520w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-4-300x169.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>After your PC restarts, you&#8217;ll see a list of startup options. Press <strong>5<\/strong> or <strong>F5<\/strong> to start <strong>Safe Mode with Networking<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-105152 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Boot in Safe Mode Windows 11\" width=\"385\" height=\"520\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 385px) 100vw, 385px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Boot-in-Safe-Mode-Windows-10-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Boot-in-Safe-Mode-Windows-10-1.jpg 385w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Boot-in-Safe-Mode-Windows-10-1-222x300.jpg 222w\"><\/li>\n<li>You&#8217;ll know you&#8217;re in Safe Mode when &#8220;Safe Mode&#8221; appears in the corners of the screen. Now continue with the next step of this guide \u2014 downloading and running Malwarebytes <em>(explained in Step 2)<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Windows 10\">\n<strong>Safe Mode with Networking<\/strong> starts Windows with only the essential drivers and services, which stops most malware from loading \u2014 making it much easier to remove. First, we&#8217;ll open the Windows Recovery Environment (winRE):<\/p>\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps\">\n<li>Press <strong>Windows key + I<\/strong> to open <em>Settings<\/em>. If that doesn&#8217;t work, click the <strong>Start<\/strong> button and select <strong>Settings<\/strong> (the gear icon).<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-105147 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Go to Windows Settings\" width=\"520\" height=\"316\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Windows-Settings.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Windows-Settings.jpg 520w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Windows-Settings-300x182.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>In the <em>Windows Settings<\/em> window, select <strong>Update &amp; Security<\/strong>, then click <strong>Recovery<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-105146 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Recovery window in Windows 10\" width=\"520\" height=\"316\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Recovery.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Recovery.jpg 520w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Recovery-300x182.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>Under <strong>Advanced startup<\/strong>, click <strong>Restart now<\/strong>. Save any open work first \u2014 your PC will restart immediately.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-105145 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Open Advance Startup\" width=\"520\" height=\"316\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Advance-Startup.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Advance-Startup.jpg 520w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Advance-Startup-300x182.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Your PC will restart into the Windows Recovery Environment. From there, follow these steps to reach Safe Mode:<\/p>\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps\">\n<li>On the <em>Choose an option<\/em> screen, select <strong>Troubleshoot<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-90953 alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Windows 10 - Start in Safe Mode with Network\" width=\"520\" height=\"293\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-1.jpg 520w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-1-300x169.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>On the <em>Troubleshoot<\/em> screen, click <strong>Advanced Options<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-90954 alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Windows 10 - Start in Safe Mode with Network - Step 2\" width=\"520\" height=\"293\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-2.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-2.jpg 520w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-2-300x169.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>On the <em>Advanced Options<\/em> page, click <strong>Startup Settings<\/strong>. (On Windows 8, this option is labeled <strong>Windows Startup Settings<\/strong>.)<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-90955 alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Windows 10 - Start in Safe Mode with Network - Step 3\" width=\"520\" height=\"293\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-3.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-3.jpg 520w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-3-300x169.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>On the <em>Startup Settings<\/em> page, click <strong>Restart<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-90956 alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Windows 10 - Start in Safe Mode with Network - Step 4\" width=\"520\" height=\"293\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-4.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-4.jpg 520w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-4-300x169.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>After your PC restarts, you&#8217;ll see a list of startup options. Press <strong>5<\/strong> or <strong>F5<\/strong> to start <strong>Safe Mode with Networking<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-105152 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Boot in Safe Mode Windows 10\" width=\"385\" height=\"520\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 385px) 100vw, 385px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Boot-in-Safe-Mode-Windows-10-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Boot-in-Safe-Mode-Windows-10-1.jpg 385w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Boot-in-Safe-Mode-Windows-10-1-222x300.jpg 222w\"><\/li>\n<li>You&#8217;ll know you&#8217;re in Safe Mode when &#8220;Safe Mode&#8221; appears in the corners of the screen. Now continue with the next step of this guide \u2014 downloading and running Malwarebytes <em>(explained in Step 2)<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Windows 7\">\n<strong>Safe Mode with Networking<\/strong> starts Windows with only the essential drivers and services, which stops most malware from loading \u2014 making it much easier to remove. Here&#8217;s how to get there on Windows 7:<\/p>\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps\">\n<li>Remove any CDs, DVDs, or USB drives from your computer, then <strong>restart it<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>As soon as the computer starts (when the hardware information appears on screen), <strong>press the F8 key repeatedly<\/strong> until the <strong>Advanced Boot Options<\/strong> menu appears. If Windows starts normally instead, you pressed F8 too late \u2014 restart and try again.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-51037 alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"F8 Safe Mode\" width=\"512\" height=\"384\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/F8-Safe-Mode.