Users occasionally run into a problem when they try to access their files on a USB only to find that all files, no matter the size, have been changed to shortcuts. This could mean that tens or even hundreds of gigabits of data could now be a couple of kilobytes in size. This could be a sign of some kind of malware infection on your computer or your device. The good news is that it’s not difficult to fix this issue.
How to fix Files and Folders Become Shortcuts issue
We have prepared three methods to help you. Start from method 1 and if it does not solve the problem, continue to the next ones.
Method 1. How to Show Hidden Files and Folders
- Windows XP: press the Start icon and select Run. Type in cmd and press OK.
- Windows Vista/7/8/10: Press the Home key together with the R key. Type in cmd and press OK.
- Type attrib -h -r -s /s /d f:*.* (Check whether your connected device shows as F:, if not, change the f into the correct letter in the command). Press Enter.
This should have solved the issue. If not, move on to Method 2.
Method 2. Remove Computer Viruses
- Malware could be responsible for this and in order to fix the issue execute a scan of your whole system and external devices via some security software like WiperSft (Download) free scanner.
- If you do not have such software, make sure you obtain it. If there is malware on your system, the program should be able to find it. If the results do show malware, make sure you delete it.
If the problem still persists after you delete all malware on your computer, or there was nothing found, continue to method 3.
Method 3.How to Recover Lost Data
- Obtain a recovery tool like Data Recovery Pro . Look into which one would best suit your needs and install it. After installation, plug in the device with the affected files inside and run a scan with the program.
- If your files are recoverable, the program should be able to restore them. We also suggest you reformat the device so that the virus and the issue could be deleted.
