Virus/malware has compressed my files

Nothing on the screen shots stands out.

OK, copy that file out and go get RECUVA. I'm supplying a direct link due to download sites with their extras.
-> http://www.piriform.com/recuva

So while the 512MB file is still a mystery, at least the strings have been stripped out you can put that up on a public dropbox and see what folk can decode.

With Recuva you would point it at the memory card/stick and see if there are other items to copy over.
Bob

I downloaded recuva and tried the recover but it didn't succeed. :/

Although I think it's a dead end, it might be useful if you tell what you did and what happened. It shouldn't be too difficult to tell more than "I tried and it didn't work".

Kees

We have many more tools to try but this is the first I reach for.

If the files must be recovered, time for http://www.drivesavers.com
Bob

But it's something to explore to see if there were other file and folder names listed that look familiar. I didn't write it all above but this looks to be some folder security system or just a banged up file system that happens when you yank a usb card/stick out too soon.

Rummaging for remains, looking for clues, other files is de-rigueu and some can't stand the work. It took a lot of posts to get the strings to a file but if there is a clue, it may be in there. It's not a sure thing but I've had luck decoding such in the past. It's one on my tools.

In the future, consider dropbox. 2GB is free and I've sent stuff there while on travel since you never know if some border guard will confiscate a memory stick.
Bob

Yeh I usually use dropbox when traveling that was the reason I went to the internet cafe but then the connection was real slow so I gave up after an hour which turned out to be a big mistake.

Recuva simply said no files found. I've tried other recovery tools as well with no luck. I think the files are gone. Oh well it'll teach me to bring a tablet and use wifi next time ,)

Cheers for your help anyway! Much appreciated

(acknowleged)