Bad Rabbit Ransomware Removal (+File Recovery)

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Welcome to our Bad Rabbit Ransomware removal guide. The following instructions will aid you in removing the newest Petya ransomware variant from your PC for free.

The malware programs classified as Ransomware versions are by all means the most dangerous and intrusive type of software. They are seen as especially malicious because of their potential effects on your machines – full file or monitor encryption can take place. After locking up the component of your PC they have been set to encrypt, such terrible viruses could proceed to produce a ransom notification. The warning inside such a demand message states that if you refuse to pay the ransom the hackers want; you will have to deal with a permanent loss of access to whatever it is that has been blocked. Here we will be discussing one specific Ransomware virus that can be blamed for file encryption and ransom harassment and it is called Bad Rabbit. Read the following paragraphs to learn more about Ransomware in general and Bad Rabbit in particular.

Ransomware in detail:

The programs classified as Ransomware are said to have first appeared in Russia during the last two decades of the XXth century. At first, there were two versions of Ransomware-like viruses:

1. File-encrypting: exactly the subcategory Bad Rabbit belongs to. These viruses infect computers, and then check all their disks and drives for the most often used data. Later on, all such data gets locked up with a specialized key, which is awfully hard to crack. Such malware tends to send ransom-requiring messages when they are done with the encryption of your valuable files. Inside this message, you can find some extra warnings as well as some detailed payment-related information.
2. Screen-lock – these viruses are believed to infiltrate computers in the same way as the ones from the aforementioned group. The only difference between these two categories is that the screen-blocking versions may only lock up the victim user’s desktop with an enormous ransom-demanding pop-up alert. Here, no data falls victim of any encryption. Only the monitor is made inaccessible to you. Nevertheless, a ransom is again required and you will see all the payment information in the notification, which blocks your desktop.
3. Mobile device Ransomware: such viruses may infect phones and tablets as well. The way such a virus functions in this case most often resembles the screen-locking ones we have described above.

How does such a virus get spread most commonly?

Bad Rabbit, as well as all other Ransomware-based programs, may get distributed in various ways. They may be included in contaminated letters in your email; as well as in their attachments. Another more common source of such malicious software is the so-called ‘malvertising’. Some websites include ads that could lead to malware, and once you click on such an ad, you get the virus automatically. One more typical means of distribution might be any drive-by download from contagious websites, as well as contaminated shareware or torrents.

Is it even probable to get Bad Rabbit safely removed? Is there a way to recover the victim’s affected data?

Talking about infections caused by Ransomware, it is extremely important that you bear in mind no actions on your side can  guarantee the total recovery of the encrypted data. Even if you succeed in removing this dangerous virus, your data could be lost forever. And even in case you decide to indeed pay the required ransom, the hackers could simply disappear with it, and your files may remain inaccessible for good. As all odds are not exactly in your favor when facing such a Ransomware contamination, we recommend that you take the risk of not paying the ransom and see what you are able to do on your own. You will not really lose anything in this case as your data is already blocked. Some of the possible solutions may include contacting someone who has some experience getting rid of such viruses. It may turn out to be just the right solution.

Or perhaps your solution lies in a reliable Removal Guide. As a matter of fact, we have one very helpful example here: simply scroll down and check out our Removal Guide below. It will help you locate and delete Bad Rabbit, as well as potentially also recover your encrypted files. Whatever you do, always keep in mind that in the battle against Ransomware-like viruses, your most powerful weapon has always been and will be prevention. If you want to avoid file-encryption, simply back up your data as often as you can and store it on a separate drive, and no one will ever be able to harass you.

Bad Rabbit Ransomware Removal

Here is what you need to do in order to remove a Ransomware virus from you computer.

1. Insert the DVD (or the USB) into the computer, then run the computer and choose to boot the OS from the DVD/USB. You may have to change Windows boot priorities from the bios by pressing Del
2. When Windows boots from the DVD/USB select Windows Repair
3. Open the Command Prompt and write the following commands inside:     enter: bootrec / fixmbr, bootrec / fixboot and bootrec / rebuildbcd
4. Your Windows OS should now be able to boot normally. You can proceed with the removal of the virus as usual.

I – Reveal Hidden files and folders and utilize the task manager

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1. Use the Folder Options in order to reveal the hidden files and folders on your PC. If you do not know how to do that, follow this link.
2. Open the Start Menu and in the search field type Task Manager.
   
3. Open the first result and in the Processes tab, carefully look through the list of Processes.
4. If you notice with the virus name or any other suspicious-looking or that seems to consume large amounts of memory, right-click on it and open its file location. Delete everything in there.
   

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• Make sure that the hidden files and folders on your PC are visible, else you might not be able to see everything.

5. Go back to the Task Manager and end the shady process.

II – Boot to Safe Mode

• Boot your PC into Safe Mode. If you do not know how to do it, use this guide/linked/.

III – Identify the threat

1. Go to the ID Ransomware website. Here is a direct link.
2. Follow there in order to identify the specific virus you are dealing with.
   

IV – Decrypt your files

1. Once you have identified the virus that has encrypted your files, you must acquire the respective tool to unlock your data.
2. Open your browser and search for how to decrypt ransomware, look for the name of the one that has infected your system.
3. With any luck, you’d be able to find a decryptor tool for your ransomware. If that doesn’t happen try Step V as a last ditch effort to save your files.

V – Use Recuva to restore files deleted by the virus

1. Download the Recuva tool. This will help you restore your original files so that you won’t need to actually decrypt the locked ones.
2. Once you’ve downloaded the program, open it and select Next.
   
3. Now choose the type of files you are seeking to restore and continue to the next page.
4. When asked where your files were, before they got deleted, either use the option In a specific location and provide that location or choose the opt for the I am not sure alternative – this will make the program look everywhere on your PC.
   
5. Click on Next and for best results, enable the Deep Scan option (note that this might take some time).
   
6. Wait for the search to finish and then select which of the listed files you want to restore.

• Keep in mind it is possible that not all files might be fully recovered. You can check in what condition the files are from the State column in the list of deleted files.