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Resolved Question

A virus tured files into Shortcuts!!! need help!

Nov 5, 2011 4:06PM PDT

A virus has converted my files on the hard drive into shortcuts. A dialogue box opens when I click those shortcuts, showing the message "Windows cannot find F:\RECYCLER\e5188982.exe. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again." I deleted/removed it using Avira Antivirus(Free Version) after scaning, still I am not able to get my data back. They are still in the form of shortcuts. It shows there is data of about 300GB in it. When I selected to Unhide the hidden files, a folder called "Recycler" was shown. I deleted it. Dont know what to do next. Can anyone help me out?

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vijay1911 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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You need to unhide your files, try this
Nov 5, 2011 6:23PM PDT

vijay1911,

Carol here at CNET Forums may be able to help you.

Took a little while, but I think I have found a possible solution.

This site has details that first look very disheartening, but go down to reply # 15.

See: http://www.pcmech.com/forum/networking-online-security/220365-virus-cleaned-all-files-folders-hidden-system-solved.html for details.

Go to: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic405109.html/page__p__2324554__hl__%22unhideexe%22__fromsearch__1#entry2324554 (See below)

I do not recommend running unhide.exe until you know your system is clean. http://www.bleepingcomputer.com is a good place to start the cleaning process. Unhiding your files should be the last thing you do.

Please mention that you have deleted the Recycler folder as well.

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Got into new problem! :(
Nov 9, 2011 12:07AM PST

Carol thanks for the response!!! Happy

I got my data back! Happy

I am having a new problems.

1. A folder called "System Volume Information" has appeared from nowhere, and I am not even able to delete it. It wasnt there earlier.

2. While naming the new folder, it shows message saying "same folder exists on current destination, do you want to merge with it". On clicking yes, no thing happens and the new folder gets diappeared.

Can you help me with these problems?

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"System Volume Information" is system restore
Nov 9, 2011 12:50AM PST

and it is normal for it to be there.

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last help!
Nov 9, 2011 4:22PM PST

One last help! please

The external HD shows that it has storage of about 350GB, actually it it has the data of 78GB. Nothing shows up even after using unhide option.

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Re: help
Nov 9, 2011 5:27PM PST

I'd copy that 78 GB to a safe place and reformat that external drive.

Kees

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Thanks you! :)
Nov 9, 2011 8:53PM PST

I dont have the place to keep that 78 GB!!! but will try to do the same. thank you kees!

And thanks to Roddy32 and carol!

I appreciate all your help! Happy

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The System Volume Information folder appeared..
Nov 9, 2011 9:13PM PST

vijay..

The System Volume Information was there before. It appeared after using the unhide.exe. Normally, the folder is hidden from view.

Hope this helps you understand it a little better. Wink

Carol

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Yeah I found that!
Nov 16, 2011 11:54AM PST
Grin yes, I found that now! Wink
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Re: 78 GB
Nov 9, 2011 11:45PM PST

Having 78 GB on an external disk without backup somewhere else is an invitation to lose it. Seems you already experienced that.

So the first thing to do is to buy a second external. Then:
1. Copy everything you want to that drive.
2. Repartition or reformat this drive.
3. Copy everything back.

From now in, use one of those disks for storage if your internal hd isn't big enough. Use the other as a backup for both the first external and internal disk.

Kees

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Answer
Formatted the External HD
Nov 16, 2011 11:58AM PST

Kees

I formatted the external HD with help of one friends Desktop. I think your are right, I need to have another External HD.

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Now that you have recovered....
Nov 16, 2011 11:24PM PST

Since you have Carbonite, you should be able to recover lost files on your external drive. A pen drive (external USB flash drive) or DVD's will also work if you do not want to spend the money on another external hard drive and/or case (HDD).

Just be aware that unhide.exe unhides all files, including operating system and system files.

Because of that, you must be very careful of what you choose to delete. As you found out, files will show you have never seen before. Not all, in fact, very few, files will be malicious after running unhide.

To reset your system back to default settings, (restore the normally hidden operating and system files to hidden again) use this: http://www.febooti.com/products/filetweak/tutorials/tutorial-changing-file-attributes.html or:

http://forums.cnet.com/7723-6132_102-520964.html Go to the last post and click 'bleeping computer' for more information.

Be sure to read all information before you do anything. If there is anything you do not understand, let us know.

mchainmchain

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Answer
This is what I did on my problem...like yours
Nov 19, 2011 10:14PM PST

I had my problem on that on my external hard disk..got worried and find lots of answers but didnt work out on me I tried my own and it worked.
Those folder are on shortcut icon right....just follow these steps
My Operating System is Vista