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 .fat32 Files Virus and other threats.
Threats such as .fat32 Files Virus 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 help you by showing how to remove the .fat32 files ransomware virus from your computer and how to restore files that have been encrypted with the added .fat32 file extension.
A ransomware infection, going by the extension .fat32 which it adds to the files of the infected computer after it encrypts them has been reported to be spread via a multitude of ways online. The virus is from the file encryption kind, meaning that it replaces portions of data from the original files with data from the encryption algorithm it uses, making the files no longer able to be opened. After this is done, the ransomware adds a ransom note, named info.txt. In it, there are instructions on how to pay a hefty ransom of $700 in order to get the files decrypted and working. If you have been infected by the .fat32 files virus, read this article in order to learn how to remove this ransomware and how to try and restore .fat32 encrypted files without having to pay the ransom.
Threat Summary
Name
.fat32 Files Virus
Type
Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description
Aims to encrypt the files on your computer and then asks for $700 dollars as a payoff for their decryption.
Symptoms
Adds the .fat32 file extension to the encrypted files and an info.txt ransom note on the infected computer.
Distribution Method
Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files
Detection Tool
See If Your System Has Been Affected by .fat32 Files Virus
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.
Distribution Methods
For the .fat32 files virus to infect a computer, the malware uses various different types of techniques. The primary of those is to slither onto your computer via e-mail spam. To do this, the malware uses multiple different setups and techniques that obfuscate it’s infection file. The infection file itself may be masked as different fake legitimate files such as:
Invoices.
Receipts.
Documents.
Fake program installers.
Game patches.
Game cracks.
Most of the files, that could infect your computer with the .fat32 files virus may be sent to you via the same spam e-mail tactict possibly as a previously detected ransomware virus, named Stroman which is very similar to the .fat32 files virus in that it uses similar ransom note, but demands less as ransom. The tactic which may be used by .fat32 may include uploading the malicious file as a fake document and sending it via e-mail to unsuspecting users, while including various deceitful messages to the file, like the following:
In addition to this, the ransomware virus, may also cause infection via fake setups, game patches and other seemingly legitimate executables that are uploaded on torrent sites or suspicious software-provider websites.
.Fat32 Files Ransomware – More Information
Once the .fat32 file infection has compromised your computer, the primary malicious file of this virus is dropped and alongside it other support files may also be dropped on your drive. The malicious files are usually located in the following Windows folders:
%AppData%
%Local%
%LocalLow%
%Roaming%
%Temp%
As soon as the files are copied on your computer, the ransomware may connect to the server of the cyber-criminals operating it and enlist your computer in a list of infected devices, available to them only. This happens either via your unique key or an identifier created for your computer.
In addition to the dropped files, .fat32 virus also drops a ransom note which is called info.txt and has the following ransom note:
“Your data set are encrypted.
We can help decrypted files.
Price for full decrypt all files 700$
You will get decrypt soft + personal key + manual.
For you to be sure, that we can decrypt your files
You can send us 1-2 encrypted files and we will send back it in a decrypt format FREE.
For download files use only dropmefiles.com not more then 10 Mb
Send us an email:
1.Personal ID
2.link dropmefiles.com
after wait decrypted files and further instructions.
Personal ID:
Hef0b1e0pI2y98boOKa7ciG2lUV8XIHAdoC5me99
Do not rename encrypted files
Not use false encryption key, it cause pernament data loss”
You must pay within 72 hours, or the price will be more.
The BitCoin payment address of this ransom virus is the same like the one used with the recently detected Stroman ransomware detection, suggesting that the two infections may have more in common than initially thought. In addition to this, the .fat32 files virus may also add registry value entries with sub-keys in them that are specifically created in order to make it so that the file, responsible for encryption runs automatically on system start. The targeted sub-keys for this to happen are the following:
Futhermore, .fat32 files virus may also attack the system recovery and shadow volume copies on your computer and delete them, by utilizing the following commands in Windows Command Prompt as an administrator:
For the encryption, .fat32 files virus does not choose just any file to encode. The ransomware uses very specific tactic – it skips the important Windows files in the %Windows% and other system directories, while in the same time hunts of the most often used files on your computer, like the following:
Documents.
Microsoft Office files.
Images.
Music.
Archives.
Program files that are used very often.
Virtual drive files.
Database files.
Other often used file types.
The way the encryption process is conducted Is that the ransomware hunts for specific file types, like the following:
After this has occurred, the ransomware virus may further begin to perform other types of activities, such as leave behind the .fat32 file extension to the encrypted files, making them appear like the image at the beginning of the article displays.
Remove .fat32 Ransomware and Restore Encrypted Files
In order to remove this ransomware infection from your computer, recommendations are to focus on removing the malicious files either manually or automatically (proffered) using the ransomware removal instructions below. They are specifically desgined to help you isolate the threat first and then remove it safely. For maximum effectiveness of the removal, malware researchers strongly advise to use an advanced anti-malware software which can help you delete the malicious files of .fat32 automatically and protect your PC against future infections as well.
If you want to restore files that have been encrypted by this ransomware virus, recommendations are to try out the alternative tools for file recovery below. They are specifically designed to help you recover as many files as possible without having to pay the ransom.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by .fat32 Files Virus 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 .fat32 Files Virus. 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 .fat32 Files Virus follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .fat32 Files Virus 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 .fat32 Files Virus on your PC
Find files created by .fat32 Files Virus
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.
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 .fat32 Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for .fat32 Files Virus and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove .fat32 Files Virus. 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.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by .fat32 Files Virus
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .fat32 Files Virus
Ransomware infections and .fat32 Files Virus aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
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 help you by showing how to remove the .fat32 files ransomware virus from your computer and how to restore files that have been encrypted with the added .fat32 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 .fat32 Files Virus and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
