How to remove TXTME Ransomware and decrypt .TXTME files

What is TXTME Ransomware

TXTME Ransomware is a recent and highly disruptive file-locking malware strain belonging to the notorious Dharma family, known for targeting Windows systems through malicious email attachments, pirated software, exploit kits, and especially weakly protected RDP services. Upon successful infiltration, this threat commences a systematic file-encryption routine that renders personal documents, photos, and other files completely inaccessible without the cryptographic key held by the attackers. As part of the encryption process, it alters filenames by appending a unique victim identifier, the attacker’s contact email, and the extension .TXTME; for example, an image file such as 1.jpg becomes 1.jpg.id-XXXXX.[ownercall@tuta.io].TXTME. The ransomware disables the system firewall, deletes Volume Shadow Copies to prevent easy recovery, and gains persistence by creating entries under Windows’ Run registry keys while copying itself into the user’s local application data folders. Capable of avoiding targets in specific geographic regions by extracting location data, TXTME demonstrates both technical sophistication and a keen awareness of its targets. It employs robust encryption algorithms—typically combining asymmetric and symmetric ciphers used by the Dharma/Crysis lineage—leaving files locked without any straightforward method of retrieval. Victims are then instructed, via two different ransom notes (including a popup and a dropped TXTME.txt file), to contact the cybercriminals and negotiate payment in Bitcoin for data recovery. Both the desktop pop-up and the TXTME.txt ransom note clearly warn users against renaming encrypted files or seeking third-party decryption, threatening permanent data loss for non-compliance.

Currently, no free or public decryption tools are available for recovering documents with the .TXTME extension, as the private decryption keys remain exclusively in the possession of the perpetrators behind the attack. As is typical with Dharma variants, despite ongoing efforts by security researchers, the encryption—well-implemented with strong cryptographic standards—renders data recovery without the attacker’s cooperation virtually impossible unless a significant flaw surfaces in future variants or law enforcement seizes the key infrastructure. Efforts like the No More Ransom Project provide decryption tools for some ransomware families, but at the time of writing, TXTME files remain unbreakable via legitimate means; users cannot decrypt them with publicly available software. Paying the ransom is categorically discouraged, as there is no guarantee attackers will furnish the correct decryption tool, and doing so only fuels continued criminal enterprise. The best course of action for victims is to remove the underlying ransomware infection with trustworthy antivirus software to prevent additional compromise, report the incident to relevant authorities, and restore files from secure backups—ideally kept on disconnected or cloud-based storage. Maintaining regular, offline backups and prioritizing strong security practices are crucial, as recovering .TXTME files is otherwise not possible through technical means at present.

How TXTME Ransomware infects computers

TXTME Ransomware, a variant from the notorious Dharma family, stealthily infiltrates computers through various deceptive methods. Users often fall victim to this ransomware via phishing emails that disguise malicious links or attachments as legitimate messages. Additionally, TXTME can spread through compromised websites, technical support scams, and pirated software, including keygens and cracking tools that unsuspecting users download. Malicious advertisements on untrusted websites can also trigger the ransomware download. Another common entry point is through Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) services, where attackers perform brute-force or dictionary attacks on weakly secured accounts to gain unauthorized access. Once inside, the ransomware encrypts files, appending the “.TXTME” extension, and demands a Bitcoin ransom for decryption, leaving victims with limited options for recovery.

1. Download TXTME Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .TXTME files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like TXTME Ransomware

TXTME Ransomware files:


TXTME.txt
{randomname}.exe


TXTME Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .TXTME files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .TXTME files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .TXTME files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with TXTME Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .TXTME files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like TXTME Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. TXTME Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro