This article will help you remove VHD Locker ransomware completely. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
VHD Locker is a ransomware virus that will lock your data if your computer gets infected with it. Your files will be placed and locked in a Virtual Hard Disk (VHD), hence the name VHD Locker. The ransom price that is demanded by the cybercriminals behind this virus is 0.5 Bitcoins. Keep on reading to see how you could try to potentially restore some of your data.
Threat Summary
| Name | VHD Locker |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware will lock your files and demand payment for unlocking them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will move your files to a Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) and lock it. It displays a ransom note afterward that lists 0.5 Bitcoins as a ransom payment. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss VHD Locker. |
| 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. |
VHD Locker Ransomware – Infection Spread
VHD Locker ransomware could spread its infection via different methods. The payload file that initiates the malicious script for this ransomware, which in turn infects your computer device, has been seen in the wild by malware researchers.
VHD Locker ransomware might also distribute its payload file on social media sites and file-sharing services. Freeware found on the Web can be presented as helpful but could also hide the malicious script for the virus. Refrain from opening files right after you have downloaded them, especially if they come from suspicious sources like links and e-mails. Instead, you should scan them beforehand with a security tool, while also checking their size and signatures for anything that seems out of ordinary. You should read the ransomware prevention tips topic in our forum.
VHD Locker Ransomware – Technical Overview
VHD Locker is a ransomware virus. The name of the ransomware comes from its feature to lock the files inside a Virtual Hard Disk.
VHD Locker ransomware could make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence, launch and repress processes in Windows. Some entries are designed in a way that will start the virus automatically with each launch of the Windows Operating System.
The ransom note will appear after your computer system becomes infected with VHD Locker ransomware. The note is written in English and is contained in a file named PLEASE READ.txt. Inside it you will find details about what the crooks behind the virus want you to do regarding payment.
You can see the ransom note right here below:
That ransom note reads the following:
Hello there. You can also use xxxxs://translate.google.com/
I would like to tell you first I’m sorry about that. Your documents, files, database, most are in original places or some moved to your local data. If
you want to regain access to your local data please send 0.5 BTC (Bitcoin) to this address: 1AKjQCDsYBesGE1V7UGdGadbRop41py1ch as fast as
you can and email me at davidblainemagique@gmail.com If you dont know what bitcoin is, please ask me for bitcoin website that you can buy it
fast or search on google for a local Bitcoin shop or ATM and transfer 0.5 BTC to this address: 1AKjQCDsYBesGE1V7UGdGadbRop41py1chIt’s not my fault if you are trying to format disk and lose all, encrypted files are not recoverable without bitlocker passoword. Here are only one
way to get all back and regain access to your local hard disk drive and this way is to send 0.5 Bitcoin to this address:
1AKjQCDsYBesGE1V7UGdGadbRop41py1chIt’s just business not trying to get your money and then to not give your bitlocker password. Only me can give your password to unlock your
Locals Disk so this is the only chance to get all back. Waiting for your reply to my email address (davidblainemagique@gmail.com or to my second
email in case gmail not work davidblaine@mail2world.com) if you wanna get the bitlocker password.If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at anytime.
Thanks for your time!
PS: Your files are here on VIRTUAL HARD DISK the location is here
C:\drivers\s.vhd
See here how to open your drive
xxxxs://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3Pxn23dFuQ
The note of the VHD Locker ransomware states that your data is placed inside a Virtual Hard Disk and locked with a password that only the cybercriminal has in his possession. To get that password, you are required to pay the amount of 0.5 Bitcoins, which equates to 552 US dollars at the time of writing this article. You should NOT under any circumstances pay the ransom sum. Nobody can guarantee that you will get your files back. Moreover, giving money to these criminals will likely motivate them to create more ransomware and do other criminal activities.
For the moment it is unknown exactly which file types the VHD Locker ransomware is after, but files with the following extensions are most likely to get encrypted:
→.jpg, .jpeg, .docx, .doc, .xlsx, .xls, .ppt, .pdf, .png, .odt, .pptx, .msg, .rar, .mdb, .zip
The VHD Locker virus is possible to delete the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows Operating System by using the following command:
→vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
Keep on reading and see in what ways you could try to potentially restore some of your data.
Remove VHD Locker Ransomware and Restore Your Data
If your computer got infected with the VHD Locker ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
About the VHD Locker Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this VHD Locker 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 VHD Locker 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
How to Remove VHD Locker from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove VHD Locker
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall VHD Locker and related software 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by VHD Locker 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 VHD Locker there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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: Scan for VHD Locker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. 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.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by VHD Locker.
Ransomware infections and VHD Locker 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of VHD Locker from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall VHD Locker and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to VHD Locker:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to VHD Locker. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to VHD Locker. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove VHD Locker via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as VHD Locker. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by VHD Locker.
Ransomware infections and VHD Locker 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
VHD Locker FAQ
What is VHD Locker ransomware and how does it work?
VHD Locker 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 algorithm how 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.
How does VHD Locker ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.VHD Locker Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of VHD Locker 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 .VHD Locker files?
You can't. At this point the .VHD Locker files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .VHD Locker files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by VHD Locker ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".VHD Locker" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .VHD Locker files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of VHD Locker ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate VHD Locker ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .VHD Locker files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like VHD Locker ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.