- Jan 24, 2011
- 9,378
[parsehtml] <>Data Recovery</> is a malicious software that will display fake alerts, claiming that several hard drive errors were detected on your computer.The alerts are professional looking pop-ups and when you click on them, you're advised to buy Data Recovery in order to fix this errors.
In reality, none of the reported issues are real, and are only used to scare you into buying Data Recovery and stealing your personal financial information.
If you've got a <>Data Recovery</> infection , you'll be seeing this screens :
<img title="Data Recovery" src="http://malwaretips.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Data-Recovery.png" alt="[Image: Smart-HDD.png]" width="715" height="592" />
<h2>Registration codes for Data Recovery</h2>
As an optional step,you can use the following license key to register Data Recovery and stop the fake alerts.
<span style="color: red;"><>08869246386344953972969146034087</></span>
<>Please keep in mind that entering the above registration code will NOT remove Data Recovery from your computer , instead it will just stop the fake alerts so that you'll be able to complete our removal guide more easily.</>
We ly advise you to follow our Data Recovery removal guide and ignore any alerts that this malicious software might generate.Under no circumstance should you buy this rogue security software as this could lead to identity theft.
<h1>Removal guide for Data Recovery</h1>
This is a self-help guide, use at your own risk.
If you experience problems completing this guide, or the problem persists after following the instructions below or would like to have one of our staff members guide you through the process, please start a new thread in our <a href="https://malwaretips.com/forums/malware-removal-assistance-for-windows.10/">Malware Removal Assistance</a> forum.
<h2>STEP 1 : Start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking</h2>
<ol>
<li>Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then <>restart your computer</>.</li>
<li><>Press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts</>.Please keep in mind that you need to press the F8 key <>before the Windows start-up logo appears</>.</li>
<li>On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to <>highlight Safe Mode with Networking</> , and then <>press ENTER</>.
<img title="Safe Mode with Networking screen" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/safemode.jpg" alt="[Image: Safemode.jpg]" width="539" height="292" border="0" /></li>
<li><>Log on to your computer</> with a user account that has administrator rights</li>
</ol>
<h2>STEP 2: Remove Data Recovery malicious proxy server</h2>
Data Recovery may add a proxy server which prevents the user from accessing the internet,follow the below instructions to remove the proxy.
<ol>
<li><>Start Internet Explorer</> <img title="IE 9" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/Ieicon.png" alt="[Image: Data Recovery- IE]" width="16" height="16" border="0" /> and if you are using Internet Explorer 9 ,click on the <>gear icon </> <img title="Gear Icon" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/icongear.jpg" alt="[Image: IE gear icon]" width="16" height="16" border="0" /> (<>Tools</> for Internet Explorer 8 users) ,then select <>Internet Options</>.
<img title="Internet Options in IE" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/ie1.png" alt="[Image: Internet-options-IE.png]" width="484" height="285" border="0" /></li>
<li>Go to the tab <>Connections</>.At the bottom, click on <>LAN settings</>.
<img title="Connections tab in Internet Explorer" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/ie2.png" alt="[Image: Remove-proxy-server2.png]" width="315" height="405" border="0" /></li>
<li>Uncheck the option <>Use a proxy server for your LAN</>. This should remove the malicious proxy server and allow you to use the internet again.
<img title="Uncheck the option Use a proxy server for your LAN" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/ie3.png" alt="[Image: Remove-proxy-server3.png]" width="318" height="405" border="0" /></li>
</ol>
If you are a Firefox users, go to <em>Firefox(upper left corner) → Options → Advanced tab → Network → Settings</em> → Select <em>No Proxy</em>
<h2>STEP 3: Run <a href="http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/anti-virus/rkill" rel="nofollow">RKill</a> to terminate known malware processes associated with Data Recovery.</h2>
RKill is a program that attempts to terminate any malicious processes associated with Data Recovery ,so that your normal security software can then run and clean your computer of infections.
As RKill only terminates a program's running process, and does not delete any files, after running it you should not reboot your computer as any malware processes that are configured to start automatically will just be started again.
<ol>
<li>While your computer is in <em>Safe Mode with Networking</em> ,please <>download the latest official version of RKill.</>
<a href="http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/grinler/iExplore.exe" rel="nofollow"><img title="Download Rkill software" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/downloadnow.gif" alt="[Image: download-rkill.png" width="345" height="100" border="0" /></a></li>
<li><>Double-click on the RKill icon</>in order to automatically attempt to stop any processes associated with Data Recovery.
