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

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 No comments
Answer accepted by question author
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

Was this answer helpful?

1 person found this answer helpful.
0 comments No comments

65 additional answers

Sort by: Oldest
  1. 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
  2. Anonymous
    2012-11-05T19:45:49+00:00

    Thanks James.....it worked for me, regards Sam...

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2013-01-15T16:47:06+00:00

    thanks buddy,,its fixed.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  4. Anonymous
    2013-02-23T14:52:09+00:00

    Normally i don't comment or reply on any forums. But this worked out for me and i am speechless can't thank you enough for all your help. I am a graphic designer and all my life long work was in my 1tb hdd. I almost lost my life and you came as a life saver. thanks alott.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments