This article has been created to help you by displaying how to remove .ERROR ransomware and how to restore encrypted files.
A new ransomware infection, going by the name Error Ransomware has been reported to roam around the web, encrypting files via the AES and RSA encryption ciphers. The virus aims to add the .ERROR file extension to the encrypted files and to rename them, making them not only corrupt but no longer recognizable as well. For the return of the files, Error ransomware demands from victims to pay a hefty ransom fee, most likely in BitCoin. Furthermore, be advised that Error ransomware is not a threat that should be taken lightly and if you are a victim of this virus, it is recommended that you read this article.
Threat Summary
| Name | Error Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A CryptoMix ransomware variant. Encrypts the files on the computers it infects and then asks for payment to decrypt them. |
| Symptoms | Renames the files (A-Z 0-9 random names) and then adds the .ERROR file extension to them. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Error Ransomware. |
| Data Recovery Tool | 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. |
Error Ransomware – Distribution Methods
If you have been infected by Error Ransomware, the most likely method by which the infection has occurred Is via e-mail spam messages. Such messages often aim to pretend to be legitimate e-mails that carry seemingly important documents in .zip, .rar or other archives. The documents are in fact the infection files of Error ransomware and a deceitful message, like the example below may be used to spread them:
Besides the example above, the files may pose as banking letters, receipts, invoices and other types of documents.
Other methods which can be used to infect unsuspecting victims with this virus can be if the malware is uploaded online as a fake software setup, fake key generator, game patch or crack or other seemingly legitimate software uploaded online.
Error Ransomware – Analysis
When an infection with Error ransomware takes place, the malware aims to perform different types of functions on the user’s computer. For starters, the virus may drop it’s malicious files in the commonly targeted Windows folders:
- %AppData%
- %Roaming%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %LocalLow%
- %Temp%
After the files of Error ransomware have been extracted on the user’s computer, the malware may begin to perform multiple different activities on the victim’s computer. The main one of those is to situate registry entries in the following Windows folders.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
Among the malicious activities of Error ransomware is to delete the shadow volume copies of the infected computer, eliminating any chance of restoring the files via possible system backup. This may be performed by executing a batch file that has the following commands embedded within it:
→ sc stop VVS
sc stop wscsvc
sc stop WinDefend
sc stop wuauserv
sc stop BITS
sc stop ERSvc
stop WerSvc
vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
These commands make sure that all Windows processes that may interrupt Error ransomware while it encrypts your files are eliminated.
In addition to this, the virus also drops a _HELP_INSTRUCTION.TXT file which has a ransom note, asking victims to contact several private e-mail addresses. The file has the following contents:
Hello!
Attention! All Your data was encrypted!
For specific informartion, please send us an email with Your ID number:
error01@msgden.com,
error02@webmeetme.com
error03@protonmail.com
We will help You as soon as possible!
Error Ransomware Encryption Process
In order to encrypt files on the computers which it has already infected, the Error Ransomware virus aims to perform multiple different activities, the first of which is to scan for widely used file types. The virus looks for specific files that are often used and skips Windows system folders during the encryption. Among these may be files with the following extensions:
→ “PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”Source:fileinfo.com
The encryption process of Error ransomware is a carefully coded one. First, the ransowmare uses the AES encryption algorithm to render the files no longer able to be opened. After this is done, the encryption generates an asymmetric decryption key. This key is additionally RSA encrypted and unique RSA keys are generated for each infection. So far, it is not known, but the cyber-criminals may perform one of the following activities if you pay the ransom:
- Trick you and do not decrypt anything.
- Create a custom decryptor software for you, based on the decryption ID which is a unique code.
- Have a master decryptor that hides the master decryption key within it’s code and send it to you after payment.
After encryption, the files are completely renamed and have the .ERROR file extension, making them look like the following:
Remove Error Ransomware and Try Restoring .ERROR Files
For the removal process of Error ransomware, we advise you to follow the removal instructions underneath. They are divided in both automatic and manual so that you can safely remove this virus according to your preferences. Experts strongly advise to use the automatic removal methods however, since they are the simplest and most effective way to remove all files and objects created by Error ransomware on your computer and protect it in the future as well.
If yo want to restore files that have been encrypted by this ransomware virus, we strongly suggest that you check out the alternative methods for file recovery which we have suggested underneath in step “2. Restore files encrypted by Error Ransomware”. They are not a direct solution, however they may help you recover as many files as possible encrypted by this virus without having to pay ransom.
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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Step 1: Scan for Error Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Error Ransomware and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Error Ransomware on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Error Ransomware there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", 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.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Error Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Error Ransomware.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and Error Ransomware aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Error Ransomware-FAQ
What is Error Ransomware Ransomware?
Error Ransomware is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does Error Ransomware Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does Error Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Error Ransomware Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of Error Ransomware is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .Error Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Error Ransomware files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Error Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Error Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Error Ransomware files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of Error Ransomware Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate Error Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Error Ransomware files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can Error Ransomware Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the Error Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Error Ransomware how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Error Ransomware ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.