note: HP SmartFriend is a support service that can help you prevent and remove unwanted software on your computer.For more information, see HP SmartFriend (North America only).Detect and remove adware, spyware, and hijacking software with trusted professional removal software HP PCs - Using Windows Defender to Prevent Virus and Spyware Problems (Windows 10) HP PCs - Using Windows Defender to Prevent Virus and Spyware Problems in Windows 8 Prevent adware by buying full versions of known software do not select Run Be cautious of opening email attachments Do not click on unfamiliar pop-up windows XX Do not click on security warning screens that pop up from a webpage you do not know or trust do not click any button to respond or verify receipt of the message.Back up your data on a separate disk or online To avoid file loss due to malware or virus infections, regularly back up your files on an external hard drive or online service.For more information, see Backing Up Your Files (Windows 10, 8).

Protect your personal information caution: Do not give payment or personal information to callers who identify as HP employees and offer support.HP does not call customers and ask them to pay for support (for virus removal, for example).To learn more about phone scams, including what they are and how to avoid them, see the Microsoft support document Avoiding technical support scams (in English).Disable suspicious add-ons in your browser Microsoft Edge On the taskbar, click the Microsoft Edge icon .Click the More icon , and then select . . Internet Explorer (8 or later) Click or the Tools icon , and then click . . Avoid threats by protecting your e-mail address Chat rooms make it easy for people to harvest your e-mail information.Posting your e-mail address in comments in newsgroups or forums exposes your e-mail address.Posting your e-mail address on forum pages results in more spam.@ AT DOT Responding to spam or requesting that your name be removed from a mailing results in more spam.

Forwarding a chain letter sends your e-mail to other harvesters.Protect your identity with multiple e-mail addressesWith  nasty malware like Locky making the rounds—encrypting its victims’ files, and then refusing to unlock them unless you pay up—ransomware is a serious headache.But not all ransomware is so difficult.You can remove many ransomware viruses without losing your files, but with some variants that isn’t the case.In the past I’ve discussed general steps for removing malware and viruses, but you need to apply some specific tips and tricks for ransomware.The process varies and depends on the type of invader.Some procedures involve a simple virus scan, while others require offline scans and advanced recovery of your files.I categorize ransomware into three varieties: scareware, lock-screen viruses, and the really nasty stuff.An example of a fake antivirus app.The simplest type of ransomware, aka scareware, consists of bogus antivirus or clean-up tools that claim they’ve detected umpteen issues, and demand that you pay in order to fix them.

Some specimens of this variety of ransomware may allow you to use your PC but bombard you with alerts and pop-ups, while others might prevent you from running any programs at all.litecoin price diagramTypically these invaders are the easiest type of ransomware to remove.ethereum protocolThe Kovter ransomware locks down your computer, displaying a fake notice claiming to be from several government authorities.bitcoin ceo cause of deathNext is the ransomware variety I call lock-screen viruses, which don’t allow you to use your PC in any way.litecoin buy indiaThey display a full-size window after Windows starts up—usually with an FBI or Department of Justice logo—saying that you violated the law and that you must pay a fine.bitcoin value in dkk

McAfee A ransomware program called Locky has quickly become one of the most common types of malware seen in spam.litecoin exchange rate to usdEncrypting malware—such as Locky—is the worst variant, because it encrypts and locks your personal files until you pay up.ethereum stock price coinbaseBut even if you haven’t backed up your files, you may have a chance to recover your data.Before you can free your hostage PC, you have to eliminate the hostage taker.If you have the simplest kind of ransomware, such as a fake antivirus program or a bogus clean-up tool, you can usually remove it by following the steps in my previous malware removal guide.ethereum download walletThis procedure includes entering Windows’ Safe Mode and running an on-demand virus scanner such as Malwarebytes.If the ransomware prevents you from entering Windows or running programs, as lock-screen viruses typically do, you can try to use System Restore to roll Windows back in time.scan for bitcoin virus

Doing so doesn’t affect your personal files, but it does return system files and programs to the state they were in at a certain time.The System Restore feature must be enabled beforehand; Windows enables it by default.Eric Geier/IDG You can usually bring up the Advanced Boot Options of Windows 7 by pressing F8 during booting.To start the restoration process using System Restore, follow these steps depending on your OS version: Eric Geier/IDG You can get to the recovery options of Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 by holding shift when rebooting from the Windows login screen.If you can’t get into the recovery screens, you can use the Windows installation media (disc or USB drive) for your particular version/edition to access the recovery tools.You’d boot up to that install media, but click Repair your computer on the main menu before proceeding with the installation.Alternatively, you can create a Windows System Repair Disc on another PC running the same Windows version, and then boot to that disc on the infected PC to reach the same recovery tools.

We’ve previously discussed this process for Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.If System Restore doesn’t help and you still can’t get into Windows to remove the ransomware, try running a virus scanner from a bootable disc or USB drive; some people refer to this approach as an offline virus scan.My favorite bootable scanner is from Bitdefender, but more are available: Avast, AVG, Avira, Kaspersky, Norton, and Sophos all offer antivirus boot-disk software.Eric Geier/IDG Bitdefender’s antivirus boot disk in action.If you still have no luck after trying Safe Mode and an on-demand scanner, performing a System Restore, and running an offline virus scanner, your last resort is likely to perform a full restore or clean re-install of Windows.Most ransomware isn’t that tenacious, however.Eric Geier/IDG Showing hidden files in Windows 7 takes a couple of clicks.With that out of the way, it’s time to repair the damage.If you’re lucky, your PC was infected by malware that didn’t encrypt your data.

If it appears you’re missing stuff though, the malware may have merely hid your icons, shortcuts, and files.It usually does this by making the files “hidden.” Here’s how to check, depending on your OS version: Eric Geier/IDG Showing hidden files in Windows 8 and after is a cinch.If your data reappears after you elect to show hidden files, that’s great—it means there’s an easy fix for your woes.Open Computer or File Explorer, navigate to C:\Users\, and open the folder of your Windows account name.Then right-click each folder that’s hidden, open Properties, uncheck the Hidden attribute, and click OK.Done.If you still can’t find your data, and your files really have been malware-encrypted, you’re in trouble.Usually it isn’t possible to just decrypt or unlock your hostage files, because the decryption key is typically stored on the cybercriminal’s server.Some victimized users have reported that some pieces of malware will keep their promise, decrypting and returning your files once you pay, but I don’t recommend paying.

This is why we constantly tell you to back up your PC on a regular basis.If you previously set and created backups, scan them for viruses on another PC (one that is not infected) if at all possible.If all of your important files are backed up, you can proceed in removing the malware and then simply restoring your backed-up files.If you don’t have a backup system in place, you might be able to recover some files from Shadow Volume Copies—if the malware hasn’t deleted them.Shadow Volume Copies is part of Windows’ System Restore feature.Either right-click on the files or folders you want to restore and open Properties to view the Previous Versions list, or use a program called Shadow Explorer to browse the snapshots.But don’t rely on that.Start backing up your PC today, and do it regularly.Avoiding ransomware is much the same as avoiding other types of other malware.Always run a good antivirus utility and keep Windows and browser-related components (Java, Adobe, and the like) updated.