<img title="RKILL ICON" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/rkill1.png" alt="[Image: run-rkill-1.png]" width="81" height="88" border="0" /></li>
<li>RKill will now start working in the background, please be patient while the program looks for various malware programs and tries to terminate them.
<img title="RKILL Command prompt" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/rkill2.png" alt="[Image: run-rkill-2.png]" width="507" height="256" border="0" />
<>IF</> you receive a message that RKill is an infection, that is a fake warning given by the rogue. As a possible solution we advise you to leave the warning on the screen and then try to run RKill again.Run RKill until the fake program is not visible but not more than ten times.
<>IF</> you continue having problems running RKill, you can download the other renamed versions of RKill from <a href="http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/anti-virus/rkill" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</li>
<li>When Rkill has completed its task, it will <>generate a log</>. You can then <>proceed with the rest of the guide</>.
<img title="RKILL LOG" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/rkill3.png" alt="[Image: Data Recovery rkill3.jpg]" width="414" height="187" border="0" /></li>
</ol>
<>WARNING: Do not reboot your computer after running RKill as the malware process will start again , preventing you from properly performing the next step.</>
<h2>STEP 4: Remove Data Recovery malicious files with <a href="https://store.malwarebytes.org/342/cookie?affiliate=17877&redirectto=http%3a%2f%2fwww.malwarebytes.org%2fproducts%2fmalwarebytes_free" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE</a></h2>
<ol>
<li>Please <>download the latest official version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE</>.
<a href="https://store.malwarebytes.org/342/cookie?affiliate=17877&redirectto=http%3a%2f%2fwww.malwarebytes.org%2fproducts%2fmalwarebytes_free" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img title="Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/downloadnow.gif" alt="download Malwarebytes" width="345" height="100" border="0" /></a></li>
<li>Install Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware by <>double clicking on mbam-setup</>.
<img title="Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Installer" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/mbam1.png" alt="[Image: malwarebytes-installer.png]" width="210" height="57" border="0" /></li>
<li>When the installation begins, <>keep following the prompts</> in order to continue with the installation process. <>Do not make any changes to default settings</> and when the program has finished installing, make sure you leave both the <>Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware</> and <>Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware</> checked. Then click on the <>Finish</>button. If Malwarebytes' prompts you to reboot, please do not do so.
<img title="Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/mbam2.png" alt="[Image: install-malwarebytes.png]" width="516" height="398" border="0" /></li>
<li>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start and you'll be prompted to start a trial period , please select '<>Decline</>' as we just want to use the on-demand scanner.
<img title="Decline trial period in Malwarebytes Anti-Malware" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/mbam3.PNG" alt="[Image: decline-trial-malwarebytes.png]" width="432" height="165" border="0" /></li>
<li>On the <>Scanner</> tab,please select <>Perform full scan</> and then click on the <>Scan </>button to start scanning your computer for any possible infections.
<img title="Perform a Full System Scan" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/mbam4.png" alt="[Image: malwarebytes-full-system-scan.png]" width="538" height="387" border="0" /></li>
<li>Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for Data Recovery malicious files as shown below.
<img title="Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scanning for Data Recovery" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/mbam5.png" alt="[Image: malwarebytes-scanning.png]" width="538" height="388" border="0" /></li>
<li>When the scan is finished a message box will appear, click <>OK </>to continue.
<img title="Malwarebytes when the scan is finished" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/mbam9.png" alt="[Image: malwarebytes-scan-finish.png]" width="512" height="210" border="0" /></li>
<li>You will now be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware has detected.Please note that the infections found may be different than what is shown in the image.Make sure that everything is <>Checked (ticked)</> and click on the <>Remove Selected</> button.
<img title="Data Recovery infection scan results" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/mbam6.png" alt="[Image: malwarebytes-scan-results.png]" width="541" height="387" border="0" /></li>
<li>Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware will now start removing the malicious files.<>If during the removal process Malwarebytes will display a message stating that it needs to reboot, please allow this request.</><>
<img title="Reboot prompt from Malwarebytes" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/mbam10.png" alt="[Image: malwarebytes-reboot-prompt.png]" /></></li>
</ol>
<h2>STEP 5: Double check your system for any left over infections with <a href="https://www.cleverbridge.com/747/cookie?affiliate=17877&redirectto=http://www.surfright.com/downloads" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HitmanPro</a></h2>
<ol>
<li>This step can be performed in Normal Mode ,so please <>download the latest official version of HitmanPro</>.
