Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer might be affected by Dextop and other threats.
Threats such as Dextop may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
This article aims to show you how to remove Dextop screenlocker and restore access to files encrypted with added .locked file extension.
The Dextop screenlocker ransomware is a threat that not only locks the screen of the computers it infects and displays a threatening message, but also performs numerous other activities among which are modifying system files, deleting backups and modifying the Windows Registry Editor. In case you have become an unfortunate victim of the Dextop ransomware virus, we recommend reading this article and learning how to remove it and restore files that have been encrypted with the .locked file extension added.
Threat Summary
Name
Dextop
Type
Ransomware
Short Description
The malware encrypts users files using an encryption algorithm and locks the screen, making direct decryption possible only via a unique decryption key available to the cyber-criminals.
Symptoms
The user may witness ransom notes and “instructions” linking to a web page and a decryptor. Changed file names and the file-extension .locked has been used.
Distribution Method
Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner.
Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive.
Dextop Ransomware – More Information
This threat, in proximity to other ransomware viruses may cause an infection in proximity to many other ransomware viruses out there – via spam e-mail. The threat may be downloaded via third-party infection file that is executed on the victim’s computer. Such files may come in different forms – as executable files as well as files that are documents with malicious macros that activate a script upon enabling. Such may also be in the form of fake installers or drive-by download links caused by malvertising campaigns that target unsuspecting users.
Dextop Ransomware – Infection Process
This screenlocker type of ransomware has not been so far related to any other malware threat out there, however the people who are behind it may have some experience in cyber-crime, more specifically ransomware viruses.
When the virus infects a given computer, it begins to execute malicious scripts. One of those may modify the Windows Registry Editor and hence create values with data in the Run and RunOnce sub-keys. These may allow the execution of this ransomware on the victim’s computer when Windows boots up.
After infecting a system, Dextop rasnsomware may also download it’s malicious payload, which is usually located in critical Windows folders.
Then, the virus may begin to encrypt files of the following type:
The files may or may not be encrypted and could have the .locked. They may appear like the following:
After locking the files on the computer, the virus displays a ransom note, that is similar to the police type of ransomware viruses, convicting innocent victims of committing online crimes:
THE DEXTOP IS LOCKED Dear GB citizen, your dextop computer has been locked for commiting multiple crimes that violate GB law.
Offences: -Pornography of a disturbing nature -Cyber crime -Breaking copyright law -Using 9GAG.com
These broken laws are serious offenses. As a result, all files will be ceased when the designated time is over unless you gain an appeal licence key from the Metropolitan Police.
Do not attempt to close or remove the locking software from your PC. Only the authors and the Metropolitan Police hold the rights to do so. Removing the software manually will not only corrupt your personal data, but will make you criminally responsable for a vandalism of police equipment.
Time Until Removal:
86387
Unlocking
1. Visit the appeal website. click to appeal
2. Enter the unlock key in the text field below
3. Click “Unlock” to recover your files
Remove Dextop Ransomware and Restore .locked Files
For the removal of Dextop ransomware, we advise you to follow our removal instructions below. They will help you to successfully get rid of the malware from your system by isolating it first. You can choose to follow the manual removal option, but experts strongly advise using and advanced anti-malware program to perform the removal of Dextop ransomware automatically and more efficient.
In case you have removed Dextop ransomware and are looking for methods to restore your files, we have several suggestions, mentioned in step “2. Restore files encrypted by Dextop” below. They are in no way fully efficient against this ransomware, but they may get some of your files back. Also, make sure to make copies of the encrypted files first and then test those copies with the methods, instead of the original encrypted files.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by Dextop and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as Dextop. Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
To remove Dextop follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Dextop files and objects
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 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 up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by Dextop on your PC
Find files created by Dextop
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
IMPORTANT! Before starting the Automatic Removal below, please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode. This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove Dextop with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Dextop and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove Dextop. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is 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. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
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 with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
This article aims to show you how to remove Dextop screenlocker and restore access to files encrypted with added .locked file extension.
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Dextop and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
