Ransomware

Nerz File Virus (.nerz) Ransomware Removal + Decrypt files

Nerz File Virus is a newly found malware infection that belongs to the infamous STOP Ransomware family. It is the latest strain of this nasty data locker virus and is equipped with highly advanced file-encryption technology. Much like all its previous variants, this dubious Nerz Ransomware is also created by hackers to extort money from innocent PC users. If you are also a victim of this notorious virus, then this guide could help you remove this infection and recover your files without paying money to hackers.

SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware

Threats like Nerz File Virus keep getting back on the 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.

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.

What Is Nerz Ransomware?

Nerz Ransomware is a nasty malware created by cyber hackers to encrypt files on victims’ computers and extort money. It sneaks into your machine secretly and encrypts all your files, and then adds its own extension at the end of all filenames.

For example, if there was a file name “image.png” on the infected PC, then after encryption it will get changed into “image.png.nerz”. It is completely impossible to access these encoded files with decryption. This is where the blackmailing starts. It will leave a ransom note “_Readme.txt” on the compromised machine to demand ransom in exchange for the decryption key.

Nerz File Virus

After hijacking your files, it will start the extortion. A ransom note left on your system contains a threatening message demanding an extortion fee for the decryption key which can unlock your files. Nerz Ransomware will declare that it has encrypted all your files with the strongest encryption algorithm and they can only get unlocked by a unique decryption key.

It will also say that the only way you can recover your files is by purchasing the decryption tool and unique key generated for your computer. But the main problem is, that you cannot trust hackers behind Nerz file Ransomware to give you that decoder after you pay the ransom money.

Whenever you will try to open any of your locked files, Nerz File Virus will show ransom messages. You will get a ransom note in text format in all your folders and it is a constant reminder of your helplessness. Now you can delete those encrypted files, but if you do so, you will lose all your files forever.

Many people have extra copies of their files that they have saved at other locations as backups. So if your files are encrypted by Nerz Virus and you have the backup then still you should not delete encrypted files and load your backup. Because when you will copy your backup data on the infected computer, it will automatically get encrypted again because your system is still infected by this nasty Nerz Ransomware virus.

How Did Your PC Get Infected?

As for those who don’t know how their computer got infected by Nerz File Virus, they should recall their online activities from the past few days. This dubious threat does not get dropped on your system automatically, your carelessness gave it a chance to sneak. When you open any spam email attachment, download any cracked software, get free shareware programs from low-quality sites, update your software from non-official and shady websites, or use free Wi-Fi from unsafe networks then viruses like Nerz Ransomware get a chance to sneak.

Afterward, they can easily break the firewall and disable your anti-virus programs. Many people might seek free software or programs to remove this infection, then let me tell you, it will be another disaster. Never forget that, all the cracked applications carry harmful malware to spoof the purchasing. So downloading such programs will only risk your system security further.

Nerz Ransomware: Threat Analysis

Name Nerz File Virus
Type Ransomware, File-Encrypting virus
Family STOP/DJVU Ransomware
Extension .Nerz
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 It will encrypt your data by adding “.nerz” file virus extension to file names and demand ransom money for the decryption key
Ransom Note _Readme.txt
Ransom Amount $490 USD to $980 USD
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

Do Not Pay Ransom Money

If you are thinking of paying Nerz File Virus to get the decryption key, then that is the worst idea. After getting the money, there is no guarantee that hackers will decrypt all your files. And if the decryption key works, then still this virus is in your system and it can monitor your activities. This dubious threat is also known for dropping Azorult password-stealing Trojan virus on infected PC to collect the personal information of the victims.

The so-called decryption key may also bring more threats and viruses to your system which can lead to other problems. So it is better to delete Nerz Ransomware from your system to avoid any further problems. As for the matter of your files, you can recover them through data recovery software or you can wait for any decrypter to be launched.

Ransom note “_Readme.txt” contains the following text:

ATTENTION!

Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
hxxps://we.tl/t-Oc0xgfzC7q
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
support@fishmail.top

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
datarestorehelp@airmail.cc

Your personal ID:
-

How to deal with Nerz File virus?

Now the matter is, what you should do when your files are encrypted? You don’t have any backup and you don’t want to pay ransom money to Nerz Virus. It is very clear that you should not pay any single penny to hackers for getting the decryption key. Because if you are thinking of getting your files back by paying the ransom money then it will be another catastrophic mistake.

