Can’t Remove GrandCrab v5.0.3 Ransomware? This page includes detailed instructions on how to remove GrandCrab v5.0.3 Ransomware that can be found at the bottom half of this article.

Inside of the current article, you will find some general information about a PC virus labeled GrandCrab v5.0.3 Ransomware. The malware program that we are presently discussing belongs to the cryptovirus category – this is a sort of Ransomware viruses that has the ability to seal the user’s personal documents by employing an advanced encryption code. Once the computer virus has successfully accomplished its malicious process, it uncovers itself by showing a pop-up message – through this notification a money payment is requested or text documents {5 random symbols}-DECRYPT.txt. The pop-up also includes strict instructions with regards to how the ransom should be transferred to the cyber-criminals, who are in control of the malware. The money is required in exchange for the file encryption key which can enable the targeted customer to re-access the encrypted data. Usually, the ransomware victim is threatened that they will not be capable of accessing their sealed files ever again in case they decide to not send the requested ransom. If the insidious GrandCrab v5.0.3 Ransomware has already secured your documents and you are currently in search for a solution for your problem, we suggest that you continue reading this post. You can familiarize your self with one of its older version GranCrab

How GrandCrab v5.0.3 Ransomware Works

Normally, the contaminations caused by Ransomware noticeably differ from those coming from other malicious programs. Ransomware virus programs function in a different way and can’t be compared with any other sort of common PC viruses like Trojans, for instance. What makes the ransom-demanding viruses differ from the other virus versions is that they don’t really harm your PC or data in any way. Instead, a Ransomware virus would encrypt some essential files and stop you from opening them. That truly makes the viruses like GrandCrab v5.0.3 Ransomware even more bothering given due to the lack of any actual damaging processes, they normally manage to stay unseen and undetected by most antivirus software. The fact that encryption is utilized by Ransomware plays a big role in the stealthiness of this Ransomware because the processes of encoding the data aren’t necessarily something damaging. In such a way, PC viruses that belong to the Ransomware category remain invisible until they are finally done with the encryption process and the targeted files have already been blocked. What else makes this sort of a Ransomware contamination even harder to see is the lack of any notable indications of its presence or of the process of encrypting the data.

Ransomware Payment and Bitcoins

In reality, the inventors of GrandCrab v5.0.3 Ransomware count on instilling fear and panic within the targeted users with the effects of this noxious software. Consequently, it is more than important for any Ransomware victim to stay calm and learn more about the typical characteristics of this kind of malicious software. What could also be mentioned regarding the manner in which Ransomware works is that this malware most often demands its ransom in the form of Bitcoins. This is because these online currencies are difficult to trace. Logically, many online terrorists choose Bitcoins since in this way they could remain anonymous and unreachable for the governments. As you may expect, this is the key reason why very few cyber criminals are captured or sent to trial to answer for their deeds. There is also the probability of not acquiring the decryption code even after completely adhering to the requirements of the cyber criminals. Therefore, we advise you to seek other potential solutions, which aren’t associated with paying the demanded ransom, because even performing such a payment might not help you much. Our suggestion for an alternative treatment to any Ransomware issues is our removal guide manual located at the bottom of this article. There, you are going to also find a section showing you how to potentially free some of your data by utilizing system back-ups. Only remember that you should really test all alternative solutions against Ransomware before choosing to pay the hackers.

Prevent GrandCrab v5.0.3 Ransomware from attacking again

Taking into consideration just how noxious a Ransomware attack normally is, in case you have many important personal files on your PC Hard-Drive, it should be obvious how essential it’s to make certain that your system doesn’t get invaded by GrandCrab v5.0.3 Ransomware or some other similar cryptovirus. The following paragraph is going to be very beneficial and helpful for all users that are seeking to strengthen the overall protection and security of their PC and files. An important aspect that might contribute to the exposure of your PC to potential hazards is what your online activities are and what websites you typically visit. Always make sure to keep your distance from any websites/web-pages that you think might be potentially hazardous and illegal. Additionally, you ought to be cautious with any online junk mail that may be sent your way. It is well known that all sorts of malware are commonly getting distributed using spam email messages or harmful social media letters – this method is used with Ransomware as well. Also, it’s best if you avoid all the links which might be leading to suspicious online locations as they can be a source of cryptovirus infections. Another critical rule that would allow you to defend your machine against Ransomware is to back-up all of your significant data. That way, a Ransomware invasion to your PC will probably be just a mere annoyance!

Remove GrandCrab v5.0.3 Ransomware

1: Preparations

Note: Before you go any further, we advise you to bookmark this page or have it open on a separate device such as your smartphone or another PC. Some of the steps might require you to exit your browser on this PC.

2: Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to enter the Task Manager. Go to the Tab labeled Processes (Details for Win 8/10). Carefully look through the list of processes that are currently active on you PC.

If any of them seems shady, consumes too much RAM/CPU or has some strange description or no description at all, right-click on it, select Open File Location and delete everything there.

Also, even if you do not delete the files, be sure to stop the process by right-clicking on it and selecting End Process.

3: The Hosts file

Go to c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts. Open the hosts file with notepad.

Find where it says Localhost and take a look below that. 

If you see any IP addresses there (below Localhost) send them to us here, in the comments since they might be coming from the virus.

4: Disable Startup programs

Re-open the Start Menu and type msconfig.

Click on the first search result. In the next window, go to the Startup tab. If you are on Win 10,  it will send you to the Startup part of the task manager instead, as in the picture:

If you see any sketchy/shady looking entries in the list with an unknown manufacturer or a manufacturer name that looks suspicious, disable those programs and select OK.

5: Registry Editor

Press Windows key + R and in the resulting window type regedit.

Now, press Ctrl + F and type the name of the virus.

Delete everything that gets found. If you are not sure about whether to delete something, do not hesitate to ask us in the comments. Keep in mind that if you delete the wrong thing, you might cause all sorts of issues to your PC.

6: Deleting potentially malicious data

Type each of the following locations in the Windows search box and hit enter to open the locations:

%AppData%

%LocalAppData%

%ProgramData%

%WinDir%

%Temp%

Delete everything you see in Temp. About the other folders, sort their contents by date and delete only the most recent entries. As always, if you are not sure about something, write to us in the comment section.

7: Decryption

The previous steps were all aimed at removing the Ransomware from your PC. However, in order to regain access to your files, you will also need to decrypt them or restore them. For that, we have a separate article with detailed instructions on what you have to do in order to unlock your data. Here is a link to that guide.