How to deal with Shortcuts files on USBs cause by a virus

USB or flash drives are most often infected by this type of files. Users are not aware that is type of files appears normally on their personal computer that is not virus protected. Or, virus protection is not updated that's why when clicked, it will infect your very own desktop not knowing that it is cause by a virus.

Every time a customer brings in their USBs for printing documents I always noticed this kind of shortcuts files created by a virus. I'm sometimes annoyed because some (customer/user) don't really know about this or know how to unhide their files so it can be easily accessed. So I had to use command prompt and show hidden over and over again just to print the files they wanted.

In order to print the files, we must show hidden files or folders and delete those files shown as shortcuts. So, I copied the syntax attrib -h -r -s /s /d g:\*.* and paste it onto a notepad. First, type drive letter of the removable device and hit enter. Then, paste the syntax and press enter. Just change the drive letter in the syntax with the one you're trying to access. From attrib -h -r -s /s /d g:\*.* to attrib -h -r -s /s /d d:\*.*.

Whenever I encountered those shortcuts files, I just copy and paste the syntax in the command prompt for unhiding files and folders which look like this.

Then afterward, the original files will appear on the flash drive. Deleting all the shortcut files are safe and necessary to avoid confusion and avoid clicking it. However, a complete virus removal is needed in our personal computer to avoid hassle. In Windows XP, you can install free anti-virus or try combofix. In Windows 7 or 8, Windows Defender is available already and will do the job by removing malware or quarantine viruses found in removable device. You will be notified when a virus or malwares are detected. You only need to either change the setting to auto or manual removal of malwares or virus.

So the next time we see a shortcut files be cautious and don't click it unless you're the one who created it.