External hardrive files converted to 'shortcuts'.Closed

Question

Hi guys,

My laptop broke, as a result of a virus. During this time, the virus happened to change all my files on my external hardrive to 'shortcut' files. I can't access them as they will not open. I have a new laptop now. Please, I hope they haven't gone forever.

Is there away I can convert the files back from shortcuts to the original files.

Thanks :)

xpcman · Answer

I suggest you try thew steps detailed in this posting:

http://ccm.net/faq/9106-all-folders-on-my-usb-have-been-changed-to-shortcuts

Good Luck

carminabigue · Answer

Hello, 

Try this 1. 

Check whether the files are not in hidden mode. Follow the following steps. 

Step 1: 

Click on the below link and download the file "AutorunExterminator" 

https://ccm.net/downloads/security-and-maintenance/5911-autorun-exterminator/ 

Extract it --> Double-click on "AutorunExterminator" --> Plug your External 

hard drive now. 

This will remove the autorun.inf files from your External hard drive and also from 

the drives. 

Step 2: 

Click on "Start" -->Run --> type cmd and click on OK. 

Here I assume your External hard drive as G: 

Enter this command. 

attrib -h -r -s /s /d g:\*.* 

You can copy the above command --> Right-click in the Command Prompt and 

paste it. 

Note : Replace the letter g with your External hard drive letter. 

Now check for your files in External Drive. 

Step 3: 

After that, download the Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware from the below link 

https://ccm.net/downloads/security-and-maintenance/4621-malwarebytes-anti-malware/ 

Update it --> Perform "Full Scan" 

Note : Default selected option is "Quick Scan". 

Good Luck.

External hardrive files converted to 'shortcuts'.

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