Remove virus external hard drive

If you didn't see any files, turn to EaseUS data recovery software in Part 2 for help. After getting all files out of the virus infected drive, follow Method 3 or method 4 to permanently remove shortcut virus from hard disk, USB, pen drive, or external disk. Note that improper use of CMD may cause serious results. Be careful while using CMD - command line to resolve your current issue. In the following, we'll guide you to delete the shortcut virus file first and then guide you to make the hidden files and folders show up again.

Step 1. Step 2. Type H and hit Enter. Replace H with the drive letter of your USB, pen drive that is infected with the shortcut virus. Or you may also type del autorun. Replace the file extensions with. Replace "H" with the drive letter of your virus-infected hard disk or USB. Step 4. When the process completes, type exit and hit "Enter" to close the command prompt window.

Is there an easier way that can replace CMD command to remove the shortcut virus and recover hidden files within only a few simple clicks?

Yes, there is. Manual execution of the command line is suitable for computer professionals, since incorrect commands can do more harm than good. Therefore, for security and usability, we strongly recommend you try an automatic command line alternative - EaseUS CleanGenius.

Next, click "File Showing" on the right panel. Besides, to thoroughly clean the shortcut virus, you may follow Method 3 or Method 4 for help. Collapse -. Depending on your AV Scanner. Is the external drive your Primary device? Sorry, but how do you disinfect a burned disc Web free utility. Some Good Tools. Virus removal on external hard drive. Reponse To Answer. Back to Malware Forum. Start or search. Start New Discussion. Create a new discussion If you're asking for technical help, please be sure to include all your system info, including operating system, model number, and any other specifics related to the problem.

Track this discussion and email me when there are updates. Reset Post Submit Post. Related Discussions. It should be under "This PC" or "Computer" toward the bottom. You may have to click the small arrow next to one of those options to display the connected drives. Click Select Folder. It's the button near the bottom-right edge of the dialog window. Windows will now scan your flash drive for viruses. This can take a while if you have a lot of files on your flash drive.

Follow the on-screen instructions to remove the virus es. Once the scan is complete, you'll see a window that tells you whether any viruses were detected. Windows Security will guide you through the virus removal process if any viruses are found. Method 2. This is the website for Microsoft Safety Scanner, a free up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware removal tool for Windows. If you're using Windows 8. Microsoft Safety Scanner is a portable application, which means it doesn't have to be installed or removed.

Sometimes the antivirus software will launch automatically as soon as you plug in the drive and give you the option to scan. If nothing pops up automatically but use third-party antivirus protection, launch your antivirus software and run a scan on your flash drive. Click the Download Microsoft Safety Scanner link. There are two versions of the link: one for bit systems, and one for bit systems. Click the version that matches your PC, and follow the on-screen instructions to download.

If you're using Windows 8, open the Control Panel , and select System. On Windows 7, open the Start menu, right-click Computer , and select Properties.

Run Microsoft Safety Scanner. You'll find it in your default download location, which is usually the Downloads folder. Accept the license agreement and click Next. After reading the agreement, click the box to add a checkmark. This confirms that you understand Microsoft's terms. Click Next on the welcome screen. Select Customized scan. It's the third option. Click the Choose Folder button. This opens your PC's file browser.

Select your flash drive and click OK. It's likely at the bottom of the list. Click Next to scan your drive for viruses. The tool will now search for viruses on your flash drive. It'll also do a quick scan of your hard drive to check for viruses there as well. Once the scan is complete, the results will appear. Microsoft Safety Scanner will guide you through the virus removal process if any viruses are found.

Method 3. Understand the shortcut virus. This type of virus places all files on your USB into a hidden folder and replaces them with shortcuts of their original names. You can usually tell you have a shortcut virus if you see small arrows over the file or folder icons.

If you double-click any of these shortcuts, the virus will activate and spread to your PC. It's possible that Windows' own built-in antivirus software can fix the problem for you.

You'll need to know the drive letter of your USB drive e. If you're not sure what it is, press the Windows key and the E key on the keyboard to open File Explorer, and then scroll down on the left panel to find your flash drive and corresponding drive letter.

You may have to click an arrow or plus symbol next to "This PC" or "Computer" to see the drive. Type command prompt. A list of results will appear. Right-click Command prompt in the search results.

A menu will expand. Click Run as administrator. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Sometimes "cmd prompt" returns an error "file not found autorun. Helpful 2 Not Helpful 4. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. After deleting the file from all of your hard drives, immediately restart your computer. Don't try to open your drives by double clicking before restarting the machine otherwise you'll have to repeat whole of the procedure again.

Helpful 7 Not Helpful 2. You Might Also Like How to. How to. About This Article. Tested by:. Co-authors: Updated: June 3, Categories: Windows. Nederlands: Het autorun virus van je harde schijf verwijderen. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read , times. Is this article up to date? Cookies make wikiHow better.