Files on external drive have changed to shortcuts, cannot access them.

Anonymous

Something changed my File folders on my external hard drives to a shortcut to a ,scr that is not there and I can't access what is in my folders. How do i get my folders back . This is on a Toshiba laptop running Vista

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

Anonymous

Holligan13

I had the same problem, which was caused by the program CIEUHU.EXE. it sucked.... basically what it did was change all folders on my flashdrive to shortcuts, but the drive still showed that it had data. The fix for this is was relatively easy for me and I hope it works for you.

Go to control Panel, Folder Options -- select VIEW--- select Show hidden files and folders and uncheck Hide protected operating system files (recommended) now click APPLY
go to your external media and it should show you all your folders hidden including the virus----- delete the virus and all the shortcut folders that have no data in them. create new folders and copy the data from YOUR hidden folders into them. once that is done delete the old hidden folders.
enter task manager--- find the program that is still running which will have the same name as the one you just deleted off the hard drive---- right click it and select open file location---- this should show you the virus location---- delete it!
return back to control panel, Folder options select view----- select DO NOT show hidden files and folders and recheck Hide protected operating system files (recommended)
Restart computer---- open task manager and ensure that the program is no longer running

This worked for me and I hope it works for you. Good Luck

0 comments

65 additional answers

Anonymous

2012-09-19T17:11:26+00:00

Awesome!

Everything tried before BUT this one just the great solution!

Thank to Mr SabahuddinTokhay for the great tutorial & guide,

regard.

Connect your flash desk or external HDD to the pc

- Go to Start, then go to RUN click then type CMD then press enter

- change the directory ( directory of your hard drive) say F: then press enter.

-then type ATTRIB -S -H *.* /S /D press enter..

-wait for a minute if the directory appear, type Exit then open your flash drive or external HDD....
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Deleted

This answer has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The answer was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.

Comments have been turned off. Learn more
Anonymous

2012-07-25T17:21:43+00:00
euphony,jamearntz

Hi

I followed step 1 and step 2. I was able to unhide the folders and also saw a virus 'autorun.exe' . I deleted the shortcuts and the hidden files after I copied all my files to a new folder in the stick.

I have 2 problems
1. I didnot find any program running on the Task Manager xcpt for the 'Removable Disk and this website . so how do I trace the virus? or is it already gone?
2)However the newfolder i had copied and made from the hidden files is also hidden. ie, when I go back to Control Panel>Folder options> turn off the 'show hidden files' & check 'Hide protected operating system files' (recommended)

Then I cant see my new copied file either! I tried going back and reverting the Folder option actions- then my file is seen again. So i tried to copy it to my comp, it gets copied, but remains hidden whn I turn off the 'show hidden files' and & check 'Hide protected operating system files (recommended) option'.

what can I do to retreive my files?

and is there a way to find if the virus is still there?
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2012-07-23T04:22:11+00:00

What is a External Media in Step #2 James?
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments