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
    2013-10-16T15:58:50+00:00

    I was having the same problem, all files and folders turns into shortcut, after many research and trying, I finally found the solution, you may also have a try:

    recover files and folders which turns into shortcut

    the guide is easy to follow and works well for me. Hope that it helps you too.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-11-02T13:14:50+00:00

    Hi, I tried this method but 1. I don't see the virus running in task manager and two everytime I delete the shortcuts, it keeps coming back. I am at a loss. Even if I copy and format and recopy, the shortcuts return.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-12-31T22:27:16+00:00

    I retrived my data but how to delete the virus file.And also wanted to know why my antivirus nod32 was not able to fix the problem.

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-04-30T16:56:38+00:00

    Respected Sir,

    My name is David. I read your answer and tried it out. it works really great. I was able to save two of my hard disks with the help of your answers. Im really grateful.

    Rgds

    David.N.K

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