Desktop Ransomware Removal Guide

Desktop Ransomware is a malicious file-encrypting program that marks its damaged data with Lock. prefix, e.g., Lock.text.docx. The malware also replaces the user’s Desktop image and shows a window with a message from the threat’s creators. It looks like they want to offer their victims decryption PIN codes, but strangely the Get PIN button does not work, and so we cannot be sure what the cybercriminals were planning. Based on our experience with such malicious applications we think the infections developers could ask for a ransom. After all, threats like Desktop Ransomware are usually created for money extortion. Deals with hackers are always risky, which is why it might be good news the mentioned button does not work. Also, our specialists say they have obtained the PIN code with which users should be able to decrypt their files; we will mention it further in the text. Besides, at the end of the article, we will place deletion steps for those who may need help while removing the malware manually.

To begin with, it is vital to understand how malicious applications like Desktop Ransomware enter the system. Our specialists say most often cybercriminals distribute them with Spam emails, various installers, malicious advertisements, and so on. In other words, it could be any suspicious fie encountered while surfing the Internet or checking your email. For this reason, we advise paying more attention to the content you agree to download, install, or interact with. It is best not to download files from possibly malicious web pages or doubtful sources. Plus, we would recommend inspecting emails if they carry data you were not expecting to receive. First, check the sender’s line to see if there are no grammar mistakes or other suspicious details suggesting it could be forged. Next, it is essential to check if the message itself does not raise suspicion. Lastly, if you ever have a feeling the file could be dangerous, you should scan it with a reliable security tool first.

What happens if Desktop Ransomware infects your system? If you do not have a lot of files on the computer, the malware might encrypt them rather fast. Of course, you might not notice anything happening as the threat works silently in the background. However, once the process is done, you should see the changes immediately as the malicious application should place a picture with a red skull as your Desktop image and display a window with the same picture and a message from the malware’s developers. It says you can decrypt files, but for it, you need a PIN code. When we clicked the button called Get PIN, it redirected us to a Facebook profile that is no longer available. Consequently, it does not look like there is any way to contact the hackers, but there might be no need to do so. Our specialists found the PIN that should decrypt all files: 00114455220033669988554477++//. Copy and paste it into the malware’s window to try to decrypt your data and then delete Desktop Ransomware.

To remove the malicious application manually, you should locate and erase the file that was downloaded before Desktop Ransomware encrypted your data and displayed the window with instructions. You can follow the instructions found below if you do not know where to start or complete this task. Another way to get rid of the threat would be to acquire a reliable security tool and scan your system with it.

Get rid of Desktop Ransomware

1. Click Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
2. Select Task Manager.
3. Locate a process related to the malware.
4. Mark it and press End Task.
5. Exit Task Manager.
6. Open File Explorer (Win+E).
7. Go to these locations separately:
   %TEMP%
   %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
   %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
8. Search for a suspicious file that might be the malware’s installer.
9. Right-click it and select Delete.
10. Exit the Explorer.
11. Empty Recycle bin.
12. Reboot the device.