<a href="https://www.cleverbridge.com/747/cookie?affiliate=17877&redirectto=http://www.surfright.com/downloads" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img title="Download HitmanPRO" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/downloadnow.gif" alt="[Image: Download Hitman Pro]" width="345" height="100" border="0" /></a></li>
<li><>Double click on the previously downloaded file</> to start the HitmanPro installation.
<img title="HitmanPro Installer" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/hpro1.png" alt="[Image: hitmanpro-icon.png]" width="54" height="58" border="0" />
NOTE : If you have problems starting HitmanPro, use the "<em>Force Breach</em>" mode. Hold down the left CTRL-key when you start HitmanPro and all non-essential processes are terminated, including the malware process. (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=m6eRWTv2STk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to start HitmanPro in Force Breach mode - Video</a>)</li>
<li>Click on <>Next </>to install HitmanPro on your system.
<img title="HitmanPro installation process" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/hpro2.png" alt="[Image: installing-hitmanpro.png]" width="532" height="421" border="0" /></li>
<li>The setup screen is displayed, from which you can decide whether you wish to install HitmanPro on your machine or just perform a one-time scan, select a option then click on <>Next </>to start a system scan.
<img title="HitmanPro setup options" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/hpro3.png" alt="[Image: hitmanpro-setup-options.png]" width="532" height="421" border="0" /></li>
<li>HitmanPro will start scanning your system for malicious files. Depending on the the size of your hard drive, and the performance of your computer, this step will take several minutes.
<img title="HitmanPro scanning for Data Recovery" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/hpro4.png" alt="[Image: hitmanpro-scanning.png]" width="532" height="421" border="0" /></li>
<li>Once the scan is complete,a screen displaying all the malicious files that the program found will be shown as seen in the image below.After reviewing each malicious object click <>Next</>.
<img title="HitmanPro Data Recovery scan results" src="http://malwaretips.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/rsz_hpro5.png" alt="[Image: hitmanpro-scan-results.png]" width="532" height="421" border="0" /></li>
<li>Click <>Activate free license </>to start the free 30 days trial and remove the malicious files.
<img title="Activate HitmanPro free license to remove detected infections" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/hpro6.png" alt="[Image: hitmanpro-activation.png]" width="532" height="421" border="0" /></li>
<li>HitmanPro will now start removing the infected objects, and in some instances, may suggest a reboot in order to completely remove the malware from your system. In this scenario, always confirm the reboot action to be on the safe side.</li>
</ol>
<h2>STEP 6: Unhide your files and folders</h2>
Data Recovery modifies your file system in such a way that all files and folders become hidden, to restore the default settings , you'll need to run the below program.
<ol>
<li>Please <>download <a href="http://majorgeeks.com/Tweaking.com_-_Unhide_Non_System_Files_d7253.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tweaking.com-UnhideNonSystemFiles.exe</a></> to unhide your files and folders.
<a href="http://majorgeeks.com/Tweaking.com_-_Unhide_Non_System_Files_d7253.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img title="Download this utility to unhide your files" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/downloadnow.gif" alt="[Image: download-unhide.png]" width="345" height="100" border="0" /></a></li>
<li>Double click on <>Tweaking.com-UnhideNonSystemFiles.exe</> and when the utility starts <>click on the 'Start'</> button to unhide your files.
<img title="Click on the Start button to unhide your files" src="http://malwaretips.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/unhide-files.png" alt="[Image: unhide-icon.png]" width="492" height="303" border="0" /></li>
</ol>
<h2>STEP 7 : Restore your shortcuts and remove any left over malicious registry keys</h2>
Data Recovery has moved your shortcuts files in the Temporary Internet folder and added some malicious registry keys to your Windows installation , to restore your files we will need to perform a scan with RogueKiller.
<ol>
<li>Please <>download the latest official version of </><>RogueKiller</>.
<a href="http://www.sur-la-toile.com/RogueKiller/RogueKiller.exe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img title="Download RogueKiller" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/downloadnow.gif" alt="download RogueKiller" width="345" height="100" border="0" /></a></li>
<li><>Double click on RogueKiller.exe</> to start this utility and then <>wait for the Prescan to complete</>.This should take only a few seconds and then you can <>click the Start button</> to perform a system scan.
