Smash! Ransomware Virus (Removal Steps and Protection Updates)

The Smash! ransomware is an intruging new malware threat that uses images from the popular video game Super Mario Bros. Learn more about it and how to remove active infections from our article.

Smash! Ransomware Description

Smash! ransomware is not exactly a typical ransomware strain. Its current iteration acts more like a screen locker, as its code does not have an encryption module that can encrypt target user data. Upon infection with it the the computer user is displayed six welcome screen pop-up windows which are rendered in a sequence. The messages contain the following text:

Welcome
Hi and welcome to

Welcome
Smash! Ransomware

Welcome
I thought i would lay here all alone.

Welcome
But now…

Welcome
Your are here!:)

WeHSnX
So Welcome to HELL. Pay or your files die!

All of these messages have an “OK” button at the bottom right corner. If that is triggered, then another pop-up message is shown which imitates a ransomware note:

Welcome, if you don’t pay us for a key within the progressbar is 100% we will delete ALL of your files forever.

A progress bar is shown bearing the name “File Kill Timer”. The computer victim can input a 7-digit code which can stop the counterfeit deletion.

This is a false warning that is meant to scare the users and extort a payment from the victims.

However the Smash! ransomware does have some malicious features. It can actively block some system applications such as the Windows Registry Editor (Regedit), The Task Manager and the Command Prompt (CMD). When the user tries to access them they are presented with a pop-up window that reads one of the following messages:

Taskmgr not available.
No TaskManager for you.

Regedit not available.
No Registery Editor for you.

Smash! Ransomware Distribution

There is still not enough information available from the live attacks. However most malware samples have been identfied through email spam campaigns that carry infected binary files as attachments or contain links to them.

Smash! Ransomware Removal

For a faster solution, you can run a scan with an advanced malware removal tool and delete Smash! completely with a few mouse clicks.

STEP I: Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently.

1) Hit WIN Key + R

2) A Run window will appear. In it, write “msconfig” and then press Enter
3) A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named “Boot”
4) Mark “Safe Boot” option and then go to “Network” under it to tick it too
5) Apply -> OK

Or check our video guide – “How to start PC in Safe Mode with Networking”

STEP II: Show Hidden Files

1) Open My Computer/This PC
2) Windows 7
– Click on “Organize” button
– Select “Folder and search options”
– Select the “View” tab
– Go under “Hidden files and folders” and mark “Show hidden files and folders” option

3) Windows 8/ 10

– Open “View” tab
– Mark “Hidden items” option



4) Click “Apply” and then “OK” button

STEP III: Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes

1) Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2) Get over to “Processes”
3) When you find suspicious process right click on it and select “Open File Location”
4) Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose “End Process”
5) Next you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it

STEP IV: Remove Completely Smash! Ransomware Using SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter

STEP V: Repair Windows Registry

1) Again type simultaneously the Windows Button + R key combination
2) In the box, write “regedit”(without the inverted commas) and hit Enter
3) Type the CTRL+F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4) In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys

Further help for Windows Registry repair

STEP VI: Recover Encrypted Files

1) Use present backups
2) Restore your personal files using File History
– Hit WIN Key
– Type “restore your files” in the search box
– Select “Restore your files with File History”
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar



– Hit the “Restore” button

3) Using System Restore Point

– Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps

STEP VII: Preventive Security Measures

1) Enable and properly configure your Firewall.
2) Install and maintain reliable anti-malware software.
3) Secure your web browser.
4) Check regularly for available software updates and apply them.
5) Disable macros in Office documents.
6) Use strong passwords.
7) Don’t open attachments or click on links unless you’re certain they’re safe.
8) Backup regularly your data.

SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter