Troubleshooting Strange Virus: Fixing Hidden Folders in Windows 7

  • Thread starter Thread starter mech-eng
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around troubleshooting a virus affecting folders on a Windows 7 flash memory drive, specifically one that appears to create shortcuts instead of displaying the actual folders. Participants explore methods to restore visibility to these folders and address the implications of the virus.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants describe a virus, possibly named "recycler," that alters folder visibility by converting them into shortcuts.
  • Several suggestions are made to show hidden and system files through Windows Explorer settings, but some participants report that these methods do not resolve the issue.
  • One participant proposes copying the entire flash memory to a hard drive, unhiding folders, formatting the flash memory, and then copying the files back as a potential solution.
  • Another participant mentions using the command line to remove attributes from files, but encounters issues with command recognition.
  • There are discussions about the need to uncheck options for hiding system files in order to see all files, with varying degrees of success reported.
  • One participant shares a personal experience with a similar virus and outlines a step-by-step method to resolve the issue by creating a new folder and transferring files.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential risks of removing attributes from files, suggesting that it could affect software functionality.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of methods to address the issue, but there is no consensus on a definitive solution. Some methods are reported as ineffective, while others provide partial success, indicating ongoing uncertainty and disagreement about the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in their attempts, such as the need for specific settings in Windows Explorer and the potential for files to remain transparent even when visible. The discussion reflects a variety of experiences and technical challenges without resolving the underlying problem.

mech-eng
Messages
826
Reaction score
13
there is a strange virus.It seems that it has a name of recycle.Problem is that when it enters our flash memory it changes all created folder with their shortcuts.ı can reach them by these shortcuts.
But when I deleted that shortcuts I can't reach folder normally from a windows 7 window.but they are really there.I can reach and monitor them by some programs such as winrar.I run winrar and using
up button I select the memory and enter into it by winrar.I can see all folder in winrar but not in the
operating system's window.what is the problem with folders.how can make them normal?
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
mech-eng said:
there is a strange virus.It seems that it has a name of recycle.Problem is that when it enters our flash memory it changes all created folder with their shortcuts.ı can reach them by these shortcuts.
But when I deleted that shortcuts I can't reach folder normally from a windows 7 window.but they are really there.I can reach and monitor them by some programs such as winrar.I run winrar and using
up button I select the memory and enter into it by winrar.I can see all folder in winrar but not in the
operating system's window.what is the problem with folders.how can make them normal?

Just tell Windows Explorer to show hidden and system files
 
phinds said:
Just tell Windows Explorer to show hidden and system files



how can I tell Windows explorer to show . I entered control panel and chose folder options and
then clicked on "show hidden files and folder" and then a dialog window called folder options opened.In the view button I chose "show hidden files,folders and drivers" and then clicked on "ok" button.but I see that nothing has changed.
 
Its probably the RECYCLER virus and most modern antivirus softwares can get rid of it for you.
 
Enigman said:
Its probably the RECYCLER virus and most modern antivirus softwares can get rid of it for you.

yes I can get rid of it but the problem is I can't make folders visible again.
 
Control panel, Folder options, View, Show hidden files, directories and drives.

At leas under W7, I am translating from Polish, so exact names can be slightly different.
 
Borek said:
Control panel, Folder options, View, Show hidden files, directories and drives.

At leas under W7, I am translating from Polish, so exact names can be slightly different.


I did like you said but nothing has change is it because of secret folders in a flash memory.
 

Attachments

  • folder option.png
    folder option.png
    2 KB · Views: 536
mech-eng said:
I did like you said but nothing has change is it because of secret folders in a flash memory.
Is it possible to copy the entire flash memory to a folder on a hard drive, then compare to verify everything was copied, then "unhide" all the folders that you don't want hidden, then "format" the flash memory, and then copy back to the flash memory?
 
rcgldr said:
Is it possible to copy the entire flash memory to a folder on a hard drive, then compare to verify everything was copied, then "unhide" all the folders that you don't want hidden, then "format" the flash memory, and then copy back to the flash memory?

I tried what you said.I did as in the Picture I attached but nothing has change.They are still unvisible.there must be another tip.
 
  • #10
There is more than show hidden files and folders, you must ALSO show system files, which is a little bit farther down in that thumbnail above, or rather uncheck the "hide system files" one.
 
  • #11
mech-eng said:
yes I can get rid of it but the problem is I can't make folders visible again.

Antivirus should have fixed that...but aside that a google search suggests this to show all hidden files in a directory:
1. Click on "Start" -->Run --> type cmd and click on OK.
2. Here I assume your External hard drive as G:
3. Enter this command.
4. attrib -r -a -s -h g:\*.*
(replace g with your drive letter)
 
  • #12
Hepth said:
There is more than show hidden files and folders, you must ALSO show system files, which is a little bit farther down in that thumbnail above, or rather uncheck the "hide system files" one.

Your method works very well. I unchecked "hide protected operating system files(recommended)" and it is ok. But there is not any box being "Show system files" for checking and I can see files but they are transparent. they are not still normal in spite of being visible. Is my O.S regards them as system files in spite of they are not?
 

Attachments

  • transparant.png
    transparant.png
    1.1 KB · Views: 510
Last edited:
  • #13
It's OK. You're doing fine. Now just do what Enigman sad in post 11
 
  • #14
mech-eng said:
Your method works very well. I unchecked "hide protected operating system files(recommended)" and it is ok. But there is not any box being "Show system files" for checking and I can see files but they are transparent. they are not still normal in spite of being visible. Is my O.S regards them as system files in spite of they are not?
1-Make a new folder(This should be normal)
2-Copy all the files/sub-folders present in the affected folder to new folder
3-Then delete the transparent/original folder.
Problem solved

This is what I did when "Chir.B.worm" virus got into my computer.
It makes all the folders into shortcuts just like how you said.
 
  • #15
Enigman said:
Antivirus should have fixed that...but aside that a google search suggests this to show all hidden files in a directory:
1. Click on "Start" -->Run --> type cmd and click on OK.
2. Here I assume your External hard drive as G:
3. Enter this command.
4. attrib -r -a -s -h g:\*.*
(replace g with your drive letter)

when I try this command prompt says -r is not recognized as an internal or external command,operable program or batch file and can you share your Google criteria for that search.
 
  • #17
Removing all the attributes on the entire hard drive *.* could cause issues with certain software packages that depend on something being read only attribute as well, it opens up any file to be modified.