Remove Vovalex Ransomware

Vovalex Ransomware : Data Encrypting Malware

Vovalex Ransomware is a probably the first data encrypting malware written in D language that prevents victims from accessing data and files by encrypting them. The files are held hostage for ransom and hackers demand a ransom fee decrypting and restoring the files. Once the PC is attacked by Vovalex Ransomware, soon all the files get appended with .vovalex extension. image.jpg gets renamed to image.jpg.vovalex and so on. Further a ransom note is dropped in form of text as README.VOVALEX.txt file. It clearly states the details such as Ransom amount of 0.5 XMR which is form of Monero Cryptocurrency and email id of hackers. The ransom note is written in English as well as Russian language. So the payment is to be transferred to Monero Wallet and the proof of payment is to be mailed to hackers on the given id [email protected]. The ransom note also states that once the ransom fee is paid, hackers will release the decryption tool. Since there is no other way to unlock the files and data.

The infection creates new entries in the registry, spreads your files in several places and modifies the running process so that you cannot access the desktop and use the PC as usual. You need to restore your desktop access to remove Vovalex Ransomware and all the other infections that are probably hidden on your system. Ignoring the content of the notice and not thinking about paying the fine is necessary. The computer infection, classified as ransomware, is sometimes referred to as a virus, blocks the target computer’s screen and displays a message that all files are encrypted.

Threat Summary:

• Name: Vovalex Ransomware
• Type: Ransomware
• Similar Threats: XD Locker Ransomware, Vasa Locker Ransomware
• Ransom Note: README.VOVALEX.txt
• Ransom Demanded: 0.5 XMR
• Wallet Address 4B45W7V1sJAZBnPSnvcipa5k7BRyC4w8GCTfQCUL2XRx5CFzG3iJtEk2kqEvFbF7FagEafRYFfQ6FJnZmep5TsnrSfxpMkS
• Removal : It is possible to Remove Using Vovalex Removal Guide

Should Victims pay Ransom to Vovalex Ransomware Hackers?

It is never suggested that victims should even think of paying the ransom as there is no guarantee that files will be restored or the decryption tool will work even if its sent across to victims. What if even after paying the ransom money, files do not get decrypted or decryption tool does not work. So it is better to use backup of the data and files to restore encrypted files. Till now there is no third party tool or decryption tool released that can restore or decrypt the files attacked by Vovalex Ransomware.

It has been discovered that the name of Vovalex can also be used by a malicious file. It is important that you do not pay attention to the requested fine or the intimidating statements about imprisonment or large payments of fines, as all of this is fictitious.
Unfortunately, Vovalex Ransom claim that its files are encrypted is real. It fulfills some of the characteristics in its description, however, it is obvious that Vovalex virus is not worth your money.
Some security programs have already marked the file affiliated with it as malicious, it is likely because of several unsafe programs that may be bundled with programs published by software developers.

How Vovalex Ransomware Enters PC?

It has been found that Vovalex Ransomware uses installers such as WinRAR, uTorrent and CCleanerto get distributed. It also make use of fake installers to find its way on compromised PC and target Windows PC users to make the victims. So one should be careful if they are installing or updating any free programs, freeware and shareware on their system. Many users have the habit of using pirated software or cracked version of the software. These are illegal software and should never be used as these might be used by Ransomware or any malware to install on PC as security loopholes. Besides attachments and emails which are sent across from any unknown senders should never be clicked upon.

Vovalex Ransomware Removal

One can remove Vovalex Ransomware using the manual and automatic removal steps given below. Manual removal is a bit lengthy and requires advanced computing skills. SpyHunter is proficient and legit anti-malware tool and is recommended to remove Vovalex Ransomware.

Details of Antimalware with User’s Guide

Click for Windows

Click for Mac

Step 1 Remove Vovalex Ransomware using “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2 Delete Vovalex Ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1 Remove Vovalex Ransomware using “Safe Mode with Networking”

Windows XP and Windows 7 users:

First of all Reboot the PC in “Safe Mode”. For this users need to Click on “Start” option and then continuously Tap on F8 during the start process. Then a “Windows Advanced Option” menu will appear on the screen. Now Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the listed options.

This will open a new Windows homescreen and your PC or work-station will be working on “Safe Mode with Networking”.

For Windows 8

First Go to Start Screen. Now type “Advanced” after selecting settings within the searched results Within the “General PC Settings” option, Select “Advanced startup” option. Then click on the “Restart Now” option. This will boot work-station to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Now Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button.  Then under “Advanced Option Screen”, You need to press on “Startup Settings”. Now again, click on “Restart” button. This will restart PC or Work-station with “Startup Setting” screen. You need to tap F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.

For Windows 10

First of all click on Windows logo by clicking on the “Power” icon. This will open a new menu. Select “Restart” by constantly keeping “Shift” button pressed on keyboard. Once the new Window open Select on “Troubleshoot” as advanced option. Within the startup settings users need to press on “Restart” by clicking on F5 button of the keyboard.

Step:2 How To Delete Vovalex Ransomware using System Restore

For this you need to log in on the PC which is compromised by Vovalex Ransomware. Now open any browser and download legit anti-malware software. Once installed you need to undergo complete system scan. Thereafter remove the infected and suspicious entries which are detected.

Suppose if you are unable to start PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, you need not worry. Try “System Restore” Process

Continuously tap F8 Key during “Startup” and then “Advanced Option” menu will appear. Now from the given list of option you need to select “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and hit on Enter button.

Within new open window of command prompt, type “cd restore” and then click “Enter”

Now type rstrui.exe and then press “ENTER”

In the new opened Window Click on “Next” option.

You can select and choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on Next (This would restore your PC to earlier period before Vovalex Ransomware invasion when it was working fine.)

Press on “Yes” in new opened Window.

As soon as your PC gets restored to its previous time, download the suggested anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove Vovalex Ransomware infected files if still present on the the work-station.

If you want to restore each file separately which is infected by this ransomware, kindly use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This step is most effective whenever “System Restore Function” is enabled on the PC or work-station.

Important Note: Some variants of Vovalex Ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” so in such cases this feature may not work all the time and will work in specific cases only.

Know How To Restore Encrypted Files Individually

If you want to restore an individual file, you need to right click on it and then go to “Properties”. Now Select “Previous Version” tab. then Choose a “Restore Point” and finally click on “Restore” option.

If you want to access the files encrypted by Vovalex Ransomware, alternatively you can try “Shadow Explorer”. To know more details on this application, Click here. 

Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are very devastating and hence it is always better to take necessary precautions to avoid any attack on your work-station or PC. We recommend using a powerful anti-malware tool for real time protection.  “SpyHunter”, “Enigma group policy objects” are enabled in the registries so that it can block harmful infections such as Vovalex Ransomware.

Also, it is highly important to get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” installed on Windows 10. This would ensure to offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature to block any kind of encryption of the data files. Using this feature all the files stored in their default locations are safe.

How To Recover Files Encrypted by Vovalex Ransomware

You would have understood now that how you can remove the scripts and payloads of personal files that got encrypted due to Vovalex Ransomware in order to protect your personal files which were fortunately not damaged or encrypted till now. If you are unable to retrieve the locked files, using “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” you must try using a Data Recovery Software.

Step 1: Download Data Recovery Software

Step 2: Double click to execute the installer file on your PC

Step 3: Click to Accept to agree the terms and agreement.

Step 4: Once installed, this program will be ready to execute. Now select the file you want to recover

Step 5: Select the drive on which the recovery tool is to be run upon. Then click on Scan option

Step 6: This will show Scan in progress bar

Step 7: Select the location to save the recovered files and data.