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You are here: precisesecurity.com » Rogue » How to remove CryptoWall Virus

How to remove CryptoWall Virus

By: Marco Mathew | Updated: October 18, 2014 Rogue 6 Comments

This page will guide you on the removal of CryptoWall virus from the computer.
To decrypt files infected with CryptoWall, please follow the procedures stated on
this page.

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CryptoWall is a computer virus known to many as ransomware, its difficult to stop cryptowall
but we can help. This malware has been around for quite a while and was aimed to infect almost
every version of Windows starting from Windows XP operating system. Ransomware such as
CryptoWall scans the PC for targeted files and encrypts them so that it remains unusable. Then,
the malware will promote a program called CryptoWall Decrypter that can be use to return your
control to all encrypted files.
When CryptoWall is executed, it places files on system and alters the registry so that malicious
code runs on every Windows boot-up. Next, the virus will modify files on the computer like
images, documents, videos, and audios. CryptoWall Virus is actually replacing the first 512
bytes with its code, thus it may look encrypted or corrupted. Associated programs may not
execute neither run the file and errors will appear on the screen. As mentioned, every folder of
the encrypted files contains HowDecrypt.txt file and HowDecrypt.gif, which are instructions on
how victims can acquire public key. Here is an excerpt of the CryptoWall message:

“Your files are encrypted.

To get the key to decrypt files you have to pay 500USD/EUR. If payment is not made before (date
and time) the cost of decrypting files will increase 2 times and will be 1000USD/EUR.”

It is clear that CryptoWall Virus is one malware that wants to steal money from computer users.
If this kind of malware begins to bug your PC, we highly suggest scanning the computer with
tools provided on this page.

Screenshot Image:
Ways to recover files encrypted by CryptoWall.
Below, we have procedures in removing CryptoWall from the computer. Since public and private
key combination is needed to decrypt files, it is impossible to recover affected files at this point.
We hope to find a workaround with this trouble in the following days. For the meantime, we will
maximize whatever we have on hand.

If your PC is running on Windows Vista and Windows 7, there is a feature called ‘Previous
Versions’. Although this function only works if restore point was saved prior to CryptoWall
infection or if System Protection is enabled on the computer. Use Previous Versions to recover
files without having to pay for the private key.

Cryptowall is a dangerous piece of software out to extract money from unsuspecting users.
Please follow the directions on this site to stop cryptowall.

How to Remove 'CryptoWall'

Option 1 : Please use this recommended tool to remove the virus.

First thing you should do is reboot the computer in Safe Mode with Networking to avoid How to
remove CryptoWall Virus from loading at start-up.

NOTE: You will need to PRINT or BOOKMARK this procedure, as we have to restart the
computer during the removal process.

To start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking, please do the following:

1. Remove all media such as floppy drive, cd, dvd, and USB devices. Then, restart the computer.

Boot in Safe Mode with Networking on Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 system
 a) Before Windows begins to load, press F8 on your keyboard.
b) It will display the Advanced Boot Options menu. Select Safe Mode with Networking.

Start computer in Safe Mode with Networking using Windows 8

a) Before Windows begins to load, press Shift and F8 on your keyboard.
b) On Recovery interface, click on 'See advanced repair options'.
c) Next, click on Troubleshoot option.
d) Then, select Advanced options from the list.
e) Lastly, please choose Windows Startup Settings and click on Restart. When Windows
restarts, you will be send to a familiar Advanced Boot Options screen.
f) Select Safe Mode with Networking from the selections menu.

2. Once the computer boots into Safe Mode with Networking, download the Removal Tool
save it on your Desktop or any location on your PC.

3. When finished downloading, locate and double-click on the file to install the application.
Windows' User Account Control will prompt at this point, please click Yes to continue installing
the program.
4. Follow the prompts and install with default configuration.
5. Before the installation completes, check prompts that software will run and update on itself.
6. Click Finish. Program will run automatically and you will be prompted to update the program
before doing a scan. Please download needed update.
7. When finished updating, the tool will run. Select Perform full scan on main screen to check
your computer thoroughly.
8. Scanning may take a while. When done, click on Show Results.
9. Make sure that all detected threats are checked, click on Remove Selected. This will delete all
files and registry entries that belongs to CryptoWall.
10. Finally, restart your computer.
 Note: If CryptoWall prevents mbam-setup.exe from downloading. Download the software from
another computer. Renaming it to something like 'anything.exe' can help elude the malware.
You may skip Option 2 and proceed to Additional Scans below if you see that the steps above
have totally removed the malware.

Option 2 : Remove CryptoWall instantly with this Rescue Disk

This procedure requires a tool from Kasperky. Thus, it requires Internet access to download the
files. If the virus blocks your Internet access, you have no other choice but to execute this guide
from another computer.

Download Kaspersky Rescue Disk

1. Download the ISO image of Kaspersky Rescue Disk 10 (kav_rescue_10.iso) from official web
page.
2. Download the Kaspersky Rescue Disk Maker (rescue2usb.exe) as provided by Kasperky.

