All Folders on My Drive Turned into Shortcuts: What to Do?

If you’ve found that all folders on your drive have suddenly turned into shortcuts, it’s likely that your system has been infected by a virus. This type of malware typically hides your original folders and replaces them with shortcuts that may lead to malicious files. Don’t worry—this issue can be fixed. Let’s go through the steps to resolve this problem.

Step 1: Disable AutoRun for Devices

The first thing you should do is disable AutoRun for USB drives and other removable devices. This will help prevent the virus from automatically launching when you connect an infected drive or flash drive. To do this:

  • Open Control Panel and navigate to the AutoPlay settings.
  • Uncheck the option "Use AutoPlay for all media and devices."

Step 2: Scan Your Computer with Antivirus Software

Run a full system scan using reliable antivirus software. Recommended antivirus programs include:

  • Malwarebytes — Great for removing malware and spyware.
  • Kaspersky — A powerful option for deep system scanning.
  • Bitdefender — Known for its comprehensive protection.

Make sure to update the antivirus database before scanning for better detection.

Step 3: Restore Hidden Files and Folders

The virus may have altered the attributes of your files, making them hidden. To restore them, use the following command in Command Prompt (cmd):

attrib -h -r -s /s /d D:\*.*

Replace D: with the letter of your affected drive. This command will remove hidden, read-only, and system attributes from your files and folders.

Step 4: Manually Delete Shortcuts and Extra Files

After restoring your files, navigate to the affected drive and manually delete any shortcut files created by the virus. These shortcuts usually have a small file size and the .lnk extension.

Step 5: Use an Antivirus Script for Cleanup

There are specialized scripts available to remove shortcut viruses, such as the Shortcut Virus Remover tool. Use these tools cautiously and only download them from trusted antivirus websites.

Step 6: Protect Your System for the Future

To prevent this issue from happening again:

  • Avoid connecting untrusted USB drives or external disks.
  • Keep your antivirus software up to date.
  • Regularly back up your important data.