<img title="Click on the Start button to perform a system scan" src="http://malwaretips.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/roguek-1.png" alt="[Image: roguekiller-1.png]" width="600" height="450" border="0" /></li>
<li>After the scan has completed, <>press the Delete button</> to remove any malicious registry keys.
<img title="Press Delete to remove the malicious registry keys" src="http://malwaretips.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/roguek-2.png" alt="[Image: roguekiller-2.png]" width="600" height="450" border="0" /></li>
<li>Next we will need to restore your shortcuts, <>so click on the ShortcutsFix button </>and allow the program to run.
<img title="Click on the Start button to perform a system scan" src="http://malwaretips.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/roguek-3.png" alt="[Image: roguekiller-1.png]" width="600" height="450" border="0" /></li>
</ol>
<h2>STEP 8: Get your desktop look back!</h2>
Data Recovery changes your desktop background to a solid black color,to change it back to default one follow the below instruction.
<ol>
<ul>
<li>Windows XP : Click on the <>Start</> button and then select <>Control Panel</>. When the Control Panel opens, please click on the <>Display icon</>. From this screen you can now change your <>Theme and desktop background</>.</li>
<li>Windows 7 and Vista : Click on the <>Start</> button and then select <>Control Panel</>. When the Control Panel opens, please click on the <>Appearance and Personalization</> category. Then select <>Change the Theme or Change Desktop Background</> to revert back to your original Theme and colors.</li>
</ul>
</ol>
<h2>STEP 9: Restore your pinned task bar shortcuts , star menu items and other missing icons.</h2>
Smart HDD has moved your saved pinned task bar items and other shortcuts into the temporary internet folder, so now we will have to copy them back to their original location.
1. Enable on your system the 'Show hidden files, folders, and drives' option.
<ul>
<li>If you are using Windows 7 or Vista,go to <>Computer</> → Click on the <>Organize</> tab → select <>Folder and search options</>.</li>
<li>If you are using Windows XP,go to <>My Computer</> → <>Tools</> tab → select <>Folder Options</>.
<img title="Enable the option to see hidden files" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/view-hidden-items.png" alt="[Image: viewhiddenfiles.png]" width="338" height="351" border="0" /></li>
</ul>
In the new window that appeared select the <>View</> tab and choose the option <>Show hidden files, folders, and drives</> then click Apply and OK.
<img title="Show hidden files, folders, and drives" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/see-hidden-files.png" alt="[Image: Show hidden files, folders, and drives.png]" width="297" height="360" border="0" />
2.This rogue software has moved your shorcuts in a folder in the Temporary Internet files called <>smtmp</>, so now we will need to copy them back to their original locations.
<ul>
<li>Windows 7 and Vista users can find the <>smtmp folder</> in <>C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Temp</></li>
<li>Windows XP users can find <>smtmp folder</> the in : <>C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\[Your Username]\LOCAL SETTINGS\Temp </></li>
</ul>
<img title="Copy the content of each folder to their original location" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/path-to-hidden-files.png" alt="[Image: Show hidden files, folders, and drives.png]" width="708" height="183" border="0" />
The <>smtmp folder will contain 4 folders</> and you'll need to copy the content of this folders back to their original locations.
<ul>
<li><>Copy the content from %Temp%\smtmp\1\ to:</>
Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu
Windows Vista and Windows 7: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu</li>
<li><>Copy the content from %Temp%\smtmp\2\ to:</>
Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\[your username]\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\
Windows Vista and Windows 7: C:\Users\[your username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\</li>
<li><>Copy the content from %Temp%\smtmp\3\ to:</>
Windows XP: It does not exist on Windows XP.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 C:\Users\[your username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar</li>
<li><>Copy the content from %Temp%\smtmp\4\ to:</>
Windows XP : C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop
Windows Vista and Windows 7: C:\Users\Public\Desktop</li>
</ul>
<>If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove Data Recovery from your machine, please start a new thread in our <a href="https://malwaretips.com/forums/malware-removal-assistance-for-windows.10/-and-Help" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Malware Removal Assistance</a> forum.</>
<>What's next? Join our amazing <a title="PC Security forums" href="http://malwaretips.com/">community</a> and <a title="Build up your malware defenses" href="http://malwaretips.com/Forum-Security-Configuration-Wizard">build up your malware defenses </a>!</>[/parsehtml]
In reality, none of the reported issues are real, and are only used to scare you into buying Data Recovery and stealing your personal financial information.
If you've got a <>Data Recovery</> infection , you'll be seeing this screens :
<img title="Data Recovery" src="http://malwaretips.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Data-Recovery.png" alt="[Image: Smart-HDD.png]" width="715" height="592" />
<h2>Registration codes for Data Recovery</h2>
As an optional step,you can use the following license key to register Data Recovery and stop the fake alerts.
<span style="color: red;"><>08869246386344953972969146034087</></span>
<>Please keep in mind that entering the above registration code will NOT remove Data Recovery from your computer , instead it will just stop the fake alerts so that you'll be able to complete our removal guide more easily.</>
We ly advise you to follow our Data Recovery removal guide and ignore any alerts that this malicious software might generate.Under no circumstance should you buy this rogue security software as this could lead to identity theft.
<h1>Removal guide for Data Recovery</h1>
This is a self-help guide, use at your own risk.
If you experience problems completing this guide, or the problem persists after following the instructions below or would like to have one of our staff members guide you through the process, please start a new thread in our <a href="https://malwaretips.com/forums/malware-removal-assistance-for-windows.10/">Malware Removal Assistance</a> forum.
<h2>STEP 1 : Start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking</h2>
<ol>
<li>Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then <>restart your computer</>.</li>
<li><>Press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts</>.Please keep in mind that you need to press the F8 key <>before the Windows start-up logo appears</>.</li>
<li>On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to <>highlight Safe Mode with Networking</> , and then <>press ENTER</>.
<img title="Safe Mode with Networking screen" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/safemode.jpg" alt="[Image: Safemode.jpg]" width="539" height="292" border="0" /></li>
<li><>Log on to your computer</> with a user account that has administrator rights</li>
</ol>
<h2>STEP 2: Remove Data Recovery malicious proxy server</h2>
Data Recovery may add a proxy server which prevents the user from accessing the internet,follow the below instructions to remove the proxy.
<ol>
<li><>Start Internet Explorer</> <img title="IE 9" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/Ieicon.png" alt="[Image: Data Recovery- IE]" width="16" height="16" border="0" /> and if you are using Internet Explorer 9 ,click on the <>gear icon </> <img title="Gear Icon" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/icongear.jpg" alt="[Image: IE gear icon]" width="16" height="16" border="0" /> (<>Tools</> for Internet Explorer 8 users) ,then select <>Internet Options</>.
<img title="Internet Options in IE" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/ie1.png" alt="[Image: Internet-options-IE.png]" width="484" height="285" border="0" /></li>
<li>Go to the tab <>Connections</>.At the bottom, click on <>LAN settings</>.
<img title="Connections tab in Internet Explorer" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/ie2.png" alt="[Image: Remove-proxy-server2.png]" width="315" height="405" border="0" /></li>
<li>Uncheck the option <>Use a proxy server for your LAN</>. This should remove the malicious proxy server and allow you to use the internet again.
<img title="Uncheck the option Use a proxy server for your LAN" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/ie3.png" alt="[Image: Remove-proxy-server3.png]" width="318" height="405" border="0" /></li>
</ol>
If you are a Firefox users, go to <em>Firefox(upper left corner) → Options → Advanced tab → Network → Settings</em> → Select <em>No Proxy</em>
<h2>STEP 3: Run <a href="http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/anti-virus/rkill" rel="nofollow">RKill</a> to terminate known malware processes associated with Data Recovery.</h2>
RKill is a program that attempts to terminate any malicious processes associated with Data Recovery ,so that your normal security software can then run and clean your computer of infections.
As RKill only terminates a program's running process, and does not delete any files, after running it you should not reboot your computer as any malware processes that are configured to start automatically will just be started again.
<ol>
<li>While your computer is in <em>Safe Mode with Networking</em> ,please <>download the latest official version of RKill.</>
<a href="http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/grinler/iExplore.exe" rel="nofollow"><img title="Download Rkill software" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/downloadnow.gif" alt="[Image: download-rkill.png" width="345" height="100" border="0" /></a></li>
<li><>Double-click on the RKill icon</>in order to automatically attempt to stop any processes associated with Data Recovery.
