When the Doctor ransomware appeared many users have complained, sending multiple files for decryption. This lead us to research the matter and provide users with a relevant solution to files encrypted by this nasty ransomware. The ransomware is also believed to attack Windows backup and delete the File History. And file recovery software may not help much. This is why we have created detailed instructions to assist you, the user in successfully removing the threat and decrypting your data.
1.Remove of Doctor@freelinuxmail.org Ransomware
Before decrypting the files encrypted by the Doctor ransomware, you should know that it is vital to remove the malware from your computer. This is why you should first remove it using the instructions below:
1. Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows 7,XP and Vista.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.For Windows XP, Vista, 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu.
2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Step 2: Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: Click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
2. Remove Doctor@freelinuxmail.org with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove Doctor@freelinuxmail.org.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove Doctor@freelinuxmail.org.
It is highly recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to automatically update.
Step1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Scan Computer Now’ button.
Step2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any Doctor@freelinuxmail.org files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently.
Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.
3. Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data automatically with cloud backup and insure it against any type of data loss on your device, even the most severe. We recommend reading more about and downloading SOS Online Backup .
To back up your files via Windows and prevent any future intrusions, follow these instructions:
1. For Windows 7 and earlier 1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 1. Enabling the Windows Defense Feature (Previous Versions)1-Click on Windows Start Menu
2-Type Backup And Restore
3-Open it and click on Set Up Backup
4-A window will appear asking you where to set up backup. You should have a flash drive or an external hard drive. Mark it by clicking on it with your mouse then click on Next.
5-On the next window, the system will ask you what do you want to backup. Choose the ‘Let Me Choose’ option and then click on Next.
6-Click on ‘Save settings and run backup’ on the next window in order to protect your files from possible attacks by Doctor@freelinuxmail.org.
2-In the window type ‘filehistory’ and press Enter
3-A File History window will appear. Click on ‘Configure file history settings’
4-The configuration menu for File History will appear. Click on ‘Turn On’. After its on, click on Select Drive in order to select the backup drive. It is recommended to choose an external HDD, SSD or a USB stick whose memory capacity is corresponding to the size of the files you want to backup.
5-Select the drive then click on ‘Ok’ in order to set up file backup and protect yourself from Doctor@freelinuxmail.org.
1- Press Windows button + R keys.
2- A run windows should appear. In it type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and then click on Run.
3- A System Properties windows should appear. In it choose System Protection.
5- Click on Turn on system protection and select the size on the hard disk you want to utilize for system protection.
6- Click on Ok and you should see an indication in Protection settings that the protection from Doctor@freelinuxmail.org is on.
Restoring a file via Windows Defense feature:
1-Right-click on the encrypted file, then choose Properties.
2-Click on the Previous Versions tab and then mark the last version of the file.
3-Click on Apply and Ok and the file encrypted by Doctor@freelinuxmail.org should be restored.
2.Decrypt Your Files
Fortunately for all our sake, Kaspersky have kindly provided the users with a free decryptor. It is called RakhniDecryptor and you can download it from Kaspersky’s virus fighting utilities page.
Here is how to decode your files using RakhniDecryptor:
Step 1: Download and start the RakhniDecryptor.exe:
Step 2: Click on the “Start Scan” button. It will open a window from which you can select a file to decrypt.
Step 3: Look for files that are more important to you first and select them to start the decryption process. This is because it may take some time. A good strategy is to attempt decrypting files that are smaller in size. This is because if the files have the same password other larger files can be automatically decrypted by the tool using the same password.
Step 4: Set your computer’s settings to prevent it from automatically shutting down. Here is how to stop your PC from shutting down.
1) Press +R and then type “powercfg.cpl”.
2) After the power plan window has opened go to Change plan settings for your current power plan.
3) After you are there, set everything to “Never” from the drop-down menus and then “Apply” it.
4) Close the Change plan settings Window and reopen it. Everything should look saved to “Never“. After this is done click on the blue highlighted text saying “Change advanced power settings”.
5) Check the Hard Disk option and if there are remaining times, switch them to never by clicking on the highlighted text like the picture above shows.
Finally, click on Apply and close it and you are done. Make sure your computer is plugged in the AC and the Power Plan with the changed settings is active. Decryption may take from several hours to several days, it really depends. But we urge users to keep trying to decrypt their files and NOT pay the ransom money by the Doctor@freelinuxmail.org ransomware. This is because for one there is no guarantee the cyber-criminals will give you the decryption keys back and also by paying you fund their operation.
For more information, any questions or simply experience sharing you may check out our forum topic about the Doctor@freelinuxmail.org ransomware.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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