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In this article we are going to try and help you remove Goldeneye Ransomware Virus. Our instructions cover all Windows versions.
This malicious virus locks all your files! Here is what you need to know about it
A new Ransomware virus named Goldeneye has been recently set loose and currently computers are getting infected by it by the minute! More and more users have been reporting having their PC invaded by this malicious software and have been seeking help. If this is the first time you hear about this type of noxious software, know that most Ransomware viruses aim to encrypt your files, which makes them inaccessible to you. This article is focused on providing all the essential information that one needs to know about Ransomware viruses and Goldeneye. There is also a guide below, which can help you get rid of the nasty virus and potentially also get your files back. However, remember that due to the rapid evolution of this particular type of harmful software, there are no guarantees that even our guide would be able to solve all problems caused by the nasty Ransomware. Still it is likely the best option you have if it is too late and your data has already been rendered inaccessible. Before you go to the guide, though, make sure that you read the rest of the article. It will give you a better understanding of exactly how those viruses work and how you can potentially counteract them in the future.
How your files get locked by Goldeneye
Typical Ransomware cannot simply take a specific file and encrypt it. In fact, it does not lock your original files. Once the virus is inside your system, it copies your files and it is actually the copies that are encrypted. However, after making sure that all your data has been copied into encrypted copies, the virus deletes the originals. This leaves the user with a bunch of inaccessible files, encrypted by a sophisticated code that often even the most experienced specialists are unable to break. When all of this has been done, the virus reveals itself by generating a message on the user’s screen. This message tells the victim that if they want to get the code for the encryption, which can unlock their files, they’d need to pay ransom to the hacker, who’s using the Ransomware. Instructions on how to make the transfer are also provided. In most cases, bitcoins are the preferred method of payment. Since the bitcoins are a cyber-currency that is virtually impossible to trace, the blackmailer is able to retain full anonymity. This is one of the main reasons why Ransomware viruses are so popular and widely spread.
- Important note: Since the encryption process does not happen in an instant an oftentimes requires considerable amounts of time, a user is theoretically able to manually detect the Ransomware infection even though it usually stays under the radar of the majority of security programs. Therefore, always take notice of your PC’s behavior. If there is something unusual like very high CPU and RAM usage, as well as less-than-normal hard drive free space, then it might be due to Goldeneye currently encrypting your data. If you notice that, shut down your PC and have it examined by a professional as soon as possible!
Ransom payment
A commonly asked question among Goldeneye victims is if paying the ransom is not the easier way to go with. Well, it might sound easy, but it is actually a very bad idea. After all, you might just be wasting your money for nothing, since there is no guarantee that the hacker would send you the code that you need. And this is only one of many reasons why it is not advisable to agree to such a ransom payment. Therefore, instead of doing what the hacker wants you to do, give our guide a try – it will cost you nothing and it might actually save you the need to give money to cyber-criminals.
Some more advice
The Ransomware type is currently on the rise, therefore, no matter what the outcome of your current situation, you surely need to know how to fend those viruses off in the future. There are a lot of precautions that you can take in order to ensure that. For example, back up all your important data. Make sure that you use a separate device that has no connection to the internet. Also, if you suspect a Ransomware infection do not connect any devices to the computer, since files on them might get encrypted as well. Another important rule is to always keep a reliable and high-quality anti-virus program. Keep in mind that Goldeneye might get inside your PC via another virus such as a Trojan that would serve as a gateway to your system. Another important thing to remember is to never open any suspicious-looking emails especially if they are from an unknown sender. Last but not least, always be careful when surfing the Internet and especially when downloading anything – do not go to any shady and illegal sites, since those can land you all sorts of nasty and harmful software.
Goldeneye Ransomware Virus Removal
One of the main issues with this particular instance of Ransomware is that it outright prevents you from accessing your PC. Therefore, the first step for handling the problem is to find a way to boot into Windows without getting stopped by Goldeneye Ransomware. To do that, you’d need to repair your drive’s MRB (Master Boot Records). Here is a short guide explaining how to do it:
Note: This will require you to have your Windows installation disk or a bootable USB device with Windows on it.
1.Turn on the computer and put in the Win OS Disk/connect the bootable USB.
2.Restart the computer – now it should boot from the Windows installation Disk/USB device.
3.If it doesn’t boot from the Disk/USB, you might need to change the boot settings. To do that, press Del and open the command line. There, type the following commands and hit Enter after each: enter: bootrec / fixmbr, bootrec / fixboot and bootrec / rebuildbcd. Now restart again.
4.Now, you should be able to boot from the DVD/USB and proceed with the virus removal.
# 1
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Enter Windows Safe mode.
- Win 7 Users: Restart your PC –> keep on clicking F8 –> In the subsequent Menu select Safe Mode with Networking.
- Win 8 Users: Start Button –> Control Panel –> System and Security –> Administrative Tools –> System Configuration –> In the subsequent Menu select Safe Boot –>
- Win 10 users: Start Menu –> Power Options Menu –> Hold down the SHIFT button while clicking on Restart –> Troubleshoot –> Advanced Options –> Startup Settings –> Restart –> In the subsequent Menu select Safe Mode with Networking.
# 2
Open Task Manager and locate any processes associated with Goldeneye.
- Press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC keys simultaneously –> Processes Tab –> Select a suspicious process (use Google or ask us in the comments if you are not sure about a process) –> Right Click and Open File Location –> End the suspicious process in Task Manager –> Delete the Folders containing the suspicious files.
# 3
Open the Registry Editor and search for Goldeneye.
- Win 7 Users: Click Start and type regedit –> Enter –> Press CTRL + F buttons –> Type Cryp1 Virus in the search field.
- Win 8/10 users: Start Button –> Choose Run –> type regedit –> Enter Press CTRL + F buttons –> Type Goldeneye in the search field.
# 4
Try to recover your files. First you will need System Restore.
- Win 7 Users: Start button –> Type Windows System Restore –> Enter –> Open System Restore –> Select a Restore Point and revert to it.
- Win 8 Users: Hold down the Windows key + Q –> Type Recovery –> Settings –> Choose the Recovery icon –> Open System Restore –> Select a Restore Point.
- Win 10 Users: Start Menu –> Power Options Menu –> Hold down the SHIFT button while clicking on Restart –> Troubleshoot –> Advanced Options –> System Restore –> Select a Restore Point and apply it.
Secondly use program that can access your Shadow Copies.
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- Use Google to find the official website of such a program and download it.
- Use the program to select the file types and the hard drive locations you want the program to scan for.
- Start the scan and keep in mind that it might take a while.
- Once the scan has been completed just select the files you want to be recovered.
If you have questions or suggestions feel free to use our comments section!