Popcorntime Ransomware Removal Guide

Popcorntime Ransomware is an extremely devious threat that might push you into infecting the operating systems of other people. This infection is initially spread via spam email attachments, just like Osiris Ransomware, Supermagnet@india.com Ransomware, and thousands of other ransomware infections that have come before it. However, after it encrypts the files, it introduces its victims to a ransom note that offers different ways to retrieve the necessary decryption code. One of the options is to send corrupted links to infect other operating systems. According to the ransom note, if “two or more people will install this file and pay,” you will receive the decryption code for free. Although this might be tempting to do, you have to think if you want to stoop to the level of vicious cyber crooks. Also, you have to think about the consequences that you might face due to the participation in malware distribution. There are other things to think about as well, and we discuss them in this report. We also discuss how to delete Popcorntime Ransomware.

If the devious Popcorntime Ransomware has invaded your operating system – whether the malicious .exe file was downloaded via a spam email or it was sent to you by another victim – your files are now encrypted. The “.filock” extension added to the corrupted files is one of the signs that this infection has invaded your operating system and requires removal. You can also recognize it by the ransom note it displays using the main .exe file, as well as restore_your_files.txt and restore_your_files.html files. The TXT and HTML files are easy to ignore, even if they are added to every folder with encrypted files (note that you will need to remove them from every location). The window displayed by the malicious executable, on the other hand, shows up on your Desktop, and so it is harder to ignore. As mentioned already, the ransom note orders you to send the malicious ransomware launcher to other people, but you are also provided with the option to pay a ransom fee. This fee is quite big (1 Bitcoin or over 750 USD), and you might start thinking that maybe the first option is not so bad. In either case, no one can guarantee that the decryption code that you need will be revealed to you.

The creators of Popcorntime Ransomware do not care about you or your personal files, and you should not fall for the sappy story in the ransom note telling you that the infection was created by Syrian orphans who do not have any other way of making money. You should not trust their promises to help you decrypt your files once you pay the ransom either; even if the ransom is paid by your own victims after sending them the corrupted links. Of course, you have to weigh the risks yourself, and you have to decide for yourself what is best for you. If you want to pay the ransom, we cannot stop you from doing that, but we can warn you about the potential outcome, which is that you might lose your money. Of course, we hope that you do not need to resort to paying the ransom, and you can remove Popcorntime Ransomware from your operating system without the fear of losing your files. As you probably realize, this is possible only if your files are backed up.

You should not postpone the removal of PopcornTime Ransomware for much longer because it is a serious infection that has unauthorized connection to the web. Hopefully, you do not get involved in criminal activity and you do not pay the ransom requested in return of a decryption key whose existence cannot be confirmed at this point. The good news is that you can delete this infection, and we are sure that you will be successful if you choose the right path. More experienced users might be able to attack this infection manually using the guide below. Experience is needed because this threat is controlled via a file whose name and location are unknown, and you have to be able to find it yourself. Do not worry if you are inexperienced because anti-malware software can help you out. You definitely should not hesitate to install this software because there is no denying that your operating system is extremely vulnerable and in need of full-time protection that this software can produce.

How to delete Popcorntime Ransomware

1. Right-click and Deletethese files:
   • restore_your_files.html
   • restore_your_files.txt
   • popcorn_time.exe (this is the main executable, and its name could be different)
2. Simultaneously tap keys Win+R to launch RUN.
3. Type regedit.exe into the dialog box and click OK.
4. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.
5. Delete the value linked to the malicious executable (e.g., Popcorn_Time).