<img title="RKILL ICON" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/rkill1.png" alt="[Image: run-rkill-1.png]" width="81" height="88" border="0" /></li>
<li>RKill will now start working in the background, please be patient while the program looks for various malware programs and tries to terminate them.
<img title="RKILL Command prompt" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/rkill2.png" alt="[Image: run-rkill-2.png]" width="507" height="256" border="0" />
<>IF</> you receive a message that RKill is an infection, that is a fake warning given by the rogue. As a possible solution we advise you to leave the warning on the screen and then try to run RKill again.Run RKill until the fake program is not visible but not more than ten times.
<>IF</> you continue having problems running RKill, you can download the other renamed versions of RKill from <a href="http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/anti-virus/rkill" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</li>
<li>When Rkill has completed its task, it will <>generate a log</>. You can then <>proceed with the rest of the guide</>.
<img title="RKILL LOG" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/rkill3.png" alt="[Image: Data Recovery rkill3.jpg]" width="414" height="187" border="0" /></li>
</ol>
<>WARNING: Do not reboot your computer after running RKill as the malware process will start again , preventing you from properly performing the next step.</>
<h2>STEP 4: Remove Data Recovery malicious files with <a href="https://store.malwarebytes.org/342/cookie?affiliate=17877&redirectto=http%3a%2f%2fwww.malwarebytes.org%2fproducts%2fmalwarebytes_free" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE</a></h2>
<ol>
<li>Please <>download the latest official version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE</>.
<a href="https://store.malwarebytes.org/342/cookie?affiliate=17877&redirectto=http%3a%2f%2fwww.malwarebytes.org%2fproducts%2fmalwarebytes_free" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img title="Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/downloadnow.gif" alt="download Malwarebytes" width="345" height="100" border="0" /></a></li>
<li>Install Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware by <>double clicking on mbam-setup</>.
<img title="Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Installer" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/mbam1.png" alt="[Image: malwarebytes-installer.png]" width="210" height="57" border="0" /></li>
<li>When the installation begins, <>keep following the prompts</> in order to continue with the installation process. <>Do not make any changes to default settings</> and when the program has finished installing, make sure you leave both the <>Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware</> and <>Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware</> checked. Then click on the <>Finish</>button. If Malwarebytes' prompts you to reboot, please do not do so.
<img title="Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/mbam2.png" alt="[Image: install-malwarebytes.png]" width="516" height="398" border="0" /></li>
<li>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start and you'll be prompted to start a trial period , please select '<>Decline</>' as we just want to use the on-demand scanner.
<img title="Decline trial period in Malwarebytes Anti-Malware" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/mbam3.PNG" alt="[Image: decline-trial-malwarebytes.png]" width="432" height="165" border="0" /></li>
<li>On the <>Scanner</> tab,please select <>Perform full scan</> and then click on the <>Scan </>button to start scanning your computer for any possible infections.
<img title="Perform a Full System Scan" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/mbam4.png" alt="[Image: malwarebytes-full-system-scan.png]" width="538" height="387" border="0" /></li>
<li>Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for Data Recovery malicious files as shown below.
<img title="Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scanning for Data Recovery" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/mbam5.png" alt="[Image: malwarebytes-scanning.png]" width="538" height="388" border="0" /></li>
<li>When the scan is finished a message box will appear, click <>OK </>to continue.
<img title="Malwarebytes when the scan is finished" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/mbam9.png" alt="[Image: malwarebytes-scan-finish.png]" width="512" height="210" border="0" /></li>
<li>You will now be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware has detected.Please note that the infections found may be different than what is shown in the image.Make sure that everything is <>Checked (ticked)</> and click on the <>Remove Selected</> button.
<img title="Data Recovery infection scan results" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/mbam6.png" alt="[Image: malwarebytes-scan-results.png]" width="541" height="387" border="0" /></li>
<li>Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware will now start removing the malicious files.<>If during the removal process Malwarebytes will display a message stating that it needs to reboot, please allow this request.</><>
<img title="Reboot prompt from Malwarebytes" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/mbam10.png" alt="[Image: malwarebytes-reboot-prompt.png]" /></></li>
</ol>
<h2>STEP 5: Double check your system for any left over infections with <a href="https://www.cleverbridge.com/747/cookie?affiliate=17877&redirectto=http://www.surfright.com/downloads" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HitmanPro</a></h2>
<ol>
<li>This step can be performed in Normal Mode ,so please <>download the latest official version of HitmanPro</>.