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/F8-Safe-Mode.png 512w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/F8-Safe-Mode-300x225.png 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>On the <em>Advanced Boot Options<\/em> screen, use the arrow keys to highlight <strong>Safe Mode with Networking<\/strong>, then press <strong>Enter<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-50963 alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Safe Mode with Networking screen\" width=\"539\" height=\"292\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 539px) 100vw, 539px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/safemode.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/safemode.jpg 539w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/safemode-300x163.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>Once you&#8217;re in Safe Mode with Networking, continue with the next step of this guide \u2014 downloading and running Malwarebytes <em>(explained in Step 2)<\/em>.\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\">Can&#8217;t get into Safe Mode with Networking? No problem \u2014 you can run the Malwarebytes scan in normal mode instead and continue the guide from there.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3>Step 2: Scan the computer with Malwarebytes<\/h3>\n\n<p>Malwarebytes can identify ransomware components, downloaders, and related threats. Update its definitions, perform a thorough scan, and quarantine everything confirmed as malicious.<\/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 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Logo\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Malwarebytes-LOGO.png\"><\/figure> <strong><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/downloads\/MBSetup-076886.076886-consumer.exe\" onclick=\"window.open('https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/malwarebytes-free');\">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=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285934 lazyload\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 975px) 100vw, 975px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285953 lazyload\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 737px) 100vw, 737px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1.jpg\" data-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\">\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=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285937 lazyload\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 759px) 100vw, 759px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4.jpg\" data-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\">\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=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285951 lazyload\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1.jpg\" data-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\">\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=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285952 lazyload\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 749px) 100vw, 749px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1.jpg\" data-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\">\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=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285942 lazyload\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285943 lazyload\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 841px) 100vw, 841px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285941 lazyload\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 849px) 100vw, 849px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285944 lazyload\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285945 lazyload\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 844px) 100vw, 844px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285946 lazyload\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285947 lazyload\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 844px) 100vw, 844px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14.jpg\" data-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\"><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<h3>Step 3: Run a second-opinion scan with HitmanPro<\/h3>\n\n<p>A second scanner can catch remnants missed by the first pass. Review detections carefully, especially on business systems containing custom administrative tools.<\/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 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"HitmanPro Logo\" width=\"38\" height=\"38\" title=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/icon-hitmanpro.png\"><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 lazyload\" title=\"Double-click on the HitmanPro setup file\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Double-click on the HitmanPro file\" width=\"800\" height=\"422\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-HitmanPro.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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 lazyload\" title=\"Windows asking for permissions to run the HitmanPro setup file\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Windows asking for permissions to run the HitmanPro setup \" width=\"676\" height=\"500\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-UAC.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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 lazyload\" title=\"Click Next to install HitmanPro on your computer\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Click Next to install HitmanPro on your PC\" width=\"800\" height=\"639\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install.jpg\" data-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\"><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136912 alignnone lazyload\" title=\"Click Next to finish the HitmanPro install\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"HitmanPro final installer screen\" width=\"800\" height=\"640\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-2.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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 lazyload\" title=\"HitmanPro while scanning for malware\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"HitmanPro scans your computer for any infections, adware, or potentially unwanted programs that may be present\" width=\"800\" height=\"640\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Scanning.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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 lazyload\" title=\"Click Next to remove the malware that HitmanPro has detected\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"HitmanPro scan summary. Click Next to remove malware\" width=\"800\" height=\"643\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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 lazyload\" title=\"Click on the Activate free license button to remove malware\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Click on the Activate free license button\" width=\"800\" height=\"635\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-License.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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<h3>Step 4: Check for remaining threats with ESET<\/h3>\n\n<p>An additional ESET scan helps confirm that no active payload or related malware remains. Do not reconnect backups until the system is considered clean.<\/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 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"ESET logo\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" title=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Eset-Logo.png\"><\/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 lazyload\" title=\"Double-click on the ESET Online Scanner setup file\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Image - Double-click on the ESET Online Scanner setup file\" width=\"800\" height=\"413\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Installer.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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 lazyload\" title=\"Click Get Started to install ESET Online Scanner\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Image - Click Get Started to install ESET Online Scanner\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-1.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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 lazyload\" title=\"Accept Terms to Install ESET Online Scanner\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Image - Accept Terms to Install ESET Online Scanner\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-2-1.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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 lazyload\" title=\"Follow the on-screen prompts to install ESET Online Scanner\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Image - Follow the on-screen prompts\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-3.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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 lazyload\" title=\"Start a Full Scan with ESET Online Scanner\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Start a Full Scan with ESET Online Scanner\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-4.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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 lazyload\" title=\"Enable PUA Detection and Start Scan\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Image - Enable PUA Detection and Start Scan\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-Step-5.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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 lazyload\" title=\"Wait for the ESET Online Scanner scan to finish\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Image- Wait for the ESET Online Scanner scan to finish\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-6-1.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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 lazyload\" title=\"ESET Online Scanner malware removal\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Image - ESET Online Scanner malware removal\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Step-7.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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<h3>Step 5: Attempt recovery only after the infection is removed<\/h3>\n\n<p>Start with a verified offline backup. If none exists, check cloud version history, trusted decryptor databases, and recovery methods on copies of the encrypted files.<\/p>\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 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Logo\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" title=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-Logo.png\"><\/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 lazyload\" title=\"EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Installer\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Image: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Installer\" width=\"800\" height=\"413\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-0.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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 lazyload\" title=\"EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Install Now\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Install Now\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-1.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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 lazyload\" title=\"Click Start Now\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Image: Click Start Now\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-2.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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 lazyload\" title=\"Select a location to start recovering the encrypted files\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Select a location to start recovering the encrypted files\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-3.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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 lazyload\" title=\"Wait for the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard scan to complete.\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Image: Wait for the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard scan to complete.\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-4A.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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 lazyload\" title=\"Filter the Files by Type\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Filter the Files by Type\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-8.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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 lazyload\" title=\"Click Preview to view the file\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Image: Click Preview to view the file\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-9.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Select your files and click Recover\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-5.jpg\" data-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\"><br \/>Choose a safe location to save all the files.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150408 lazyload\" title=\"Select a safe location\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Select a safe location\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-6.jpg\" data-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\"><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 lazyload\" title=\"View Recovered Files\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Image: View Recovered Files\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-7.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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 lazyload\" title=\"Install Shadow Defender\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Install Shadow Defender\" width=\"590\" height=\"466\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Install-Shadow-Defender.