How can I remove a ransomware infection?

Kevin's laptop has been hijacked by ransomware. He has no files worth paying for, but he wants to keep using his PC

My laptop has been hijacked by the ransomware virus. I really have no files on my computer worth paying for. However, how do I continue to use my computer after it has been hijacked? I did a system restore back to when it came in the box, but the ransom screen still covers my home page. Kevin

Ransomware is a type of malware that demands money with menaces: it takes control of your PC, and wants you to pay to get it back. In general, it's best to avoid paying. If you feel you have no choice, then the malware has exposed critical flaws in your malware protection, and backup and recovery procedures. No reputable business should ever find itself in this position. However, some have been caught out by ransomware that infects files on the server as well as on individual PCs, when they did not have adequate offline or cloud backups.