Ransomware

FARGO Virus (.FARGO File) Ransomware

FARGO is a high-risk file-encrypting malware. It is a recent addition to the latest Ransomware attacks. After intruding targeted computer, it encrypts all the files and demands ransom money for the decryption tool.

During encryption, it appends the “.FARGO” extension to all the filenames to render them inaccessible. For instance, a file named “sample.jpg” will become “sample.jpg.FARGO” after encryption. This same process happens to all the data that making them completely unusable.

After the successful encryption of all the files, a ransom note “FILE RECOVERY.txt” is created. It contains ransom demands, threatening messages, and further instructions to buy decryption tools. Read this guide to know how to remove this virus and recover your files.

SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware

Threats like FARGO Virus keep getting back on PC if all associated files are not removed. So you are advised to use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to run a thorough scan of your PC and delete all threats at once.

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Compatible with: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11 (32-bit and 64-bit)

What is FARGO Ransomware?

FARGO is a dangerous computer malware. It is designed to lock all the files on an infected PC. All the files will still be there on the system but unusable. It uses a powerful encryption algorithm to encode files. In most cases, it is highly unlikely to decode infected files without a proper decryption tool.

Threats like FARGO Ransomware are created with the sole motive of extorting money from innocent users. Once this threat gets inside your system, you will lose access to all your files. Creators of this virus will demand huge ransom money for the decryption tool that can unlock your data. They also threaten to delete all the data or leak them if users’ don’t pay.

Ransomware threats have become a lucrative business these days. People are willing to pay lots of money to keep their data safe and private. Cybercriminals know this fact and they are trying to leverage this. Victims are being forced to pay huge ransom money through Bitcoins or other cryptocurrencies.

More About .FARGO Virus

Once this FARGO File Virus gets inside your PC, it will make your life miserable. All your files will get locked instantly. Your system will start freezing and hanging. If you try to copy new files, they also get encrypted. Other computers on your shared network can also get attacked. If you will connect other devices to your infected PC, they will get infected too. Your anti-virus will not be able to do anything.

Paying ransom money typically does not provide positive results. Most of the time victims’ get scammed and cybercriminals stop communication after getting paid. Unfortunately, there are no free tools available right now to crack FARGO virus encryption. The only solution that remains is to restore from a backup or use a professional data recovery tool.

Before you start file recovery, please ensure that you remove this virus completely. Otherwise, it will keep encrypting your files. So, you are advised to use a powerful Anti-Malware to delete FARGO Virus from your PC. You should also keep a backup of all your important files on a USB drive or Cloud drive to avoid a similar situation in the future.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

Cybercriminals use various methods to spread threats like FARGO Ransomware. Spam emails are one of the most used and effective ways of distributing malware. They carry malicious attachments and links that instantly trigger the download of infection on opening.  Apart from that, bundled freeware programs, peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing networks, cracked software, and fake updates are also used.

These files are already compromised by the use of some kind of Trojan. Opening such files on a PC can easily expose system security. Trojans open “backdoors” on the infected system that can be used by other viruses. Browsing to porn or torrent websites can also compromise your system security. So, it is very important to be careful and take proper precautions to protect your PC from threats like Deee File Virus.

FARGO Ransomware: Threat Analysis

Name FARGO
Type Ransomware, File-Encrypting virus
Extension .FARGO
Threat Level High (Encrypt all your data and Restrict access to your files).
Symptoms Victims cannot access any files on their PC and find Ransom notes asking for money.
Damage FARGO will  encrypt your data by adding its extension to file names and demand ransom money for the decryption key
Distribution It is mainly distributed through spam emails, bundled freeware, porn, or torrent sites.
Removal Download SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware
File Recovery Download Data Recovery Software

What to do after ransomware infection?

Once your system gets infected by ransomware like FARGO Virus, then you need to remove it immediately. It is the only way to prevent further damage. Check your system carefully to identify how much data is lost. Do not connect your backup drive until your computer is secure.

Do not contact malware creators at any cost. They will try to lure you into paying ransom money by using different threats. Once you pay the ransom fees, it is not guaranteed that you will get the decryption key. Most of the victims get scammed and don’t get their files back.