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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 lazyload\" title=\"Select drive and snapshot date\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Select drive and date to recover the files encrypted by this ransomware \" width=\"1180\" height=\"895\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Select-date.jpg\" data-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\"><\/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 lazyload\" title=\"Find copy then click on Export\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Find copy then click on Expor to recover the files encrypted by this ransomware \" width=\"590\" height=\"448\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Export-files-ransomware.jpg\" data-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\"><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<h2>How to Protect Your Files From Another Ransomware Attack<\/h2>\n\n<p>A recovery plan is strongest when it assumes one device will eventually fail or become compromised. Keep multiple copies rather than trusting a single external drive.<\/p>\n\n<p>Use the 3-2-1 principle: three copies, on two storage types, with one copy offline or offsite. Test restoration instead of assuming the backup works.<\/p>\n\n<p>Versioned cloud storage can help with accidental replacement, but it should complement an offline backup. Synchronized folders alone are not a ransomware strategy.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Reduce the chance that an unknown file can run<\/h3>\n\n<p>Show file extensions in Windows, block macros from internet documents, and avoid cracked software. Standard user accounts limit damage compared with routine administrator use.<\/p>\n\n<p>Keep Windows, browsers, document readers, remote access tools, and internet-facing applications updated. Remove software that no longer receives security fixes.<\/p>\n\n<p>AdGuard can help block malicious advertising and known harmful destinations during browsing. Keep endpoint protection enabled because filtering cannot inspect every downloaded or locally launched file.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Harden remote access and important accounts<\/h3>\n\n<p>Disable unused remote services. Place necessary access behind a VPN, require multifactor authentication, restrict source addresses, and monitor unsuccessful sign-ins.<\/p>\n\n<p>Use unique passwords for email, backup administration, and remote management. A password manager prevents one stolen credential from unlocking several critical systems.<\/p>\n\n<p>Business networks should separate ordinary workstations from servers and backup repositories. Segmentation can limit how far one compromised account can reach.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Practice recovery before an emergency<\/h3>\n\n<p>Choose several representative files and restore them periodically. Confirm their contents open correctly rather than accepting a backup program\u2019s successful status.<\/p>\n\n<p>Document who can isolate systems, contact providers, authorize restoration, and notify affected people. A written plan reduces hesitation during a fast-moving incident.<\/p>\n\n<p>Keep recovery instructions somewhere ransomware cannot encrypt. Printed contact details and an offline copy of the response plan can be invaluable.<\/p>\n\n<h2>HMDL Ransomware FAQ<\/h2>\n\n<h3>Does HMDL add an extension to encrypted files?<\/h3>\n\n<p>The examined HMDL sample leaves filenames and extensions unchanged. Files can therefore look normal in Explorer while their encrypted contents remain unreadable.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Can renaming an HMDL file restore it?<\/h3>\n\n<p>No. Renaming changes only the label Windows displays. It does not reverse the cryptographic transformation applied to the file\u2019s contents.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Is there a free HMDL decryptor?<\/h3>\n\n<p>No confirmed public HMDL decryptor was identified during this review. Availability can change, so check trusted recovery projects without uploading confidential originals.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Will Malwarebytes decrypt HMDL files?<\/h3>\n\n<p>Malwarebytes is intended to detect and remove malicious software. It does not automatically decrypt data that HMDL already encrypted.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Should I delete the !!README_HMDL!!.txt note?<\/h3>\n\n<p>Keep a copy. The note contains identifiers and payment details that may help researchers, incident responders, insurers, or law enforcement connect related cases.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Can I restore files immediately after disconnecting the computer?<\/h3>\n\n<p>Wait until the malware is removed and the system is trustworthy. Restoring too early can expose a clean backup to remaining ransomware or another active loader.<\/p>\n\n<h2>The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n<p>HMDL is dangerous because encrypted files may keep their original names. The ransom note and widespread opening errors reveal damage that ordinary icons can conceal.<\/p>\n\n<p>Isolate the computer, preserve evidence, remove every malicious component, then restore from verified backups or trusted recovery methods. Never treat a cryptocurrency demand as guaranteed support.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future.<br \/>If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Run a computer scan with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/downloads-emsisoft-emergency-kit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Emsisoft Emergency Kit<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask for help in our <strong><a title=\"Malware Removal Assistance for Windows\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/forums\/malware-removal-assistance-for-windows.10\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Malware Removal Assistance for Windows<\/a><\/strong> forum.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div id=\"mwtad3601724015\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_176819-ad_406044-placement_406666\" 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>Your files still have their familiar names, yet documents and photographs suddenly refuse to open. A note called !!README_HMDL!!.txt appears nearby with an unfamiliar payment demand. That combination points to a disruptive ransomware infection that &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"HMDL Ransomware Virus: Removal and Encrypted Files Recovery Guide 2026\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/hmdl-ransomware-virus-removal-recovery\/#more-409901\" aria-label=\"Read more about HMDL Ransomware Virus: Removal and Encrypted Files Recovery Guide 2026\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":51,"featured_media":410062,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2727],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-409901","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","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\/409901","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=409901"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/409901\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":410065,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/409901\/revisions\/410065"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/410062"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=409901"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=409901"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=409901"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}