Create A Bootable USB Drive

3. Insert a clean USB flash drive to available slot. To record the ISO file and create a bootable
USB drive, double-click on rescue2usb.exe. It will extract the files and create a folder called
Kaspersky Rescue2Usb.
4. Kaspersky USB Rescue Disk Maker should run after the extraction. If not browse the
Kaspersky Rescue2Usb folder and run the rescue2usb file.
5. From Kaspersky USB Rescue Disk Maker console, click on Browse and locate the file
kav_rescue_10.iso.

6. On USB Medium, select the USB drive you wanted to make as bootable Kaspersky USB Rescue
Disk. This will become a bootable virus scanner.
7. Click in Start to begin the process.
8. When the process is complete, it will display a notification message. Your tool to remove
CryptoWall is now ready.

Boot The Computer From The USB Kaspersky Rescue Disk 10

9. Since CryptoWall uses a rootkit Trojan that controls Windows boot functions, we need to
reboot the computer and select the newly created Kaspersky USB Rescue Disk as first boot
option. On most computers, it will allow you to enter the boot menu and select which device or
drives you wanted to start the PC. Refer to your computer manual.
10. If you successfully enters the boot menu, choose the USB flash drive. This will boot the
system on Kaspersky Rescue Disk. Press any key to enter the menu.

11. If it prompts for desired language, use arrow keys to select and then press Enter on your
keyboard.
12. It will display End User License Agreement . You need to accept this term to be able to use
Kaspersky Rescue Disk 10. Press 1 to accept.
13. The tool will prompt for various start-up methods. We highly encourage you to choose
Kaspersky Rescue Disk Graphic Mode.

Remove CryptoWall Using Windows Unlocker

14. Once the tool is running, you need to run WindowsUnlocker in order to delete registry that
belongs to CryptoWall. On start menu located at bottom left corner of your screen, select the
icon or select WindowsUnlocker if it is present on the Menu.
15. Select Terminal from the list. A command prompt will open.

16. Type windowsunlocker and press Enter on your keyboard.

17. From the selection, choose 1 - Unlock Windows to remove CryptoWall. Use up/down
on keyboard to select and press Enter.

18. This utility will start removing any components that blocking you from accessing the
computer. It will display a log file containing actions performed on the infected computer like
deleted infected file and removed registry entries.
19. After removing components of CryptoWall. You need to scan the system using the same tool.
On start menu, select Kaspersky Rescue Disk.
20. Be sure to update the program by going to My Update Center tab. Click on Start update
21. After the update, go to Object Scan tab and thoroughly scan the computer to locate other
files that belong to CryptoWall.
22. Restart the computer normally when done.

Additional anti-virus and anti-rootkit scans (Optional)

Ensure that no more files of CryptoWall are left inside the computer
1. Click on the button below to download Norton Power Eraser from official web site. Save it to
your desktop or any location of your choice.

4. Once the file is downloaded, navigate its location and double-click on the icon (NPE.exe)
launch the program.
5. Norton Power Eraser will run. If it prompts for End User License Agreement, please click on
Accept.
6. On NPE main window, click on Advanced. We will attempt to remove CryptoWall components
without restarting the computer.
9. On next window, select System Scan and click on Scan now to perform standard scan on
your computer.

10. NPE will proceed with the scan. It will search for Trojans, viruses, and malware like
CryptoWall. This may take some time, depending on the number of files currently stored on the
computer.

11. When scan is complete. All detected risks are listed. Remove them and restart Windows if
necessary.

Remove the Rootkit Trojan that installs CryptoWall

For automatic removal of rootkit Trojan using a free tool, you can refer to this guide. Download
the tool and carefully follow the instruction.

1. Click on the button below to download the file FixZeroAccess.exe from official web site. A
new window or tab will open containing the download link.
2. Close all running programs and remove any disc drives and USB devices on the computer.
3. Temporarily Disable System Restore if you are running on Windows XP). [how to]
4. Browse for the location of the file FixZeroAccess.exe.
5. Double-click on the file to run it. If User Account Control prompts for a security warning and
ask if you want to run the file, please choose Run.
6. It will open a Zero Access Fix Tool End User License Agreement (EULA). You must accept
this license agreement in order to proceed with rootkit removal. Please click I Accept.

7. It will display a message and prepares the computer to restart. Please click on Proceed

8. When it shows a message about 'Restarting System' please click on OK button.

9. After restarting the computer, the tool will display information about the identified threats.
Please continue running the tool by following the prompts.
10. When it reaches the final step, the tool will show the scan result containing deleted
components of CryptoWall and other identified virus.

Alternative Removal Procedure for CryptoWall

Option 1 : Use Windows System Restore to return Windows to

previous state
During an infection, How to remove CryptoWall Virus drops various files and registry entries. The
threat intentionally hides system files by setting options in the registry. With these rigid
changes, the best solution is to return Windows to previous working state is through System
Restore.

