I wrote this article to help you remove NoValid Ransomware. This NoValid Ransomware removal guide works for all Windows versions.
NoValid, which is also going by the name of Locked-in, is just another member of the notorious ransomware family. Like all ransomware piece, it is incredibly dangerous and wants nothing but your money. Of course, it has a smart way of getting it as well. NoValid follows the standard ransomware pattern of invading, encrypting and extorting. What you have to so ASAP is to get rid of the pest before it is too late. Such infections not only blackmail you for money buy but they also corrupt your PC to the core. It this article you will find a removal guide which will help you permanently remove NoValid from your system. Also, we provide some useful information about the pest as well as tips for better future protection.
Once NoValid has slithered in, it doesn’t waste any time. It immediately starts working. First, it performs a quick scan on your computer looking for files to lock. You should know that NoValid targets a wide variety of file formats. For example, it encrypts your pictures, videos, music, Word files, presentations, work-related documents, etc. And when it is done with the locking process of your data, you are no longer able to open any of it. The ransomware uses the AES-256 encryption algorithm to make your files inaccessible. Also, it appends the malicious “.novalid” extension at the end of each one, due to which your machine in unable to recognize your data. For example, a file named “winter.jpg” will become “winter.jpg.novalid”. Seeing this extension means that you are in trouble.
Your files have been turned into unusable gibberish. It goes without saying that in this moment most of the users will panic and will be ready to do whatever it takes to get everything back. This is when NoValid drops its final bomb. During the encryption process, the ransomware creates a ransom note which it drops on your desktop as well as in every folder that contains locked data. The idea here is that the more you see the note the bigger the chance of you paying gets. This ransom note is one more scare tactic. It is named RESTORE_NOVALID_FILES.HTML files and includes detailed instructions on how to retrieve your data. According to it, the only way of that happening is which the decryption tool, which, of course, you have to pay for.
Do you see why ransomware parasites are so dreaded? They don’t steal from you. They make you voluntarily give them your money. Don’t consider this even for a second. Ransomware is just a scam. The people behind it only care about filling their pockets. There is no guarantee you will get the above-mentioned tool if you pay. Bun one thing is guaranteed, though. You will help crooks expand their business and you will be risking your privacy in the matter. More often than not, the victims who paid end up double-crossed with no money and no files. Don’t be one of them. And even if they crooks give you a fully working decryptor and you unlock your files, the ransomware itself remains in your system ready to send you back in square one anytime. Only, you will have less money. Don’t make deals with crooks. It is not a risk worth taking. You cannot win but the worse part it that you will be supporting this illegitimate industry. Use our removal guide instead and get rid of NoValid.
However, guides like this are not always available. Most of the times crooks are way ahead of antimalware researchers. This is why you should do your best to prevent infections from attacking you. Get a good anti-malware tool and scan your PC regularly. Also, create backups of your most important data so you will know you cannot lose them no matter what. And last but not least, understand how ransomware and other parasites travel the Web and try protecting yourself. For ransomware, spam emails is one of the easiest, most effective and popular methods. These threats land directly into your regular inbox and you do the rest when you open this email. Always delete shady messages, especially when you don’t know who sent them. Most of the times they deliver malware. Other entering tactics are exploit kits, malicious ads, corrupted pages/torrents, fake updates.
A ransomware can also use the help of another parasite, like a Trojan, to get in. As you can see the techniques are many and more are being developed. However, if you are careless, of course, you will get infected. Parasites need your negligence so they could trick you. Don’t make yourself an easier target than you already are. Be vigilant. Preventing an intruder from getting in is much easier that dealing with the problems it causes you if it slithers.
NoValid Ransomware Removal
Method 1: Restore your encrypted files using ShadowExplorer
Usually, NoValid 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 NoValid 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:
