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

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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

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65 additional answers

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?
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Anonymous

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

What is a External Media in Step #2 James?
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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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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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