<a href="https://www.cleverbridge.com/747/cookie?affiliate=17877&redirectto=http://www.surfright.com/downloads" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img title="Download HitmanPRO" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/downloadnow.gif" alt="[Image: Download Hitman Pro]" width="345" height="100" border="0" /></a></li>
<li><>Double click on the previously downloaded file</> to start the HitmanPro installation.
<img title="HitmanPro Installer" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/hpro1.png" alt="[Image: hitmanpro-icon.png]" width="54" height="58" border="0" />
NOTE : If you have problems starting HitmanPro, use the "<em>Force Breach</em>" mode. Hold down the left CTRL-key when you start HitmanPro and all non-essential processes are terminated, including the malware process. (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=m6eRWTv2STk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to start HitmanPro in Force Breach mode - Video</a>)</li>
<li>Click on <>Next </>to install HitmanPro on your system.
<img title="HitmanPro installation process" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/hpro2.png" alt="[Image: installing-hitmanpro.png]" width="532" height="421" border="0" /></li>
<li>The setup screen is displayed, from which you can decide whether you wish to install HitmanPro on your machine or just perform a one-time scan, select a option then click on <>Next </>to start a system scan.
<img title="HitmanPro setup options" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/hpro3.png" alt="[Image: hitmanpro-setup-options.png]" width="532" height="421" border="0" /></li>
<li>HitmanPro will start scanning your system for malicious files. Depending on the the size of your hard drive, and the performance of your computer, this step will take several minutes.
<img title="HitmanPro scanning for Data Recovery" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/hpro4.png" alt="[Image: hitmanpro-scanning.png]" width="532" height="421" border="0" /></li>
<li>Once the scan is complete,a screen displaying all the malicious files that the program found will be shown as seen in the image below.After reviewing each malicious object click <>Next</>.
<img title="HitmanPro Data Recovery scan results" src="http://malwaretips.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/rsz_hpro5.png" alt="[Image: hitmanpro-scan-results.png]" width="532" height="421" border="0" /></li>
<li>Click <>Activate free license </>to start the free 30 days trial and remove the malicious files.
<img title="Activate HitmanPro free license to remove detected infections" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/hpro6.png" alt="[Image: hitmanpro-activation.png]" width="532" height="421" border="0" /></li>
<li>HitmanPro will now start removing the infected objects, and in some instances, may suggest a reboot in order to completely remove the malware from your system. In this scenario, always confirm the reboot action to be on the safe side.</li>
</ol>
<h2>STEP 6: Unhide your files and folders</h2>
Data Recovery modifies your file system in such a way that all files and folders become hidden, to restore the default settings , you'll need to run the below program.
<ol>
<li>Please <>download <a href="http://majorgeeks.com/Tweaking.com_-_Unhide_Non_System_Files_d7253.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tweaking.com-UnhideNonSystemFiles.exe</a></> to unhide your files and folders.
<a href="http://majorgeeks.com/Tweaking.com_-_Unhide_Non_System_Files_d7253.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img title="Download this utility to unhide your files" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/downloadnow.gif" alt="[Image: download-unhide.png]" width="345" height="100" border="0" /></a></li>
<li>Double click on <>Tweaking.com-UnhideNonSystemFiles.exe</> and when the utility starts <>click on the 'Start'</> button to unhide your files.
<img title="Click on the Start button to unhide your files" src="http://malwaretips.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/unhide-files.png" alt="[Image: unhide-icon.png]" width="492" height="303" border="0" /></li>
</ol>
<h2>STEP 7 : Restore your shortcuts and remove any left over malicious registry keys</h2>
Data Recovery has moved your shortcuts files in the Temporary Internet folder and added some malicious registry keys to your Windows installation , to restore your files we will need to perform a scan with RogueKiller.
<ol>
<li>Please <>download the latest official version of </><>RogueKiller</>.
<a href="http://www.sur-la-toile.com/RogueKiller/RogueKiller.exe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img title="Download RogueKiller" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/downloadnow.gif" alt="download RogueKiller" width="345" height="100" border="0" /></a></li>
<li><>Double click on RogueKiller.exe</> to start this utility and then <>wait for the Prescan to complete</>.This should take only a few seconds and then you can <>click the Start button</> to perform a system scan.