Even if you pay for the decryption key and recover your files, this nasty Nerz Ransomware is still on your computer. It can easily bring some other variant to your system and encrypt your files later to demand more money. This dubious file-encrypting malware can also drop some other threats on your PC to do more damage. So it is very important that you remove Nerz File Virus from your computer and try to recover your files using any data recovery software.

How To Remove Nerz File Virus

Follow this guide carefully to remove this virus completely from your system. Below you can find step-by-step instructions on how to effectively get rid of this nasty threat easily. Removal of threats like Nerz File Virus is never easy, so we have simplified the process for you in several small steps.

Quick Summary of Removal Instructions:

  1. Automatic Nerz Ransomware Removal Guide
  2. How To Decrypt .Nerz Files
  3. Manual Nerz File Virus Removal Guide
  4. Start PC in Safe Mode With Networking
  5. Kill Malicious Process From Task Manager
  6. Remove Virus From Windows Registry Editor
  7. Remove Nerz File Virus via system restore
  8. Prevent Nerz Ransomware in Future

Please Bookmark This Page by pressing the {ctrl+D} button or print it out on paper before you start the removal process because you may need to restart your PC or browser.

Automatic Nerz Ransomware Removal Guide

It can be hectic to remove threats from an infected PC but the use of powerful Anti-Malware can make it quite easy. SpyHunter anti-malware can help you to remove Trojan, Ransomware, Spyware, Adware, PUPs, etc. easily. You can scan your system for Nerz file virus and all other hidden threats at once. All you need to do is to download this software and run a new scan on your PC.

It will find all the threats and viruses in no time and save you lots of time and effort. This amazing software also provides 24X7 customer support and one-on-one Spyware HelpDesk support for Custom Malware removal. Advanced System Guard feature detects and removes threats in real time. It has a very User-Friendly Interface and regular Malware definition updates make it most effective against the latest attacks.

How SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware Works

  • You will begin by downloading the software on your system for which you have to click on the below download button.

Geek’s Recommendation

Threats like Nerz File 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.
  • Once the software has been downloaded, double-click on SpyHunter-Installer.exe to install the Anti-Malware program on your PC and proceed with the setup.

SpyHunter Installeruser access control

  • After installation, you will need to launch the Anti-Malware application. From the welcome screen click on the Start Scan Now button to initiate a new scan of your PC.

Scan for Nerz

  • Once the scanning process begins, it will take some time to run a thorough diagnostic of your PC and find all hidden threats and malware.

Scan for Nerz

  • Soon you will find a complete list of all the threats on your system screen. Then you will need to click on the Next button to delete all the viruses.

Remove Nerz

How To Decrypt .Nerz Files

As there is no Nerz ransomware decryptor available, you will need to use alternate options to restore your files. The first one is to use the backup. If you have created a backup of your important files then it is going to be quite easy. However, if you don’t have any backup files or they also got encrypted by the virus then you will have to try a data recovery software.

We recommend using Stellar Data Recovery software because it is a powerful and trusted data recovery software. Paying ransom money is not ideal because it will only motivate hackers to carry out more attacks. You can wait for any free decryptor to be launched but it can take forever. Download the free trial version of data recovery and scan your PC for files. It may be able to recover some of your files and save you lots of money.

  • Click on the below download button to get started instantly with the data recovery process on your PC.

Download Data Recovery Software Now

  • After the download click on the installer file and complete the software installation. Then launch the application and select the Data type to recover, and click the Next button.

select Data type

  • After the selection of data, you will need to select the location from where you want to recover data. Choose the location and then click on the Scan button.

Select location

  • The software will take some time to scan your system. You will see a list of all the files that can be recovered. You can preview them or click on the Recover button to save them.

Recover Nerz encrypted files

Manual Nerz File Virus Removal Guide

Before you start Manual Removal

Attention! For the safety of your system, please confirm a few things before you begin manual 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 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 SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware 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

  • Click on the Windows and R keys together on your keyboard to open the Windows Run Box.
  • Now you will need to type in MSConfig and then click the OK button.
  • The System configuration settings box will appear on your computer screen.
  • Click on the Boot tab, check the Safe Boot option, and select the network box,
  • Finally, you will have to click on Apply and then press the OK button.

