The Shortcut virus

Guys I have a problem with the shortcut virus. turns all usb files into shortcuts. 

 

Help

 

Moved from Windows 7.

NickAu

Edited by NickAu, 04 May 2017 - 12:51 AM.
Mod edit

What is a USB file? Do you mean a USB device or files on a USB drive?

The files and folders in your USB drive often turn into shortcuts and you won;t be able to access the files due to this virus. There is a simple solution which saves you and your valuable files. It is called as a trojan horse.

 

1. Don't open your flash drive through autorun.

 

2. Open command prompt by searching 'cmd.exe'

 

3. It will display something like C:\Users\xxxx> (If your USB flash drive's letter is F, then type 'F:' without quotes)

 

4. Then it turns out to be F:\> 

 

5. Type attrib f:\*.* /d /s -h -r -s

 

It changes the attribute of all the files (*.* represents all the files of all the file types). Now, you will be able to access all the files in your USB flash drive. Make sure you back it all up to your computer's drive and format the entire USB drive. Install a good antivirus software along with internet security which safeguards your computer from future threats.

Edited by EllaShan, 05 May 2017 - 02:31 AM.

I have done that but still when I plug in other usb drives the same happens. I need to sort this out permanently, could you please send a link for a good antivirus

True, ultimately these solution doesn't help in long run. You keep wiping the USB flash drive, better keep your system virus free and don’t use the USB in an infected computer.

 

Why not try Avast as it’s free -

http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10019223.html

 

Even inbuilt Windows defender works great in these situation.

But make sure you keep scanning your drive in every 2 to 3 weeks.

 

Good LuckJ

Download Farbar MiniToolBox and save the file to your desktop.

1. Open MiniToolBox by right-clicking it and selecting Run as Administrator.

2. Make sure the following options are checked and then click Go:

Report IE Proxy Settings

Report FF Proxy Settings

List content of Hosts

List IP configuration

List Winsock Entries

List last 10 Event Viewer log

List Installed Programs

List Devices (Don't change any settings here)

List Users, Partitions and Memory size

List Restore Points

3. Paste the log file contents into a post.

    

 

 

 

 

Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware from the provided link.

1. Launch MBAM by clicking the .EXE file you downloaded.

2. Run the installation wizard.

3. Once complete, open MBAM and click Scan.

4. Let the scan complete, then make sure all threats are selected and click Quarantine.

5. Once done, go to History > Logs. Select the most recent Scan Log and paste its contents into a post.

 

 

Download ESET Online Scanner and save it to your desktop

 

1. Double-click on the ESET Online Scanner icon to launch ESET.

2. Click through the prompts and select “Enable detection of potentially unwanted applications.”

3. Click “Scan” and let the tool run.

4. Once done, click the “Save to text file...” Save the file to your desktop and paste the contents into a post.

Edited by iMacg3, 05 May 2017 - 08:56 AM.

Malwarebyte installs but wont open

Please uninstall "Free MP4 To AVI Converter" from your computer, as it is probably a PUP (potentially unwanted program).

 

For Malwarebytes, please press the Windows key + R and type mbam.exe. Please wait as it may take a few moments to open.

 

I would not recommend installing Avast from the link provided by another user above, as it may contain unwanted programs bundled with it.

Edited by iMacg3, 05 May 2017 - 10:10 AM.

says "windows cannot find mbam.exe"

Double-click on the Malwarebytes icon and wait for up to 30 seconds for it to open.

 

Meanwhile, run the other scans.

Edited by iMacg3, 05 May 2017 - 11:02 AM.