Can or should you do a factory reset of win 7 after ransomware hits?

There are many programs that will remove ransomware. MS even said they will provide updates for OS's that are no longer supported.

https://www.google.com/search?q=remove+ransomware&...

However, the files that have been encrypted are gone unless you pay the ransom. Ransomware does not usually encrypt the entire HD, only specific types of files- documents, pictures, music, etc. The only cure for this is backup, backup, backup. Not just individual files but the entire hard drive. The easiest way is to backup your entire HD to another HD. Acronis TrueImage is the gold standard, but it is not free. This way you can restore individual files or the entire HD. There is compression in the backups so you can store several backups on one HD. This link is for free backup software:

https://www.google.com/search?q=free+backup+softwa...

I just reboot, 60 seconds problem solved the easy way.

DeepFreeze, surf like a Boss

If you did not make a system image before the disaster that may be your only option but some random war just flash a fake warning your infected other random ware encrypts your data if you get one of those factory reset

There are many ways to clean your computer without a reset. However a reset is the easiest and most sure fire way to make sure the computer is secure.

Yes, as this is the only sure way to rid ones computer of ransomware. Remember to save your files including pictures before you do the factory reset.

Windows 7 does not have factory reset. However, You can reinstall the original operating system. No reset occurs but a fresh copy of the original gets installed. Running a restore routine using a recent time prior to the hits would be a better choice because your documents except the most recent are saved.

The best thing to do is to stay off of unsafe sites. If you are running anti-malware/adware/virus software, it will help flag bad sites.

Here are some thoughts from Microsoft

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/portal/mm...