Research also shows that decryption tools often leave behind Trojan to spy on users. Cybercriminals can steal your personal and financial information. They can also encrypt your files again in the future by dropping other threats. Create a backup of your encrypted files on a cloud drive before trying to recover your data.

How To Remove FARGO Virus

FARGO File Virus is a dangerous malware that can cause major damage to your computer. This nasty threat will bring several new problems on your PC. This is why it is quite imperative to delete this threat permanently before it completely damages your entire computer system. Once it manages to infiltrate your system, it will make your system vulnerable. This nasty malware is capable of bringing other harmful viruses on your system without your consent. It can completely obliterate your system performance in no time. This virus also has tendency to hide its malicious copies at various locations on your PC under different names. It is not an easy job to find and remove those virus related files manually.

In this guide, you will find instructions for two very different techniques to get rid of FARGO Virus infection . The first one is the Automatic Removal which is quite fast, effective and accurate. The second method is Manual Removal which usually takes lots of time, needs technical expertise, and often fails to give desired results. However, it is advised to take help of both techniques to ensure complete removal of the malware from your system. In case you are not handy with system operations and techincal stuff, just opt for the automatic malware removal process to eliminate FARGO Ransomware.

Automatic FARGO Virus Removal Guide

As you already know that, FARGO Virus is a notorious and cunning malware. It is quite hard to remove through manual means. This virus can create various files and shortcuts or modify system settings. It can keep coming back on your computer using them. Removing all those at once is the only way to get rid of this infection. It will also ensure that this virus cannot sneak into your system ever again.

Remove FARGO virus effectively with a powerful Automatic Removal Tool. It will save you lots of time and effort. It can detect and remove all hidden threats like Trojan, Ransomware, Worms, Spyware, Rootkits, etc. You will also get 24X7 customer support and one-on-one Spyware HelpDesk support. Advanced System Guard feature detects and removes threats in real-time. It has a very User-Friendly Interface and regular Malware updates make it most effective against the latest malware attacks.

How SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware Works

  • First, you need to click on the below download button to get the software.

Geek’s Recommendation

Some time threats like FARGO Virus keep getting back on the machine if all associated files are not removed. You should use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to run a thorough scan of your PC and delete all threats at once.

Compatible with: Windows 11/10/8/7 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)

Special Offer SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware offers a 7-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter 5 Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.
  • Then double-click on the installer you downloaded to install the program.
SpyHunter Installeruser access control
  • Launch Anti-Malware application and Start Scan Now of your PC.
Scan for FARGO
  • The software will scan your PC for all hidden threats and viruses on your system.
Scan for FARGO
  • Click on the Next button to see results and delete FARGO and other threats.
Remove FARGO

How To Recover .FARGO Files

After removing .FARGO Virus, you need to recover your data. If your files are important then you must have created a backup. If yes, then you can use that backup to recover your files. In case you don’t have a backup or this virus has encrypted your backup files, then you are left to seek professional help.

At this point, there is no FARGO ransomware decryption tool available. We recommend you use powerful data recovery software to decrypt .FARGO Files. It is a risk-free and smart way. You can just download the free version and scan your PC for files. There is a high probability that it can recover most of your files. It is also needless to say that paying the ransom will only motivate cybercriminals to carry out more attacks.

  • First, you need to download Data Recovery software on your PC.

Download Data Recovery Software

  • Install the program, launch it then select the Data type to recover, and click the Next button.
select Data type
  • Select the location from where you want to recover data and click the Scan button.
Select location
  • After the scan, software will list all files, select them and click the Recover button.
Recover FARGO encrypted files

Manual FARGO Removal Guide

Before you start Manual Removal
Please Bookmark This Page by pressing the {ctrl+D} button or print it out on paper before you start the Manual Removal because you may need to restart your PC or browser.) Attention! For the safety of your system, please confirm a few things before you begin FARGO Ransomware Removal:
  1. You have done this before, which means you have experience in removing the virus manually;
  2. That you know your way around PC and  all necessary processes and applications;
  3. You know about Registry entry and the Serious repercussions of any mistake;
  4. Make sure you can reverse any mistake made during .FARGO Virus removal.

