How to remove Merl Ransomware and decrypt .merl files

How to remove Merl Ransomware and decrypt .merl files

What is Merl Ransomware

Merl ransomware is among the cryptoviruses from a large family of STOP ransomware. Like previous versions of the viruses of this family, Merl ransomware encrypts user files of various formats, including photos, videos, audio, multimedia, archives, office documents and much more. Of course, after encryption, the files become unusable for future use. Moreover, Merl ransomware deletes shadow copies of files and system restore points, so as not to leave the user the opportunity to restore files.

remove Merl ransomware

Merl ransomware became most active in the first half of December 2019. In just a few days, the cryptovirus spread throughout the world, although it was originally aimed at an English-speaking audience. Also, Merl ransomware changes the file extension to .merl, which makes it permanently inoperative. Also, in each folder with encrypted files, Merl ransomware creates a text document called _readme.txt, which is a message from scammers. Here’s what it looks like:

remove Merl ransomware

ATTENTION!

Don’t worry my friend, 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:
https://we.tl/t-oEUEuysYiZ
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:
stoneland@firemail.cc

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
gorentos@bitmessage.ch

Support Telegram account:
@datarestore

Your personal ID:

Fraudsters are still trying to persuade the user to instant payment, promising him a 50% discount if he pays the ransom within 72 hours from the moment of encryption. In this case, the buyback price will be $490, instead of $980. In any case, we strongly advise you not to pay, as there are no guarantees that your files will be truly decrypted. Below you can read our instructions and guides to remove Merl ransomware and decrypt .merl files.

Well, there are 2 options for solving this problem. The first is to use an automatic removal utility that will remove the threat and all instances related to it. Moreover, it will save you time. Or you can use the Manual Removal Guide, but you should know that it might be very difficult to remove Merl ransomware manually without a specialist’s help.

Merl Removal Guide

Warning alert
Remember that you need to remove Merl Ransomware first and foremost to prevent further encryption of your files before the state of your data becomes totally useless. And only after that, you can start recovering your files. Removal must be performed according to the following steps:

  1. Download Merl Removal Tool.
  2. Remove Merl from Windows (7, 8, 8.1, Vista, XP, 10) or Mac OS (Run system in Safe Mode).
  3. Restore .Merl files
  4. How to protect PC from future infections.

How to remove Merl ransomware automatically:

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Download Removal Tool

Thor Home may help you to get rid of this virus and clean up your system. In case you need a proper and reliable antivirus, we recommend you to try it.
iOS and Windows compatible

Alternative solution – Malwarebytes
This program will find malicious files, hijackers, adware, potentially unwanted programs and will neutralize it. Also, Norton will help you clean your system properly.
If you’re Mac user – use this.

Manual Merl Removal Guide

Here are step-by-step instructions to remove Merl from Windows and Mac computers. Follow these steps carefully and remove files and folders belonging to Merl. First of all, you need to run the system in a Safe Mode. Then find and remove needed files and folders.

Uninstall Merl from Windows or Mac

Here you may find the list of confirmed related to the ransomware files and registry keys. You should delete them in order to remove virus, however it would be easier to do it with our automatic removal tool. The list:

Merl.dll
_readme.txt
readme.txt

Windows 7/Vista:

  1. Restart the computer;
  2. Press Settings button;
  3. Choose Safe Mode;
  4. Find programs or files potentially related to Merl by using Removal Tool;
  5. Delete found files;

Windows 8/8.1:

  1. Restart the computer;
  2. Press Settings button;
  3. Choose Safe Mode;
  4. Find programs or files potentially related to Merl by using Removal Tool;
  5. Delete found files;

Windows 10:

  1. Restart the computer;
  2. Press Settings button;
  3. Choose Safe Mode;
  4. Find programs or files potentially related to Merl by using Removal Tool;
  5. Delete found files;

Windows XP:

  1. Restart the computer;
  2. Press Settings button;
  3. Choose Safe Mode;
  4. Find programs or files potentially related to Merl by using Removal Tool;
  5. Delete found files;

Mac OS:

  1. Restart the computer;
  2. Press and Hold Shift button, before system will be loaded;
  3. Release Shift button, when Apple logo appears;
  4. Find programs or files potentially related to Merl by using Removal Tool;
  5. Delete found files;

How to restore encrypted files

You can try to restore your files with special tools. You may find more detailed info on data recovery software in this article – recovery software. These programs may help you to restore files that were infected and encrypted by ransomware.

Restore data with Stellar Data Recovery

Stellar Data Recovery is able to find and restore different types of encrypted files, including removed emails.

  1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery
  2. Choose drives and folders with your data, then press Scan.
  3. Select all the files in a folder, then click on Restore button.
  4. Manage export location. That’s it!
Download Stellar Data Recovery

 

Restore encrypted files using Recuva

There is an alternative program, that may help you to recover files – Recuva.

  1. Run the Recuva;
  2. Follow instructions and wait until scan process ends;
  3. Find needed files, mark them and Press Recover button;

How to prevent ransomware infection?

It is always rewarding to prevent ransomware infection because of the consequences it may bring. There are a lot of difficulties in resolving issues with encoders viruses, that’s why it is very vital to keep a proper and reliable anti-ransomware software on your computer. In case you don’t have any, here you may find some of the best offers in order to protect your PC from disastrous viruses.

Malwarebytes

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Download Removal Tool

SpyHunter is a reliable antimalware removal tool application, that is able to protect your PC and prevent the infection from the start. The program is designed to be user-friendly and multi-functional.

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