Win32:RansomX-gen is a generic detection by Avast for hazardous ransomware computer threats. With this kind of attack, it is not only the system that is threatened; more than that, the precious files of computer users are in great danger. The motive of Win32:RansomX-gen is to deny user’s access to target files by encrypting them with a complex technique, usually the AES-RSA asymmetric method. Then, actors behind Win32:RansomX-gen will demand payment via Bitcoin currency as a trade-off for the necessary decryption tool.
How does it infect the computer?
The spread of Win32:RansomX-gen commonly occurs through spam email messages where the virus is delivered as an attachment. If not the actual file, the message on the email contains links that, when opened, will initiate the download and execution of Win32:RansomX-gen coming from a remote server. The virus may also arrive on the computer as part of pirated software or serial key generators that are usually hosted on different illicit servers. Aside from these two top spreaders, makers of Win32:RansomX-gen are also using other methods like malicious advertisements, drive-by-download, and software exploits.
Once Win32:RansomX-gen is executed on the computer, the virus injects a couple of files into system folders. It also creates a start-up item by adding an entry in the Windows registry that runs the virus code during the boot-up process.
Win32:RansomX-gen encrypts practically every file on the computer except for executables, system files, and applications. It is using an asymmetric type of encryption, which is hard to decipher and actually requires a decryption tool and key in order to recover all the infected files.
How does this malware operate?
The design of Win32:RansomX-gen primarily focuses on its objective of encrypting computer user’s files such as documents, spreadsheets, images, photos, videos, databases, archives, and so on. The encryption process literally makes these files inaccessible, and attackers make use of this situation to extort money from victims.
Some examples of hazardous ransomware that were identified with this signature include Suka, Yoad, Gac, Instant Ransomware 2.0, RansomeToad, and Solaso.
Version Name | Alert Level | Date Added |
Win64:RansomX-gen | Severe | Dec. 12, 2020 |
How to Remove Win32:RansomX-gen
To totally remove Win32:RansomX-gen from the computer and get rid of relevant viruses and trojans, please execute the procedures as stated on this page. Make sure that you have completely scanned the system with the suggested malware removal tools and virus scanners.
Instant Removal : Scan the computer with antivirus program
Combo Cleaner is a trusted computer security and optimization tool equipped with a powerful virus and malware detection engine. This program can get rid of computer virus like Win32:RansomX-gen through this procedure.
1. Download the application from the following page:
2. Save the file to your preferred location.
3. Double-click the downloaded file CCSetup.exe and install with the default settings.
4. At the end of the setup process, click Finish to run Combo Cleaner.
5. The tool will update the database file; please wait for this process to complete.
6. To begin checking for threats like Win32:RansomX-gen, click on the Start Scan button. Wait for this scan to finish.
7. At the end of the scan process, click on Remove all threats to delete Win32:RansomX-gen, including all harmful objects from the computer.
To fully optimize the features of antivirus and privacy scanners, users may have to upgrade to the premium version.
Please continue with the succeeding removal procedures if you are comfortable manually getting rid of the computer virus and malicious items linked to it.
Manual Removal : Steps to get rid of Win32:RansomX-gen
The steps below will guide you to manually remove Win32:RansomX-gen without having to purchase a recommended virus scanner. We have tested the procedures; hence, the attackers may make modifications overtime. As a result, terms, names, and images in the guide may differ from what users are seeing recently.
The procedure may require you to close the browser or restart the computer; therefore, we are suggesting to Boookmark or Print this page.Step 1 : Start Windows in Safe Mode With Networking
The method of running Windows in Safe Mode before deleting files, ending system processes, and virus scanning is effective in getting rid of Win32:RansomX-gen. This routine can prevent most viruses and malware from loading, making it easier to detect and remove them.
1. On the Windows Search bar, please type msconfig.
2. Select and open System Configutation on the list of found results.
3. Once you are in the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
4. Under the Boot Options area, please check Safe Boot so that it starts in Safe Mode after restarting.
5. Next, select Network. This will allow Windows to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.
6. Lastly, click on Apply and OK to save the changes.
7. Please restart Windows. The system should run in Safe Mode after the reboot.
Do not forget to restore the normal boot process of Windows after this process. Simply repeat the method above, and this time, uncheck the Safe Boot option to run Windows normally.Step 2 : Run Sophos Home Virus Scanner
To remove Win32:RansomX-gen hidden files, scanning the computer with this powerful virus and malware removal tool is recommended. This scanner does not just uncover known threats like viruses or malware; it is also effective in discovering harmful files associated to Win32:RansomX-gen.
1. Please click on the link below to download the program.
2. After downloading, locate the file SophosInstall.exe in the Downloads folder.
3. Install by double-clicking on the file.
4. If it prompts "Do you want to allow this app to make changes on your device?" please click Yes.
5. Next, it will display the Terms and Conditions page. Click the Install button to begin.
6. Run the installation with the default settings. Please note that an internet connection is required in order to download important updates.
7. After finishing the installation, you must login to the dashboard. If you already have a Sophos account, please login. Otherwise, please enter your details and click on the Create Account button.
8. Once you are in the Sophos Home console, click the Scan button to start checking the computer for Win32:RansomX-gen components.
9. Scanning may take a while; please wait for this process to finish.
10. After scanning the computer, Sophos Home will start cleaning or deleting files infected with Win32:RansomX-gen.
11. You may now close Sophos Home. The computer is now free from Win32:RansomX-gen, as well as associated malware and viruses.
After executing the above instructions, Win32:RansomX-gen should have been completely removed from the computer. If there are still signs of infection or the computer is displaying unusual behaviors, please continue with the remaining procedures.
Another alternative for Windows 10/11 users is to scan the computer with Microsoft Defender Offline. This will run a virus scan in the recovery environment.Step 3 : Double Check with Windows Security Apps
Microsoft Windows has a built-in security application that you can use to double-check if your computer is still infected with Win32:RansomX-gen. For Windows 10/11 users, please run Windows Security.
Windows 10 / 11 Instructions:
Windows Security is a free tool that was built to help you remove Win32:RansomX-gen, viruses, and other malicious items from Windows 10/11 systems. Follow these procedures to scan your computer with the tool:
1. Tap or click the Search charm and search for Windows Security
2. Click Open to run the program.
3. On the Dashboard, click Virus and threat protection from the sidebar.
4. On the right panel, click on Scan Options to see different levels of checking the computer.
5. Next, please select Full Scan button.
6. Lastly, click on the Scan now button to start scanning for the presence of Win32:RansomX-gen. The process may take a while to complete.
7. After the scan, Delete/Quarantine identified threats, whether they were relevant to Win32:RansomX-gen or not. You may now restart Windows to complete the virus removal process.
For Windows 8.1 and Windows 7, you can scan the computer for free with the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT 64-Bit). It is a stand-alone virus scanner tool that targets prevalent malware groups.System Compatibility Notice
We ensured that our method to get rid of Win32:RansomX-gen is compatible with the majority of Microsoft operating systems (Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11). To prevent complicated steps, the commands used in the instructions are common, useful, and tested. If you encounter any compatibility problems when following this tutorial, please message us or leave your comment below, and we will reply and make the required modifications.
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