AVG Decryption Tool for TeslaCrypt — Step-by-Step Recovery Guide

How to Use AVG Decryption Tool for TeslaCrypt: Quick TutorialTeslaCrypt was a widespread ransomware family that encrypted victims’ files and demanded payment for a decryption key. Although TeslaCrypt operators shut down and released master decryption keys in 2016, affected users may still find encrypted files or need to understand historical recovery options. AVG developed a decryption tool that can help recover files encrypted by TeslaCrypt (and related variants) when the correct keys are available. This tutorial explains how to prepare, run, and verify recovery with the AVG Decryption Tool for TeslaCrypt, plus important safety and troubleshooting tips.

Important safety notes (before you begin)

• Do not pay the ransom. In TeslaCrypt’s case the operators released keys; paying encourages criminals and offers no guarantee of recovery.
• Work on copies. Always operate on a copy of the encrypted files — never on originals. That prevents further accidental damage.
• Disconnect the affected device. To avoid re-infection or data spread, remove network access while investigating.
• Use an up-to-date antivirus. Scan the system to remove any remaining malware before attempting decryption; decrypting while malware is active can re-encrypt files.
• Back up recovered data. After successful decryption, create secure backups.

What the AVG TeslaCrypt Decryption Tool does

• Attempts to detect the TeslaCrypt variant that encrypted files.
• Uses available decryption keys (including master keys released publicly) to restore files encrypted by TeslaCrypt variants.
• Verifies decrypted files to confirm successful recovery.

System requirements and download

• Windows system (the tool is typically a Windows executable).
• Administrative privileges may be needed to access some files.
• Sufficient free disk space to hold copies of encrypted and decrypted files.
• Download the tool only from AVG’s official website or reputable security resources to avoid fake tools.

Step 1 — Preparation

1. Create a working folder on an external drive or separate internal partition where you’ll place copies of encrypted files and logs.
2. Make file copies: copy encrypted files (not system files) into the working folder. If the files are widespread across many folders, copy representative samples first to test decryption.
3. If available, collect any ransom notes, filenames, or sample encrypted files. Ransom notes and filename patterns can help identify the exact variant.
4. Ensure the system is clean: run a full system scan with AVG (or another reputable AV) and remove detected threats. Reboot if required.

Step 2 — Run the AVG Decryption Tool

1. Run the downloaded AVG TeslaCrypt Decryption Tool executable as administrator (right-click → Run as administrator).
2. When the tool opens, point it to the folder that contains the copies of encrypted files (or select the drive, if you copied files to a dedicated drive). Avoid pointing the tool at system folders containing originals.
3. Allow the tool to analyze files — it will try to identify the TeslaCrypt variant and determine applicable keys. This may take time depending on the number and size of files.
4. If the tool locates a matching key, it will proceed with decryption. If it cannot find a key, it will report that decryption isn’t possible with available keys.

Step 3 — Review results and verify recovered files

1. Check the tool’s log and summary to see which files were decrypted and which were skipped or failed.
2. Open several decrypted files to verify integrity (e.g., open an image, a document, or other typical files). If files open and look correct, recovery succeeded.
3. If some files remain encrypted or corrupted, review the log for error messages (missing key, file corruption, wrong variant) and proceed to troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting common issues

• Decryption fails for some files:
  • Ensure you scanned and removed malware before decrypting; active malware can re-encrypt files.
  • Check whether the encrypted files were partially overwritten or corrupted; such files may be unrecoverable.
  • Confirm you used copies, not originals — accidental operations on originals can cause issues.
• Tool reports unknown variant:
  • Gather ransom notes and a few encrypted sample files and consult reputable malware recovery resources or forums. Sometimes updated tools or keys become available.
• Large number of files/timeouts:
  • Work in batches: test-decrypt a subset first, then proceed folder-by-folder to avoid long runs and make verification easier.

Alternatives and complementary tools

• Third-party decryption utilities: Afterlaw enforcement releases or security vendors sometimes publish additional tools. Use only trusted vendor tools.
• Shadow Volume Copies: Windows’ Volume Shadow Copy Service sometimes contains previous versions; try System Restore or file history tools (only after malware removal).
• Professional recovery: If data is critical and automated tools fail, consider professional data recovery specialists.

Comparison of key options:

After recovery: cleanup and prevention

• Re-scan the entire system with updated antivirus; remove leftover threats.
• Change passwords used on the infected machine and any accounts accessed from it.
• Patch and update OS and applications.
• Implement regular backups (offline or immutable backups recommended).
• Educate users about phishing and unsafe downloads — ransomware often spreads via email attachments or malicious installers.

When to seek help

• If decryption fails and files are important, contact a reputable incident response or data-recovery provider.
• If you suspect ongoing criminal activity (e.g., ransom demands continue), contact local law enforcement.

If you want, I can: provide a short checklist you can print and follow step-by-step; help locate the official AVG decryption tool download link; or review an AVG tool log if you paste it here.