'Your computer has been locked' scam. How to delete? (Removal tutorial)
Information about ‘Your computer has been locked’ virus
‘Your computer has been locked’ virus belongs to the ransomware category; however, it has features of Trojan and tech support scam. The virus spreads using tricky methods and users rarely notice when it happened. However, after the attack ‘Your computer has been locked’ ransomware delivers a fake lock screen informing about the illegal activities, for example, downloading child pornography, spreading spam, illegally using copyrighted content, etc. Keep in mind that legal institutions, such as Royal Canadian Mounted Police or the Department of Justice, do not ask making a particular fee through Ukash, Paysafecard, Moneypak or similar payment systems. We understand that many computer users might get scared seeing this notification; however, you should not stress out and attentively look through the message again. There might be some grammar mistakes or typos. Evaluate this information critically. It’s doubtful that governmental or federal institutions deliver poorly written messages. After analysis, probably you will need advice on how to remove ‘Your computer has been locked’ scam from the computer. The easiest way is to use Reimage; however, detailed removal instructions we will provide at the end of the article.
‘Your computer has been locked’ virus has several versions. The first version uses psychological terror and blackmails victims to pay the ransom if they don’t want to lose their personal files. However, if your files have been encrypted, you should try using this code which is supposed to restore all your files: 01548764GHEZG784. Another variant of ‘Your computer has been locked’ malware delivers fake warnings and tries to convince users to call a technical support service +62 0678 8516 9823. The alert informs that computer has been infected with viruses and disclose about other operating system’s error. Well, looking from the broader perspective, your PC has been infected; however, you should not call any provided number. Keep in mind that these calls may cost you a lot, and we don’t only talk about the huge phone bill. Scammers may trick you into purchasing fake software or install remote control tools and give them full access to your PC. Criminals will not fix your computer’s errors; they just cause you serious problems. Instead of that, you have to initiate ‘Your computer has been locked’ removal. Some versions of malware can get access to the affected computer’s webcam and show victim the live view from his or her home. It allows hackers to scare victims even more and encourage them to pay the ransom faster.
Methods of distribution
‘Your computer has been locked’ ransomware spread using several methods. It may infect computers via malicious and legitimate websites, exploit kits, illegal file-sharing domains or spam email attachments. Malware is waiting for inattentive and careless computer users everywhere. Crooks may send an infected document via email and pretend to be from bank, governmental organisation or other reputable institution. Unfortunately, it’s the most popular and effective ransomware distribution method. Fortunately, computer users can minimise the risk of ransomware attack by installing a reputable antivirus program, downloading only legal software from the reliable sources, keeping all their programs updated and avoiding potentially dangerous websites, suspicious email attachments, and ads.
Obliteration of the ‘Your computer has been locked’ ransomware
For ‘Your computer has been locked’ removal you will need a strong and professional anti-malware program. We recommend scanning your infected PC with Reimage or Malwarebytes MalwarebytesCombo Cleaner. Besides these programs will protect your computer from other malware attacks in the future. Keep in mind that malware may not let you install or access security tools. It’s quite expected behaviour because developers try their best to get your money. Therefore, if you face some difficulties, have a look at our prepared step-by-step guide. It will help you remove ‘Your computer has been locked’ from the system.
To remove Your computer has been locked, follow these steps:
Eliminate Your computer has been locked using Safe Mode with Networking
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Step 1: Restart your computer in Safe Mode with Networking
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Go to Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- As soon as your computer starts, start pressing F8 key repeatedly before the Windows logo shows up.
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Choose Safe Mode with Networking from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Click on the Power button at the Windows login screen, and then press and hold Shift key on your keyboard. Then click Restart.
- Then select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
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Once your computer starts, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking from the list of options in Startup Settings.
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Step 2: Remove Your computer has been locked
Sign in to your account and launch any Internet browser. Download a legitimate anti-malware software, for instance, Reimage. Make sure you update it to the latest version and then run a full system scan with it to detect and eliminate all malicious components of the ransomware to remove Your computer has been locked completely.
If your ransomware does not allow you to access Safe Mode with Networking, please follow the instructions provided below.
Eliminate Your computer has been locked using System Restore
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Step 1: Restart your computer in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Go to Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- As soon as your computer starts, start pressing F8 key repeatedly before the Windows logo shows up.
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Choose Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Click on the Power button at the Windows login screen, and then press and hold Shift key on your keyboard. Then click Restart.
- Then select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
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Once your computer starts, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list of options in Startup Settings.
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Step 2: Perform a system restore to recover files and settings
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When the Command Prompt window appears, type in cd restore and press Enter.
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Then type rstrui.exe and hit Enter..
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In a new window that shows up, click the Next button and choose a restore point that was created before the infiltration of Your computer has been locked and then click on the Next button again.
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To start system restore, click Yes.
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When the Command Prompt window appears, type in cd restore and press Enter.
Bonus: Restore your files
Using the tutorial provided above you should be able to eliminate Your computer has been locked from the infected device. novirus.uk team has also prepared an in-depth data recovery guide which you will also find above.There are a couple of methods you can apply to recover data encrypted by Your computer has been locked:
Data Recovery Pro
If ‘Your computer has been locked’ virus encrypted some of your files and you do not have data backups, this tool may recover at least some of your files.
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Install Data Recovery on your computer following the steps indicated in the software’s Setup;
- Run the program to scan your device for the data encrypted by Your computer has been locked ransomware;
- Recover the data.
ShadowExplorer
If this malware haven’t deleted Shadow Volume Copies, you can try recovering corrupted files using Shadow Explorer.
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Install Shadow Explorer on your computer following the instructions in the software’s Setup Wizard;
- Run the program. Navigate to the menu on the top-left corner and select a disk containing your encrypted files. Look through the available folders;
- When you find the folder you want to recover, right-click it and select “Export”. Also, choose where the recovered data will be stored.
It is strongly recommended to take precautions and secure your computer from malware attacks. To protect your PC from Your computer has been locked and other dangerous viruses, you should install and keep a powerful malware removal tool, for instance, Reimage, Malwarebytes MalwarebytesCombo Cleaner or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareMalwarebytes Malwarebytes.
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