If you don’t attain any of the above standards, then manual removal could be a very risky idea. It is most likely best for you to use the FARGO Ransomware Removal Tool which is totally secure and efficient method.

Compatible with: Windows 11/10/8/7 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)

Special Offer SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware offers a 7-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter 5 Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.

Start PC in safe mode with networking

[mks_tabs nav=”horizontal”] [mks_tab_item title=”Windows 11″]
  • Press Windows & I keys together on keyboard to open Settings page and select Recovery option.
Recovery option
  • Now from the Advance settings option, click on Restart Now button.
Advanced startup
  • Select the Troubleshoot option from the list.
Troubleshoot
  • Click on Advanced Options from the Troubleshoot menu.
Advanced Options
  • Click on Startup Settings from the Advanced options.
Startup Settings
  • Press the Restart button on this page.
Restart
  • Finally, hit 5 to start your PC in Safe Mode.
5 [/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”Windows 10″]
  • Click on the Start button and press the Power button.
win10 start button
  • Hold the Shift key and click the Restart option.
win10 restart
  • Select the Troubleshoot option from the list.
Troubleshoot
  • Click on Advanced Options from the Troubleshoot menu.
Advanced Options
  • Click on Startup Settings from the Advanced options.
Startup Settings
  • Press the Restart button on this page.
Restart
  • Finally, hit 5 to start your PC in Safe Mode.
5 [/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”Windows 8″]
  • Press Windows & C buttons on the keyboard then select the Settings option.
Windows 8 settings
  • Hold down the Shift key then click on the Restart button from the Power option.
Windows 8 restart
  • Select the Troubleshoot option from the list.
Troubleshoot
  • Click on Advanced Options from the Troubleshoot menu.
Advanced Options
  • Click on Startup Settings from the Advanced options.
Startup Settings
  • Press the Restart button on this page.
Restart
  • Finally, hit 5 to start your PC in Safe Mode.
5 [/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”Windows 7″]
  • Click on the Restart button, wait for Windows to load, and start pressing F8 button before the Windows splash screen shows.
Press F8 button
  • From the Advanced Boot option, use arrow keys to select Safe Mode with Networking option.
safe mode with networking
  • Press ENTER button to start PC in safe mode.
[/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”All Windows OS”]
  • Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard.
  • Type msconfig in the Run Box then click the OK button.
  • Click on the Boot tab to open the System Configuration window.
  • Choose Safe Boot, check the network box, Click Apply, and press the OK button.
Safe boot [/mks_tab_item] [/mks_tabs]

End Process From Task Manager

  • Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard.
  • Type taskmgr in Run Box and then click the OK button.
  • Find any FARGO Virus related process.
  • Now right-click on it then click End process.
Stop FARGO related task

Uninstall FARGO from Windows PC

[mks_tabs nav=”horizontal”] [mks_tab_item title=”Windows 11″]
  • Right-click on Start or Windows button and select Apps and Features option.
Windows 11 Apps and Features
  • Find FARGO or other harmful programs, click on three dots icon, and press Uninstall button.
Uninstall FARGO from Windows 11 [/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”Windows 10″]
  • Click on the Start or Windows button and click on Settings option.
Windows 10 settings
  • Click on the Apps option from Windows 10 settings page.
Windows 10 apps
  • Find FARGO or other harmful programs, then click on Uninstall option.
Uninstall FARGO From Windows 10 [/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”Windows 8″]
  • First of all Press Windows Key + R buttons together.
win + R button
  • Type appwiz.cpl in the Run Box and then click OK button to open Programs and Features windows.
appwiz.cpl
  • Find and remove FARGO or other harmful programs.
Uninstall FARGO from Windows 8 [/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”Windows 7″]
  • Click on the Start or Windows button and select Control Panel option.
Windows 7 Control Panel
  • Click on Uninstall A Program option under the Programs section.
Windows 7 Programs option
  • Find FARGO or other harmful programs and click on uninstall option.
Uninstall FARGO from Windows 7 [/mks_tab_item] [/mks_tabs]
Warning: Do not play with Windows registry, host file of restore options if you don’t have previous experience with. Removing wrong files may break your system entirely. So if you are not sure, then stick to the Automatic Malware Removal option.