<img title="Click on the Start button to perform a system scan" src="http://malwaretips.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/roguek-1.png" alt="[Image: roguekiller-1.png]" width="600" height="450" border="0" /></li>
<li>After the scan has completed, <>press the Delete button</> to remove any malicious registry keys.
<img title="Press Delete to remove the malicious registry keys" src="http://malwaretips.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/roguek-2.png" alt="[Image: roguekiller-2.png]" width="600" height="450" border="0" /></li>
<li>Next we will need to restore your shortcuts, <>so click on the ShortcutsFix button </>and allow the program to run.
<img title="Click on the Start button to perform a system scan" src="http://malwaretips.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/roguek-3.png" alt="[Image: roguekiller-1.png]" width="600" height="450" border="0" /></li>
</ol>
<h2>STEP 8: Get your desktop look back!</h2>
Data Recovery changes your desktop background to a solid black color,to change it back to default one follow the below instruction.
<ol>
<ul>
<li>Windows XP : Click on the <>Start</> button and then select <>Control Panel</>. When the Control Panel opens, please click on the <>Display icon</>. From this screen you can now change your <>Theme and desktop background</>.</li>
<li>Windows 7 and Vista : Click on the <>Start</> button and then select <>Control Panel</>. When the Control Panel opens, please click on the <>Appearance and Personalization</> category. Then select <>Change the Theme or Change Desktop Background</> to revert back to your original Theme and colors.</li>
</ul>
</ol>
<h2>STEP 9: Restore your pinned task bar shortcuts , star menu items and other missing icons.</h2>
Smart HDD has moved your saved pinned task bar items and other shortcuts into the temporary internet folder, so now we will have to copy them back to their original location.
1. Enable on your system the 'Show hidden files, folders, and drives' option.
<ul>
<li>If you are using Windows 7 or Vista,go to <>Computer</> → Click on the <>Organize</> tab → select <>Folder and search options</>.</li>
<li>If you are using Windows XP,go to <>My Computer</> → <>Tools</> tab → select <>Folder Options</>.
<img title="Enable the option to see hidden files" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/view-hidden-items.png" alt="[Image: viewhiddenfiles.png]" width="338" height="351" border="0" /></li>
</ul>
In the new window that appeared select the <>View</> tab and choose the option <>Show hidden files, folders, and drives</> then click Apply and OK.
<img title="Show hidden files, folders, and drives" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/see-hidden-files.png" alt="[Image: Show hidden files, folders, and drives.png]" width="297" height="360" border="0" />
2.This rogue software has moved your shorcuts in a folder in the Temporary Internet files called <>smtmp</>, so now we will need to copy them back to their original locations.
<ul>
<li>Windows 7 and Vista users can find the <>smtmp folder</> in <>C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Temp</></li>
<li>Windows XP users can find <>smtmp folder</> the in : <>C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\[Your Username]\LOCAL SETTINGS\Temp </></li>
</ul>
<img title="Copy the content of each folder to their original location" src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/path-to-hidden-files.png" alt="[Image: Show hidden files, folders, and drives.png]" width="708" height="183" border="0" />
The <>smtmp folder will contain 4 folders</> and you'll need to copy the content of this folders back to their original locations.
<ul>
<li><>Copy the content from %Temp%\smtmp\1\ to:</>
Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu
Windows Vista and Windows 7: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu</li>
<li><>Copy the content from %Temp%\smtmp\2\ to:</>
Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\[your username]\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\
Windows Vista and Windows 7: C:\Users\[your username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\</li>
<li><>Copy the content from %Temp%\smtmp\3\ to:</>
Windows XP: It does not exist on Windows XP.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 C:\Users\[your username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar</li>
<li><>Copy the content from %Temp%\smtmp\4\ to:</>
Windows XP : C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop
Windows Vista and Windows 7: C:\Users\Public\Desktop</li>
</ul>
<>If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove Data Recovery from your machine, please start a new thread in our <a href="https://malwaretips.com/forums/malware-removal-assistance-for-windows.10/-and-Help" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Malware Removal Assistance</a> forum.</>
<>What's next? Join our amazing <a title="PC Security forums" href="http://malwaretips.com/">community</a> and <a title="Build up your malware defenses" href="http://malwaretips.com/Forum-Security-Configuration-Wizard">build up your malware defenses </a>!</>[/parsehtml]
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