Smrss32 Ransomware Removal Guide

Smrss32 Ransomware is one of the hottest ransomware applications out there right now. It is notorious for targeting more than six thousand file types, although during a more thorough investigation we have found that it skips a few folders and file types as it goes on the encryption spree. There is only one way to deal with such infections: You have to remove them from your system without any further ado. Smrss32 Ransomware is a rather peculiar program in that aspect, but we have come up with the manual removal instructions for you, and you can find them at the bottom of this description. Also, do not hesitate to ask for any assistance if you need help dealing with this infection.

Our research team has found that this infection usually employs the same distribution method as Apocalypse, Bucbi, and Troldesh ransomware. It attacks unsuspecting victims through unsecure Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Unlike other ransomware programs, which get installed on target systems automatically, this program is installed manually by the hackers themselves. From there, the course of action is pretty much predictable because the program uses the AES encryption algorithm to lock up your files. Each affected file will have the .encrypted extension added, and you will no longer be able to open it.

Like most of the ransomware applications, this one displays the ransom note, too. The ransom note is probably the only visible aspect of this infection you can delete from your system. You see, the moment encrypts your files, the program deletes itself, and there are no files left to remove. The users are left to ponder upon the ransom note that says you need to send 1.00 BTC via an encrypted network to the given address, and then you have to send a confirmation email about your payment to helprecover@mail.ru.

Albeit various reports say that some infected users have already paid for the decryption key, you should not send a single cent to these criminals. Since Smrss32 Ransomware is similar to previously released programs, there is a free decryption tool available on the Internet already. Thus, if you just search for “Smrss32 decrypt,” you will definitely find the tool that will help you restore your files. Not to mention, paying the ransom does not necessarily mean the ransomware will issue a decryption key. So there is no reason to follow the hacker’s orders.

When this program runs its encryption algorithm, it encrypts 6,674 file types, but it does not affect the files with .bmp extension. Also, it skips all the data that is located in such directories as AppData, Games, Program Files, ProgramData, Sample Music, Windows, and so on. The point is that with so many file types affected by the infection, it would be easy to damage the important Windows system files. If those files get damaged, there is no way to run your computer, and so, no way to transfer the payment. Hence, the criminals behind Smrss32 Ransomware make sure that the system would still work so that they could get your money.

If you have a file backup on an external hard drive or some cloud storage, you can restore your files without the decryption tool. Nevertheless, you should still scan your PC with a computer security tool because you can never know what other unwanted applications might be hidden in the nooks and corners of your system.

How to Remove Smrss32 Ransomware

1. Press Win+R and type %ProgramData%.
2. Click OK and open the Wallpaper folder.
3. Delete the wallpaper.bmp file.
4. Locate and delete the _HOW_TO_Decrypt.bmp files in all affected folders.
5. Scan your PC with the SpyHunter free scanner.