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
    2013-05-23T00:19:10+00:00

    Hii...My name is dileep

    I tried what you said...But when i find my virus files and deleting them , with in 2 seconds the deleted file is creating again..Can you help this out

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-07-23T20:37:31+00:00

    Thanks alot James. This worked 100% for me. Wasnt too keen on losing 160gb of media :O

    Thanks again.

    seraphnz

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-07-22T16:29:53+00:00

    It worked friend. Thanks a lot!

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-07-16T06:36:33+00:00

    Hi Holligan13,

    1.      Do you see the folders on the drive?

    2.      What happens when you try to access these files?

    3.      Do you get any error message?

    4.      Do you remember making any changes to the computer?

    5.      Did you use these files/folders earlier?

    Please provide more information about the issue you are facing so we can look for options. In the meantime you can try the following steps.

    **Step 1:**Check the properties of the file and see the description. To do so, follow these steps.

    a.       Right click on the file on the external hard drive and select Properties.

    b.      Under the General tab, look for “Type of File” and see what it says.

    **Step 2:**If you are receiving any error stating that the access is denied, take permissions to the drive and check if it helps.

    a.       Right click on the external hard drive and select Properties.

    b.      Click the Security tab, select the username and click Edit.

    c.       Now click Add and type the username that you want to grant permissions to under Enter the object names to select and click Check Names. Click OK.

    d.      Now select the username you typed from Group or user names and check Full Control under Permission for.

    e.       Click Apply and OK. Check to see if the problem exists.

    For more information, visit:What are permissions?

    Check if these steps help and reply back with the status.

    Regards,

    Syed N – Microsoft Support

    Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

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