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Published Feb 24, 2014 | Updated Jan 10, 2018

Ransom:Win32/Genasom.JJ

Detected by Microsoft Defender Antivirus

Aliases: Win32/MBRlock.D (ESET) TR/Ransom.Mbro.ahlx (Avira)

Summary

Microsoft Defender Antivirus detects and removes this threat.

This threat stops you from loading Windows and displays a full-screen message, commonly called a "lock screen". If this threat asks you to pay a fee or fine, do not pay it. The message is a fraud.

It tries to scare you into paying a fine to unlock your PC.

Our ransomware FAQ page has more information on this type of threat.

The trend towards increasingly sophisticated malware behavior, highlighted by the use of exploits and other attack vectors, makes older platforms so much more susceptible to ransomware attacks. From June to November 2017, Windows 7 devices were 3.4 times more likely to encounter ransomware compared to Windows 10 devices.

Read our latest report: A worthy upgrade: Next-gen security on Windows 10 proves resilient against ransomware outbreaks in 2017.

Microsoft doesn’t recommend you pay the fine. There is no guarantee that paying the ransom will give you access to your files.

If you've already paid, see our ransomware page for help on what to do now.

Run antivirus or antimalware software

The following free Microsoft software detects and removes this threat:

Even if we've already detected and removed this particular threat, running a full scan might find other malware that is hiding on your PC.

Advanced troubleshooting

To restore your PC, you might need to download and run Windows Defender Offline. See our advanced troubleshooting page for more help.

You can also ask for help from other PC users at the Microsoft virus and malware community.

If you’re using Windows XP, see our Windows XP end of support page.

Run the Bootrec.exe tool

To completely remove this threat you might need to run the Bootrec.exe tool using your Windows installation CD.

For Windows 8:

  1. Put your Windows 8 media in the DVD drive and restart your PC.
  2. Select a language, time and currency, and keyboard or input method, and then click Next.
  3. Click Repair your computer.
  4. Click Troubleshoot, then Advanced options.
  5. Click Command Prompt and then type Bootrec /FixBoot and then presss Enter.
  6. Type Exit and the press Enter.
  7. At the Choose an Option screen click Continue.
  8. Remove the Windows 8 CD from your DVD drive and restart your PC.

For Windows 7:

  1. Put your Windows 7 media in the DVD drive and restart your PC
  2. Press any key when you are prompted.
  3. Select a language, time and currency, and keyboard or input method, and then click Next.
  4. Click Repair your computer.
  5. Select the operating system that you want to repair, and then click Next.
  6. In the SystemRecovery Options dialog box, click Command Prompt.
  7. Type Bootrec.exe /fixboot, and then press Enter.
  8. Remove the Windows 7 CD from your DVD drive and restart your PC.
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