Do you know what Extractor Ransomware is?
Extractor Ransomware is a dangerous infection that was created using the Delphi programming language, just like the infamous Amnesia Ransomware that we have reported recently. It is unlikely that both of these infections were created by the same malware developer, but they both work in similar ways. Once the launcher is executed, these infections encrypt files and add unique extensions to their names. Also, both of them offer to decrypt files for a certain fee (i.e., ransom). Unfortunately, both of these infections are created by cyber criminals who cannot be trusted, and it is highly unlikely that they would provide their victims with working decryption keys after they paid the demanded fees. Unfortunately, this is how most ransomware threats operate. In this report, we discuss the removal of Extractor Ransomware, but keep in mind that you cannot decrypt your files by successfully eliminating this dangerous infection.
Corrupted spam emails can be employed by Extractor Ransomware to slither into your operating system. The installer of this threat could be concealed and attached to a misleading email to trick you into executing it yourself. If you are tricked, the encryption process begins shortly after that. Just like most other ransomware infections, this one goes after personal files, such as documents, images, etc. To help you identify the corrupted files, Extractor Ransomware attaches the “.xxx” extension to their names. You should check out which files the ransomware has encrypted before you do anything else because you might find that the files encrypted are the ones you have backed up on an external drive or online. If your personal files are not backed up, why is that so? There are so many infections that can corrupt your files, and no one is safe against physical hard drive damage. Needless to say, if your files were backed up, you would not need to think about the ransomware, and whether or not to pay the ransom and delete it.
Extractor Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
Once Extractor Ransomware encrypts your files, it creates a file named “ReadMe_XXX.txt”. You should find this file on the Desktop, and it is safe to open it. Using this file, the creator of the ransomware wants to force you into emailing your “computer name” (it is represented via this file as well) to serverrecovery@mail.ru. We do not recommend communicating with cyber criminals at all, but if you must, make sure you use an email address you do not use on a daily basis. You can also create a new one just for the purpose of contacting cyber crooks. If you email the creator of Extractor Ransomware, you are likely to be informed that you need to pay money to get your files decrypted, but we have already discussed how unreliable cyber crooks are and how risky it is to pay the ransom.
Do you know how to delete Extractor Ransomware from your Windows operating system? All you have to do is find and delete the launcher file. This operation can be both easy and impossible, depending on whether or not you can identify the launcher. If you can, go ahead and remove it immediately. If you cannot, consider employing legitimate malware detection and removal software. Trusted anti-malware software can automatically remove the ransomware, as well as reinstate full-time protection so that you would not need to think about other infections ever again.
Remove Extractor Ransomware from Windows
- Find the launcher file, {unique name}.exe.
- Right-click and Delete the launcher.
- Right-click and Delete the ransom file, ReadMe_XXX.txt.
- Empty Recycle Bin and then scan your operating system.
In non-techie terms:
You are in a very unfortunate situation if Extractor Ransomware has invaded your operating system. Once this dangerous and clandestine infection slithers in, it immediately encrypts files, and there is no turning back. Do you believe that you can get your files back by emailing cyber criminals and then paying the ransom? Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that you would get your files back by doing so. If your files are backed up, you, of course, do not need to worry about any of this. Instead, remove the malicious launcher (see guide below, or install anti-malware software), and then restore your files from backup. If you do not use backups, start doing that now to prevent the loss of personal data in the future.