Shortcut Virus - Can I get My Data back?

Konnichiwa :)

Well, one of my friends encounter this incident yesterday.. Thus, he messaged me and ask about it, so maybe it's better if I post in here as well..

Alright.. First of all, what is a shortcut virus actually? Well, as it's name, it's a virus that makes all your files and folders into a shortcut (which doesn't have actual path), so that you can't open it at all..

Okay, so here is some tricks to get your data if you ever encountered this virus..

• Open your command prompt
  Start - All Programs - Accessories - Command Prompt


Or you can also do it via Run (windows + R), and type cmd



• Enter this command
  attrib -h -r -s /s /d x:\*.*
  
  replace the x:\*.* with the label of your drive (E, F, G, etc)
  
  then press Enter
• Check your files in your drive
  Now that your files have been unhidden, check them in your drive
• Scan your drive with antivirus / anti-malware program
  or
  Backup your data and format your Hard Drive

Well then, that's all I can give about handling a shortcut virus.. Oh, and get used to turn off your AutoRun, since it's usually the way for a virus to attack your computer.. I'll give a tips of how to do it later.. :)

See ya ^^