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→Cleanup: more of a guide than encyclopedia, but trying to reconcile the two. This info could be useful.
Ideally, the individual will also create complete system backups periodically. This can be done using software such as DriveImage XML. These disk images should be stored on a separate storage device as well, and only connected to the computer at risk when backups are being created. If possible, it is also wise for the individual to keep older images, in case the more recent images were infected, or are for some reason corrupted.
Ideally, the individual will also create complete system backups periodically. This can be done using software such as DriveImage XML. These disk images should be stored on a separate storage device as well, and only connected to the computer at risk when backups are being created. If possible, it is also wise for the individual to keep older images, in case the more recent images were infected, or are for some reason corrupted.
===Cleanup===
===Cleanup===
To begin recovering a personal computer from a ransomware infection, users should begin by isolating the effected computer. It should be disconnected from the Internet and any local network. Any flash drives, external hard drives, and other editable storage devices should be disconnected from the computer as well.
To begin recovering a personal computer from a ransomware infection, users should begin by isolating the effected computer. It should be disconnected from the Internet and any local network. Any flash drives, external hard drives, and other editable storage devices should be disconnected from the computer as well. The following are some possible steps which could be taken.
====Using backups====
====Using disk image====
#Once isolated, try starting up the computer to the recovery CD, DVD, or flashdrive bootable device. For example, if DriveImage XML was used to create the image, use a boot CD such as [[Hiren's BootCD]] or [[UBCD4Win]]. ''(Note: the users should ensure they can boot to the external media before connecting their backup drive. In Hiren's, simply start up, then connect the drive. In UBCD, boot up, then shut down, connect the backup drive, then start the boot disk again.)''
#Open the program used for imaging, and go through the restore initialization process. Users should always take their time and be cautious during this process. A mistake at this point could make them loose everything.
#Once the restore is complete, shut down the boot disk system, and disconnect all external storage devices.
#Try starting the computer normally. If all goes well, the system should be exactly as it was when the disk image was taken.
#If any other drives were effected by the ransomware, users should either use the same restore process from backups, (using a boot disk with the internal drive disconnected) wipe the disk(s) entirely (again, using only a boot disk), or keep the devices as they are, without connecting them to any computer, in case a flaw in the ransomware is later found, permitting data recovery.
#If the ransomware comes back, it is probably on another storage device, such as a flashdrive, or in the [[BIOS]]. If it is in the BIOS, the user must either attempt to flash the BIOS, or simply replace the motherboard, then restore their drive contents again.
====Using file backups only====
====Without backups====
====Without backups====