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

Anonymous
2010-07-15T17:19:56+00:00

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

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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Anonymous
2010-07-21T06:22:07+00:00

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.

  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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!
  4. 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)
  5. 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

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-03-07T02:18:06+00:00

    Download Shortcut Virus Remover

    • It will Remove the Shortcut Virus
    • Your folders will recover
    • Its 100% free
    • Open Source
    • No need to install

       Just download and place in your USB device, Double click

        Free Download

        http://www.shortcutvirusremover.com

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-02-29T16:21:09+00:00

    Hey Andrew2304,

    Because this thread was started by another person and because of the threads age, I suggest you follow the link below to start your own thread.

    Asking your own question helps the community help you specifically with your issue. Remember to include all the details (your version of windows, specs of your system, any error codes etc...) that you can when you start your own thread.

    New Thread Link Here

    Thanks for Posting to Microsoft Answers Andrew2304!

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-02-27T10:35:28+00:00

    Hi, I really need help,

    I am a student and I have the same problem as above.

    Yes I have followed the steps until where it says to go to task manager and delete the virus.

    The problem with that is, I don't see any virus on task manager.

    I tried skipping and returning back to the Folder option setup where I have to reselect the default things but when I do that, the real (non-shortcut) folders that appeared, disappears again...

    Please help..

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  4. Anonymous
    2012-02-06T07:07:30+00:00

    dear really thanks so much for your effort

    i really  need this method i was searching this unique technique from last year now finally i got solution,it work for me,

    thanks alot again

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