CryptoLocker is ransomware malware. It encrypts users files and asks to pay the ransom in order to get decryptor. The ransom amount is so big that normal users can’t pay. CryptoLocker has made many victims in last few years. It uses RSA-2048 encryption method to lock the files which mean it is almost impossible to recover. To decrypt files users are asked to pay the ransom amount of 2.05 Bitcoins which costs around $1880.

The cryptolocker has first seen in 2013 September month. In June 2014 its distribution network was destroyed which made it almost dead. Its terror was for 1 year in people. Currently, some other ransomware is using its name. As of now, there is no proven method to decrypt the files other than paying ransom for CryptoLocker. The infection can be removed from the computer but the files that are encrypted cannot be decrypted. The only method works to get the files back is to use restoration software.

It is said that the makers of this Trojan make $3 million by the ransom amount. In this guide, we will tell you how to remove CryptoLocker infection from your computer and how to restore your files using restore software.

What is CryptoLocker Ransomware?

How CryptoLocker Ransomware gets into your System?

After encrypting your files it creates a txt file named “Your files are locked!!!!.txt” in each folder. This txt file contains information about how you will pay the ransom. The same file is also placed in the startup folder so that it automatically opens when you start your computer. Some version of CryptoLocker also changes your desktop wallpaper to show the warning and instruction to pay the money. CryptoLocker also deletes the Shadow Volume Copies of your files so that you cannot recover them. Shadow Volume Copy is windows mechanism to restore the files.

How to Remove CryptoLocker?

Try to Restore your Windows to Remove CryptoLocker Ransomware

This method is not fully proven method of CryptoLocker Removal. Some users successfully removed CryptoLocker from their computer by restoring windows to the previous date. However, CryptoLocker deletes Shadow Volume Copies of drives. So, it cannot be said that you will be successful in this step. Still, it is worth a try.

• WINDOWS 10
• wINDOWS 8 / 8.1
• WINDOWS 7 / VISTA

Search for ‘System Restore’ in Windows Search box and choose ‘Create a Restore Point’ from the Results.

Under the System Protection Tab choose ‘System Restore’

Click on Next

You will find the list of restore points. If you can’t find good restore point then check the box of ‘Show more restore points’. Select an appropriate restore point, click next and follow the instruction to restore your windows.

Go on the Desktop and press Windows + C button. It will display the Windows Charm menu.

In this charm menu Click on Settings and then select Control Panel

Search for ‘Recovery’ in the Control Panel Search Box and Choose Recovery from the Search Result

Now Choose ‘Open System Restore’

Click on Next

Now choose the Restore Points and click on Next

Click on Finish

Now Click on Yes button to confirm the restoration process. It warns that once the system restore will start it cannot be stopped.

Click on the Start button and search for System Restore in the search box and select the System Restore from the search result.

Select Choose a different restore point and click Next in the window. In the next window you will see different restore points and select one appropriate and click next.

Now Click on Finish button.

Now Windows will ask for confirmation that the once the Restoration will start it cannot be stopped. Click on Yes to confirm.

Automatically Remove CryptoLocker Ransomware from your Computer

You tried to remove CryptoLocker by restoring the windows to previous date. If you couldn't remove CryptoLocker by that method then you should install a strong antimalware. MalwareFox is a good antimalware capable to detect and remove CryptoLocker infection from your computer. Download MalwareFox to start this method. 

Step 1- Install MalwareFox on your PC

Open the Installer by Clicking on the Downloaded file.

Now choose your desired language and follow the instructions to install the MalwareFox on your computer.

After completing the installation, the MalwareFox will update the application to its latest version. Let it update.

Now it will sync the Malware database with server. It is important step as it needs to know latest types of malwares.

Step 2 - Scan and Clean your Computer for Malware

When the update process completes it will show Real Time Protection: On. Now you can scan your computer. Press Scan button and leave everything on MalwareFox, it knows how to deal with CryptoLocker Ransomware and other malware.

After the scan complete click on Next button to clean your computer completely.

Recover your Files using Recovery Software

Once CryptoLocker encrypts your files there is no method to decrypt them other than paying the ransom. The encryption method that is used to encrypt your files is so strong. It cannot be decrypted without the encryption key. Some users tried and successfully restored their files using recovery software. The CryptoLocker also attempt to block this way. It deletes shadow copies on the drive so that recovery software cannot recover them. In some cases, it didn't delete all shadow copies, so there are chances that you can get your files. It is worth a try than paying $1880 ransom.

Recovery software like Recuva and ShadowExplorer works well in this case. When there is any change in your files in any folder the windows creates a shadow copy in the drive. The recovery software looks for such traces and then they join these traces to recover the actual files. Download recover software and try recovering your files.

How to Stay Away with CryptoLocker Ransomware? 

To stay away from CryptoLocker and other ransomware you need to be little cautious. The main method of all major ransomware to infect your computer is through spam emails. These emails contain executable files and macros that spread all over your computer. Always pay attention while reading your emails. Do not open any email or download attachments whose sender you don't know. Spam emails contents are confusing it made users curious. Don't follow such emails. You should also have an anitmalware program installed on your computer.

Antivirus isn't enough. Most of antiviruses don't protect you from all types of malware. An antimalware such as MalwareFox is designed to protect you from any malware attack. Download MalwareFox and keep its real time protection on. It will provide real time protection from malware attacks.