I wrote this article to help you remove Expert Ransomware. This Expert Ransomware removal guide works for all Windows versions.
Expert is a ransomware infection. This sentence alone should be enough for you to realize how dangerous this pest it. If fact, researchers go as far as to even say that ransomware pieces are the absolute worst parasites out there. And maybe that’s true. And don’t think they are exaggerating. Their reputation is well deserved. Ransomware infections are feared for a reason. They sneak into your system under the radar and then proceed to corrupt it. And so does Expert. It is programmed to lock all of your files and then demand money from you. Everything you have stored on your machine gets locked with a strong encryption algorithm and becomes inaccessible to you. All of your files, pictures, music, videos, documents, presentations, etc. gets turned into unusable gibberish. Expert adds a pesky extension to each locked file, which your PC is unable to read. You are denied any kind of access to your own data. And not only that. You are also blackmailed for your own data.
As soon as everything is encrypted, you receive a message. Expert drops its ransom note which explains your situation and also offers a solution. Yes, the same people who encrypted your files are now trying to help you. Ironic, isn’t it? And so not true. According to the note, if you want your data back you have to pay. That’s not surprising, actually. All ransomware pests are developed for money. Supposedly, the hackers will send you a special tool to free your data IF you pay them a certain amount of money. The key word here is “supposedly”, though. That’s what they promise but can you trust crooks to keep their end of the deal? Of course, not. Once they receive the payment, they will ignore you. You may never get what you paid for. Or, they may send you a decryptor which only works partially if at all. Think long and hard before you make a decision.
As you can see, paying guarantees you nothing. On the other hand, you will be sponsoring cybercriminals and encouraging them to extort more innocent users. If they see that their scheme is working, they will continue doing it. Also, when you use your machine to make the payment, you are exposing your personally identifiable and financial credentials to them. Like your situation is not bad enough already. If this happens, crooks may not need ransomware to get to your money. They will have direct access to it. Do not comply. Don’t be gullible. This battle is set up for you to lose and you cannot change that. You are only going to make it worse. Forget about paying and focus on removing the Expert ransomware as soon as possible. If it remains on board, you could never safely recover your data as it may be re-encrypted minutes later. Use our detailed removal guide below and clean your PC from this plague.
How did Expert enter your machine? It relies on the oldest tricks in the book to sneak undetected. There are many methods like massive spam waves, compromised links/pages, freeware bundles, fake program updates, the help of Trojan horses, etc. However, none of these tactics are good enough to work without your inactive cooperation. And by that, we mean your haste, distraction, and negligence. Ransomware uses these techniques to seek your permission for its installation. And it prays for your carelessness. No one would deliberately invite such a destructive pest on board. If you want to protect your PC, pay attention online. Don`t act impulsively and don’t click on every ad you see. Be extra careful when installing programs. Never skip the Terms and Conditions. Stay away from shady pages. Don’t open emails from unknown senders. In general, be extra cautious. Being careless is what hackers want. Prove them wrong.
Expert Ransomware Removal
Method 1: Restore your encrypted files using ShadowExplorer
Usually, Expert Ransomware deletes all shadow copies, stored in your computer. Luckily, the ransomware is not always able to delete the shadow copies. So your first try should be restoring the original files from shadow copies.
- Download ShadowExplorer from this link: http://www.shadowexplorer.com/downloads.html.
- Install ShadowExplorer
- Open ShadowExplorer and select C: drive on the left panel
- Choose at least a month ago date from the date field
- Navigate to the folder with encrypted files
- Right-click on the encrypted file
- Select “Export” and choose a destination for the original file
Method 2: Restore your encrypted files by using System Restore
- Go to Start –> All programs –> Accessories –> System tools –> System restore
- Click “Next“
- Choose a restore point, at least a month ago
- Click “Next“
- Choose Disk C: (should be selected by default)
- Click “Next“. Wait for a few minutes and the restore should be done.
Method 3: Restore your files using File Recovery Software
If none of the above method works, you should try to recover encrypted files by using File Recovery Software. Since Expert Ransomware first makes a copy of the original file, then encrypts it and deletes the original one, you can successfully restore the original, using a File Recovery Software. Here are a few free File Recovery Software programs:
