MOOL Ransomware Removal Guide

Vulnerable operating systems can be threatened by MOOL Ransomware, a dangerous file-encryptor that uses stealthy tactics to slither into computers without their users’ notice. In fact, if you discover this malware on your own computer, it is possible that you executed it yourself by accident. Perhaps you recently opened spam email attachments or downloaded new files? If that is the case, it is likely that you can blame no one but yourself for the invasion of the dangerous ransomware. Unfortunately, victims usually realize that they need to delete MOOL Ransomware from their systems when they discover that all personal files – such as photos, documents, or videos – are encrypted. You can discover which files were encrypted just by looking at them, as the “.mool” extension should be appended. You can remove the extension and the infection itself, but your files will remain encrypted.

It is unlikely that you know this, but MOOL Ransomware was created using the STOP Ransomware code. This code has been used by BBOO Ransomware, Reha Ransomware, Nbes Ransomware, and many other threats that encrypt files. These infections are practically identical, and the only things that seem to change are the extension appended to the corrupted files and the email address that is introduced via the ransom note. This note is delivered using a file named “_readme.txt,” and you are likely to discover it on the Desktop and the folders containing encrypted files. The message informs that files were encrypted and instructs contacting cybercriminals to get information about how to pay a ransom. It is suggested that if you pay the ransom of $490, a decryptor will be sent to you, and you will be able to use it for the decryption of personal files. If you send an email to helpdatarestore@firemail.cc (alternatively, to helpmanager@mail.ch), the attackers will definitely give you payment instructions. However, if you pay the ransom, your chances of obtaining the decryptor are slimmer than slim.

The cybercriminals behind MOOL Ransomware want you to believe that you can obtain a decryptor so that they could convince you to pay a ransom, but that does not mean that they need to keep their promises. The risk of you losing money for nothing is very high, which is why we do not recommend paying the ransom. In fact, we do not recommend contacting MOOL Ransomware creators at all because that could make it possible for them to scam you further. You might be willing to take the risk anyway if you simply need to get your files back. Well, if that is what you are thinking about doing, you should at least explore other avenues. For example, have you considered using a free decryptor? Most threats of this kind do not have matching decryptors, but some STOP Ransomware variants are decryptable with the help of a STOP Decrypter. Another option is to replace the infected copies with backups. For example, if you store photos, important documents, and other sensitive files on a cloud, you can easily use them to replace the corrupted files after deleting the infection.

There are several different options you can choose from when it comes to the removal of MOOL Ransomware. Some people might be most comfortable with leaving the task in the hands of malware experts or more experienced friends. Others might jump into manual removal head first. If you are thinking about doing the same, note that you have to find the .exe file that launched the infection. We cannot know where this file is located on your computer, but %TEMP%, %USERPROFILE%/Desktop, and %USERPROFILE%/Downloads directories are the first ones you should check for suspicious files. Of course, what we recommend doing is installing legitimate anti-malware software. Not only will it delete MOOL Ransomware but also secure your Windows operating system. If it is secured, your chances of letting in STOP Ransomware and other kinds of malware decrease significantly. To double-protect your personal files, always create backups and keep them somewhere where malware could not reach it.

How to delete MOOL Ransomware

1. Delete the {random name}.exe that executed the threat.
2. Delete the ransom note file named _readme.txt.
3. Simultaneously tap Win+E keys to access File Explorer.
4. Enter %WINDIR%\System32\Tasks\ into the quick access bar at the top.
5. Delete the ransomware task named Time Trigger Task.
6. Enter %LOCALAPPDATA% into the quick access bar at the top.
7. Delete the folder with a random name that contains a malicious .exe file.
8. Simultaneously tap Win+R keys to access Run.
9. Enter regedit into the dialog box and then click OK to access Registry Editor.
10. Navigate to HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.
11. Delete the value named SysHelper and then immediately Empty Recycle Bin.
12. Install a legit malware scanner to perform a complete system scan.