How to Remove Shortcut Virus from your USB Pendrive or computer
Last Updated on January 31st, 2022 by Editorial Staff | Reader Disclosure
Your USB Pendrive, system folder, or hard disk creating unwanted shortcut files again and again even after removing/deleting them?
Then, probably the system is affected by this Shortcut Virus. The name of this virus is Houdini, a worm.
In recent days it has affected many computers all over the world. People are losing data without knowing how to remove shortcut viruses from their drives.
Once you clock the file which affects this shortcut virus, it starts running a ‘.vbs’ script (a simple notepad trick) and runs a series of tasks. After affecting your device it starts looking for peripheral devices connected to your devices and affects them.
Mainly, it spreads through your USB Pendrives. Other ways are through Memory cards, Hard disks, Mobile phones, etc.
It has the capability of stealing your data. It can also download malware and others without your knowledge.
The thing is, it is easy to remove shortcut viruses from your affected computer with simple tricks.
Read this blog fully to know how to delete it completely from your device.
Method 1: Command Prompt Method (Without using Software)
Open Command Prompt simply by using the Run window.
Click ‘Windows Key + R’ to open the Run window. Type ‘cmd’ and hit enter to open the Command Prompt window. Then, type any one of the commands given below.
attrib -h -r -s /s /d h:\*.*
or
attrib H:\*.* /d /s -h -r -s
Replace the drive ‘H’ with your infected drive and hit enter.
It is one of the best ways to get rid of the shortcut virus.
Method 2: Manual Method (Without using Software)
Follow the below steps correctly to recover the files from the infected drive.
- Open the infected folder whether it is your Pendrive, hard disk or any.
- Unhide all the files and folders inside the infected folder by clicking Options -> Folder options -> View -> select “show hidden files, folders and drives” and unselect “Hide empty drives and Hide folder merge conflicts”.
- A shortcut drive was unhid. Open it. Copy all the files and paste them outside.
- Delete all the below-mentioned files.
- FOUND.000
- desktop.ini
- IndexerVolumeGuide
- ScramblesWords file
- Refresh the folder.
This is one of the easiest method to remove shortcut virus.
Method 3: Malwarebytes Antivirus (Using Software)
Malwarebytes is an anti-malware software that finds and removes malware. It is available for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Android.
First, download the Malwarebytes software by clicking here.
Install the software and open it.
Run a full scan of your device which was affected by this Shortcut Virus.
During the scan, it will automatically remove the virus from your computer and other malware if present.
Method 4: AutoRunExterminator (Using Software)
Download AutoRunExterminator Software online. It is a virus removal software specially made for pen drives.
After download, unhide all the files and folders inside the infected folder by clicking Options -> Folder options -> View -> select “show hidden files, folders and drives” and unselect “Hide empty drives and Hide folder merge conflicts” as we did in method 2 of step 2.
Now, open the software and run a complete scan on your computer to remove the shortcut virus.
Remove shortcut virus using the Command Prompt. Open and type attrib H:\*.* /d /s -h -r -s and run the command. Read other 3 methods if this not works for you.
To remove shortcut virus, download Malwarebytes anti-virus software. Open and scan the affected folder. The virus will be removed now. Read other 3 methods if this not work for you.
The best to remove shortcut virus easily is to download Malwarebytes antivirus tool. Download and scan the affected folder to remove the virus completely without losing your files. Read other 3 methods too.
Conclusion
Removing a shortcut virus is easy now. It’s just a notepad script. Some of the above methods may cause problems with your computer.
Which method did you use to remove the shortcut virus? Mention in the comment section and hep others to choose the most prominent method.
IQBrain Technologies or the author shall not take any responsibility for any issues that occurred on your system. Use the above codes at your own risk.
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Editorial Staff at IQBrain Technologies is a team of blogging experts will write about latest technology, tips, web development, seo, and digital marketing.