How to recover
Files Encrypted by BTCWare ransomware
from Windows

My files were encrypted by BTCWare ransomware. Is this ransomware decryptable? I already know that there are a few versions of this ransomware, but my files were marked with .theva file extensions. I want nothing but to decrypt files that BTCWare virus locked. I am not going to obey criminals’ order to pay the ransom.

BTCWare ransomware is decryptable, and victims can not recover their files for free. We have already mentioned the decryption tool in our tutorial on how to decrypt files encrypted by OnyonLock ransomware, but BTCware virus has other versions that append .theva, .cryptowin, .cryptobyte or .btcware file extensions to encrypted files. The extension also contains criminal’s email address, for example, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected].

The virus typically asks for 0.5 BTC that equals 1340.40 USD. Such sum is extremely large, and we believe that no one wants to pay such amount of money, especially for cyber criminals who illegally encrypted victim’s personal files.

The ransomware typically saves a couple of ransom notes on victim’s computer, just to be sure that he/she gets the message. The names of the ransom notes were changed a couple of times - #_HOW_TO_FIX_!.hta.htm, !#_RESTORE_FILES_#!.inf or !#_DECRYPT_#!.inf.

NOTE. The decrypter cannot fix files locked by BTCWare Master ransomware version. Unfortunately, if your files have [email].master file extensions, the decryptor won’t work.

Remember that before trying to decrypt files locked by ransomware, you must delete the virus first. For that, we highly recommend using [d1] software. For full instructions on how to remove the virus, follow BTCWare removal instructions provided on 2-Spyware site.

Recover Files Encrypted by BTCWare Ransomware Virus

Method 1. Decrypt data using BTCWare Decryptor

The latest versions of BTCWare ransomware are more sophisticated; therefore the decryption tool by Avast might not be capable of restoring them. However, if your computer was compromised by earlier ransomware versions, you should successfully restore your files this way:

1. Download BTCware decryptor by Avast.
2. Launch the avast_decryptor_btcware.exe file and follow the instructions provided by the program.

Method 2. Use Data Recovery Pro

In case the decrypter did not help you to restore corrupted files, we suggest trying Data Recovery Pro tool.

1. Download Data Recovery Pro and run it.
2. Install the program according to provided instructions.
3. Open the program and run a computer scan to detect encrypted files. Let it restore them.

Method 3. Use ShadowExplorer

ShadowExplorer is extremely useful when the virus fails to delete Volume Shadow Copies. If the virus accidentally fails to delete these copies, you can restore your files very quickly. Here’s how to use ShadowExplorer:

1. Download ShadowExplorer software.
2. Install it according to guidelines provided in its installer.
3. Open the program and then use the menu in the top left corner to choose the disk that stores encrypted files. Select a preferred folder and hit Export. Select the location where you want to save restored files.

Method 4. Restore from a system restore point

If you had created a system restore point before the ransomware attacked you, restore individual files using this technique:

1. Find an encrypted file that you want to restore.
2. Right-click on it and then open Previous versions tab.
3. Select preferable file version to recover and hit the Recover button.

Method 5. Restore files using data backup

If you have a data copy saved on an external data storage device such as USB, hard drive, DVD or elsewhere, you should follow these steps:

1. First of all, you want to make sure that the virus won’t try to corrupt your data backup. Therefore, remove the virus using anti-malware tools like [d1].
2. Once you get rid of the virus, plug the backup drive into the computer. If you want to be sure that the backup won’t get encrypted, create another copy of files on a clean computer (you can borrow your friend’s) before plugging the data storage device to the computer that was compromised by ransomware.
3. Import files by dragging them to your computer.