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
    2010-12-23T02:32:05+00:00

    You can't Search all folders in your Local Disks(s) manually, It's a heck of Time Killer. 

    Windows has search features, simply search My computer folder, (this helps to check the entire system including local disks, folders and shared folders.

    to do this; let your 3A be as follows

    click on start button

    right-click on My Computer (by the right side of the start menu)

    then choose search Computer

    type the name of the suspicious virus you have noted down, then click search or go

    Note:

    you have to complete step one to 3 above on Jame's Post before doin this...

    BY THE WAY THE BEST BET IS TO COPY THE NAME OF THE VIRUS  into a piece of paper,

    then restart your computer, switch to Safe mode (press f8 when system is booting)

    THEN USE THE SEARCH TOOL TO LOCATE IT as i stated earlier,Because deleting the virus in normal mode may stil not work.

    good luck.

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-12-23T02:17:15+00:00

    can't you see that this thread gives you the solution for your PC?

    >>Read before you write.

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-12-12T15:57:54+00:00

    i have simple method

    open the drive with altap salamander,you will see the hiden file.click all the hiden file and click to change attribute.at the box uncheck hiden.click ok .and you will get all the file back.Next - delete all the 1kb file and scan your drive with antivirus and antispywere.

    for more info http://pc-maintenance-tips.blogspot.com/

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-10-21T08:33:03+00:00

    i have had this problem and managed to remove the virus from my memory stick. the question is" How do i GET RID OF IT FROM MY pc?"

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