Compatible with: Windows 11/10/8/7 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)

Special Offer SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware offers a 7-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter 5 Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.

Remove Virus related IP address from Hosts Files

  • Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard.
  • Type C:Windows/System32/drivers/etc in Run Box and then click the OK button.
  • Now open the hosts file with Notepad.
  • Look for any suspicious IP address that might be related to FARGO Virus.
  • Delete all the unknown IP addresses and save the host files.
Remove FARGO virus related IP address

Remove Virus related Windows Registry entries

  • Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard.
  • Type regedit in Run Box and then click the OK button.
  • Registry Editor will open, then press CTRL +F buttons together.
  • Now type FARGO and then click on Find Next button.
  • Find all the related entries and delete them one by one
Remove FARGO related registry

Delete Virus related files from your PC

When a threat gets on to a PC, it most likely creates some files at different locations on the system. These files are used to perform a specific action and also help malware in getting back to the computer once it’s removed. So you just need to find also delete all those files associated with this .FARGO File Virus. For that follow the below instruction :
  • Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard
  • Type each of the following in Run Box and press the OK button
  1. %AppData%
  2. %LocalAppData%
  3. %ProgramData%
  4. %WinDir%
  5. %Temp%
For the first four options, look for any recent folder related to the .FARGO File Virus and remove them. For the Temp folder, you can delete all the files.

Remove FARGO Virus via system restore

  • Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard.
  • Type cmd in Run Box and then click the OK button.
  • Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter.
  • When the System Restore window opens on your computer screen click the Next button, then choose a System Restore point you have created in the past and click the Next button.
  • Finally, click on the Yes button to start the system restoration process.
Remove FARGO via system restore

Note: This will only work if you have a restore point set on your PC or it will give an error message. Restoring the computer to a previous version may or may not remove .FARGO File Virus. Most of the time, viruses just delete all the restore points. If this trick does not work for you then don’t get disappointed.

After restoring your computer, we recommend you run a thorough scan of the PC using a Powerful Anti-Malware program to detect and remove any hidden threats. In most cases, viruses may spread through any files outside of the C drive because system restoring only affect the C drive. There may be some Virus related files hiding your PC, and it never hurts to double-check.

Sometimes, system restore doesn’t work or viruses can just remove the restore points. As such you will probably have no other choice than to choose the Automatic Removal Process. It is the best and error-free method to find and remove threats from your computer. Additionally, you should also check some important malware prevention tips provided here in this guide to avoid similar virus attacks in the future.

Tips To Prevent .FARGO Virus in Future

  • Use a good anti-virus, be it a free version but don’t use cracked security programs.
  • Make sure that your Windows firewall is active, so it can block upcoming threats.
  • Keep your Windows/Mac OS and other programs updated to avoid vulnerabilities.
  • Download updates only from official websites, don’t use suspicious sites.
  • Never download and install pirated software, games, or illegal patches on your PC.
  • Do not open spam emails from an unknown sender and scan all attachments before opening.
  • Never download freeware third-party programs from unreliable sources or websites.
  • Avoid connecting your PC to unsafe public Wi-Fi to protect your privacy.
  • You can also use a VPN to spoof your connection and avoid harmful sites.
  • Create a system restore point on your system for security purposes.
  • Keep a backup of all your important files to avoid data loss.
Still, having issues? Need help?

Some time threats like FARGO Virus keep getting back on the machine if all associated files are not removed. So you are advised to use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to run a thorough scan of your PC and delete all threats at once.

Compatible with: Windows 11/10/8/7 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)

Special Offer SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware offers a 7-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter 5 Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.

About the author

Robert Calvert

Robert is the Chief Security Expert and Founder of PCSafetyGeek.com website. He is a cybersecurity enthusiast who loves to research about Malware outbreaks and write about their remedies. He also like to spend time trying new software, reviewing them and sharing IT news. However he is a real coffee lover and likes to play chess in spare time (which is quite rare 😜).

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