RedBoot Ransomware Removal Guide

If you are introduced to a red screen with a short message regarding the encryption of your files, there is a great possibility that RedBoot Ransomware has found its way in. This malicious threat is still very mysterious, and our research team is still testing it to see how it spreads, but we have to warn you about corrupted spam emails and unsecure RDP connections, as these security backdoors are employed by most ransomware infections. Speaking of most infections, this ransomware is not like most other file-encrypting, ransom-demanding threats. It is believed that this infection is a data wiper. Furthermore, it modifies the Master Boot Record to stop you from booting your Windows operating system and removing the malicious files. Even if you end up losing your personal files, you must delete RedBoot Ransomware as quickly as possible. First, read the report to learn more about this malicious infection and how it works. Next, follow the guides below to repair the Master Boot record and erase the malicious files.

When the devious RedBoot Ransomware slithers in, it does not take any time to initiate malicious process. If it wasted time, you could delete the malicious launcher before it was executed. The launcher is not the only file that we need to talk about. Along with it, you will find a folder containing a bunch of other files, one of which is called “assembler.exe”. According to our research, this file belongs to a legitimate application that compiles “boot.asm” into “boot.bin”, which is an MBR file. The “boot.asm” displays the ransom note that appears on the red screen. The “boot.bin” file prevents the user from booting Windows normally, which is what allows RedBoot Ransomware to showcase the ransom message. Then we have three executables, “overwrite.exe”, “main.exe”, and “protect.exe”. The first one replaces the original MBR with the “boot.bin” file. The “main.exe” file is responsible for the encryption of files. Finally, “protect.exe” is used to kill Task Manager so that you could not launch it and terminate malicious processes. All of these files require removal, but, of course, most victims of this ransomware are likely to focus on the encryption of their files first.

Since RedBoot Ransomware corrupts MBR, there is no way for you to check which files were encrypted. Theoretically, these files should have the “.locked” extension appended to their names. The same extension has been used by Apollolocker Ransomware, Unikey Ransomware, and many other threats, but it is unlikely that they are related. Needless to say, it is very important to see if or not your files were corrupted, especially if you are thinking about following the demands of cyber criminals. That, of course, is not what we recommend because the creator of RedBoot Ransomware is unlikely to help you out. Furthermore, if your data was wiped, nothing could help you recover files. Despite this, some victims are likely to be pushed into sending an ID number created by the ransomware to redboot@memeware.net as instructed. What would happen if you did that as well? Your email would be recorded, and then you might get instructions ordering you to do something. Most likely, you would be instructed to pay a substantial amount of money as a ransom. Instead of doing that, you should get on with the removal.

Do you know how to fix Master Boot Record? If you do not, you can use the instructions below. What about the removal of RedBoot Ransomware? Do you know how to handle that? We have created a guide for that as well. While you have to fix the MBR yourself, you do not need to eliminate the malicious ransomware manually. Instead, you can install an up-to-date anti-malware tool that will automatically find and erase all malicious components. We recommend installing this tool not only because the elimination of RedBoot Ransomware can be complicated but also because you need the protection that it can provide you with. If you do not establish trustworthy, full-time protection, your virtual security and personal data could be targeted by many other infections. If you have more questions about this malware for our research team, we welcome all of them in the comments section.

How to repair Master Boot Record

Windows XP:

1. Insert the installer CD/DVD and, when asked, press any key to boot.
2. Choose R to launch Recovery Console.
3. Enter 1 to confirm the Windows system you log into and then tap Enter.
4. Enter the Administrator  password and tap Enter.
5. Type fixmbr into the field and then tap Enter. Type Y if you are asked for confirmation.
6. Once the MBR is fixed, you can eject the CD.
7. Enter exit into the command prompt and tap Enter.
8. Restart the PC and then immediately remove the ransomware.

Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10:

1. Insert the installer CD/DVD and, when asked, select your language and keyboard layout.
2. Select Repair your computer.
3. Windows Vista/7 users need to select the operating system and click Command Prompt. Windows 8/10 users need to open the Troubleshoot menu and click Command Prompt.
4. Enter these commandsinto the command prompt:
   • bootrec /fixmbr
   • bootrec /fixboot
   • bootrec /scanos
   • bootrec /rebuildbcd
5. Once the MBR is fixed, you can eject the CD.
6. Enter exit into the command prompt and tap Enter.
7. Restart the PC and then immediately remove the ransomware.

How to delete RedBoot Ransomware

1. Find the {unknown  name}.exe file that is the launcher of the ransomware (if you cannot find it, we recommend using anti-malware software instead).
2. Right-click and Delete the file.
3. A folder in the same directory as the {unknown name}.exe file should contain the rest of the ransomware files: assembler, boot.asm, boot.bin, overwrite.exe, main.exe, and protect.exe.
4. Right-click and Delete all of these files.
5. Go to the recycle bin, right-click it, and then select Empty Recycle Bin.
6. Install a trustworthy malware  scanner and perform a full system scan. If any malicious files are found, make sure you delete them immediately.