Safe boot

Kill Malicious Process From Task Manager

  • Open the Windows Rub box again on your PC by pressing the Windows and R keys together on your keyboard.
  • This time you will have to type in taskmgr and then click the OK button to open Windows Task Manager. Look for any unknown or malicious running on your system.
  • Select the process which is taking lots of systems resources and then click on the End Task button.

Stop Nerz related task

Uninstall Nerz Ransomware from Control Panel

  • Again you will need to open the Windows Run Box, so press the Windows and R keys together.
  • This time you need to open the Windows Control Panel, so type in appwiz.cpl and then click the OK button.
  • Programs and Features windows will appear on your computer screen with a list of all the installed applications.
  • Now you need to look for any unknown or virus related program and then Uninstall it from your PC.

Remove Nerz

Remove Nerz Ransomware From Registry Editor

  • Again open the Windows Run Box on your PC by using the Windows and R keys.
  • To open the Windows Registry Editor, type in Regedit and click the OK button.
  • Now you will have to find the virus related registry files and remove them.
  • Press CTRL and F keys together on the keyboard to start a Find query.
  • Type the virus name and click on Find Next button to find malicious entries and delete them.

Remove Nerz related registry

Warning: Meddling with Windows Registry files might not be a good idea if you don’t have advanced knowledge about registry files. Deleting the wrong file can break down your entire system. Proceed at your own risk, or just skip this step. You can choose the Automatic Removal method and avoid all the problems.

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 Malicious IP addresses from Windows Hosts Files

  • To open the Windows hosts file, simply press the Windows and R keys together on the keyboard.
  • Type C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc in Run Box and then click the OK button.
  • Now you will need to access the Windows hosts file using Notepad.
  • Most threats add malicious IP addresses here to automatically connect to remote servers.
  • Delete all the malicious IP addresses below the localhost and save the file.

Remove Nerz virus related IP address

Delete Virus related files from your PC

When malware infects your system, it normally creates several malicious files and spread them at different locations. After you remove the malware, these leftover files help them to get back to your computer. Remove all virus related files at once by following the below instruction :

  • Open the Windows Run Box again by using the Windows and R keys together.
  • Now you will open the below paths one by one using the Run Box and remove malicious files.
  1. %AppData%
  2. %LocalAppData%
  3. %ProgramData%
  4. %WinDir%
  5. %Temp%

For the first four options, look for any recent folder related to the Nerz File Virus and remove them. For the Temp folder, you can delete all the files at once. Use Ctrl, Shift, and Delete keys together for permanent removal.

Remove Nerz File Virus via system restore

  • You will again need the Windows Run Box, so press the Windows and R keys together.
  • Open the Command Prompt by typing in cmd and then clicking the OK button.
  • Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter.
  • The System Restore window will get opened instantly then click on the Next button.
  • Choose a System Restore point you have created in the past and click the Next button.
  • Finally, when you will hit the Yes button, the system restoration process with start immediately.

Remove Nerz via system restore

Note: System restore to remove a virus will only work if you have a restore point set on your PC. Otherwise, no changes will be made to your system and it will not remove any threats. Be advised, restoring the computer to a previous version does not always guarantee virus removal. Most viruses delete restore points, so don’t get diNerzointed if this trick does not work for you.

Prevent Nerz Ransomware in Future

  • Get a powerful Anti-Malware or Anti-virus to fight cyber threats. Free versions do not offer the best protection and cracked security programs can do more damage than good.
  • Always keep your Windows firewall active, and your OS updated along with other important programs. Only download updates from official sites or reliable sources.
  • Check HTTPS before entering your email, password, credit card details, etc. into any site. Do not visit sites that do not have SSL security. Also, don’t forget to Enable Phishing and Malware protection in Browser.
  • Do not download or install any type of pirated software, games, or illegal patches. Avoid using shady sites to acquire freeware programs because they often use software bundling. Never install a program that asks you to inactivate your anti-virus software.
  • Avoid opening spam emails from unknown senders.  Always scan all the email attachments before opening them. Never click on any suspicious links with some too good to be true offers.
  • Connecting your PC or mobile devices to unsafe public Wi-Fi is not a good idea. You can also avoid unwanted threats coming from malicious sites by using a VPN to spoof your connection.
  • Keep regular backups of all your important data on external hard drives or cloud drives to avoid data loss in case of a ransomware attack. Also, create a system restore point on your system for security purposes.

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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