To verify if System Restore is active on your computer, please follow the instructions below to
access this feature.

Access System Restore on Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7

a) Go to Start Menu, then under 'Run' or 'Search Program and Files' field, type rstrui.
b) Then, press Enter on the keyboard to open System Restore Settings.
 Open System Restore on Windows 8

a) Hover your mouse cursor to the lower left corner of the screen and wait for the Start
to appear.
b) Right-click on the icon and select Run from the list. This will open a Run dialog box.
c) Type rstrui on the 'Open' field and click on OK to initiate the command.

If previous restore point is saved, you may proceed with Windows System Restore. Click here
see the full procedure.

Troubleshooting Guides

Did CryptoWall blocks your Internet access?

It is usual that rogue program prevents user from downloading removal tools from the Internet.
Thus, infected computer may be denied to access the Internet by making changes to
computer's proxy, DNS, and Hosts file. To fix Internet connection problem, follow these steps:

1. Download the free program called MiniToolBox. Click the button below to begin. Save the file
on your hard drive or preferably in your Desktop.

2. Close all running Internet browser and double-click on the file to run. It opens a window
showing a list of features.
3. Make sure that you have a check mark on the following items : Flush DNS, Reset IE Proxy
Settings, and Reset FF Proxy Settings.
4. Click on the GO button to start the process. The program automatically closes and displays a
text file for your reference.

5. If the above solution does not work, you may try other method like fixing a virus-blocked
Internet access. Make sure that your hosts file is free from any malicious entries. View steps in
cleaning Windows host file.

Ways to Prevent CryptoWall Infection

Here are some guidelines to help defend your computer from virus attack and malware
activities. Being fully protected does not have to be expensive.

Install protection software to block CryptoWall and other threats

Having an effective anti-malware program is the best way to guard your computer against
malware and threats. Although full version of anti-malware will cost some penny to obtain, it is
still worthy to buy one. With real-time scan, it will be safer for you to browse the web, download
files, and do more things online.

Keep all programs up to date

It is important to download critical update for installed programs. Software updates includes
patches for security flaw that may utilize by an attacker to enter the computer. This flaw may be
taken advantage by CryptoWall, viruses, and malware to attack the computer. Crucial programs
to watch for updates are MS Windows, MS Office, Adobe Flash, Adobe Acrobat, and Java
Runtime.
Activate security features of your Internet browser
SmartScreen Filter, Phishing and Malware Protection, and Block Attack Sites are the respective
security features of Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox. Although, it may not
fully guard your computer from online attack, at least it can lessen the risk. Enabling these
features also helps to secure your private data and avoid identity theft.

Be a responsible Internet user

Antivirus programs and security features of Internet browser facilitates real-time protection and
monitors harmful activities online. However, it tends to malfunction for some reasons. Thus, you
do not have to be fully dependent on these tools. It is always best to practice safety measures
when using the Internet.

Comments and Suggestions

On this area you can find Visitor's personal suggestions. We cannot control and evaluate each
recommended procedure from visitors so please use it at your own risks. If your inquiry pertains
to How to remove CryptoWall Virus payment refund or lost serial key, kindly check the FAQ for
rogue program first.

6 Comments

1.
Vince
Jun 11, 2014 @ 05:31:59

At the top of this page it says “To decrypt files infected with CryptoWall, please follow the
procedures stated on this page.” Will removing Cryptowall automatically decrypt the files that
are infected? Or is there a seperate procedure for decrypting using the private key (which
according to Symantec is left on the infected key)?

2.
Gerald
Jun 12, 2014 @ 18:43:09

Another tool for recovery if you have volume shadow copy enabled is available at
shadowexplorer.com

Shadow Explorer lets you browse your shadow copies and export directly back into windows,
overwriting/replacing the encrypted files that have been attacked by Cryptowall.

3.
Becky
Jun 13, 2014 @ 22:25:29

Crypto wall has encrypted all my photo folders. Is there a way to decrypt them? Thanks.

4.
Beulah
Jun 24, 2014 @ 12:12:18

I Had someone who removed the virus.

But I can’t open any exel files, photos or pdf file.

5.
David
Jun 25, 2014 @ 07:16:17

On June 13th, the Cryptowall virus encrypted all my personal folders. It’s horrible. My cousin is
an IT specialist and says there may be a solution soon, can anyone confirm this??

6.
Mason Drew
Jun 25, 2014 @ 13:54:21

We had the Cryptowall recently come into the organization via email. We had to go to a restore
point, just prior to the infection showing up, in order to get around it. We had to wipe out and
reconfigure our Security Settings, and our sharing permissions. Someone with Administrative
rights got the virus, and it just spread like wild fire throughout the network.

I recommend using the paid version of Malwarebytes to remove it, and stay away from it in the
future. It cost the company 3 days of downtime.

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