A common method of spreading malware is through the use of shortcut files that can be easily copied from one computer to another. These virus-infested shortcuts are usually distributed in storage devices such as flash drives, external hard drives and pen drives. This article will provide tips on how to remove these malicious files before they cause further damage or infection..
On December 18th, 2021, it was updated.
When a device is infected with the shortcut virus, all stored files become unavailable. You must delete the shortcut malware in order to access your data. Here’s how to restore your data and delete the shortcut virus from your USB stick, pen drive, or SD card using cmd.
The Issue with the Shortcut Virus
When I double-click a USB thumb drive in Windows Explorer, a shortcut to the USB thumb drive appears. Windows displays the warning “The required module could not be found” when I click on the USB thumb drive shortcut icon.
Even though Windows displays the right size and available free space on the USB thumb drive, I am unable to view the data on it.”
Many of us, I’m sure, have encountered the Pendrive Shortcut Problem, which is a mistake in accessing the information of a USB thumb drive. Windows just cannot read the USB thumb drive’s contents.
This is due to a file structure issue. The shortcut virus has most likely infected your USB thumb drive. The infection must have been discovered by your anti-virus software, which then isolated or eliminated it. As a result, there is an issue with the USB thumb drive’s file structure.
Also see How to Protect a Pendrive, USB Drive, and a Hard Drive from Viruses and Malware.
This shortcut virus uses one of the system applications to generate a shortcut.exe on the Pendrive, which prevents you from accessing the data on your Pendrive until you double-click on this shortcut (Which in return again install the virus on your system).
To remove it, you must either manually delete the shortcut virus or prohibit the virus from accessing that system software.
How to get rid of a shortcut virus from a pen drive or USB device
You may attempt to Format your USB drive if it doesn’t contain any vital data, but if it does, take these methods to remove the shortcut virus and restore your contents.
- Connect the USB thumb drive to the computer and run a virus check.
- Open Windows Explorer (my PC) and write down the letter assigned to the USB disk.
- CMD can be found by going to Start>Run> and typing it in the field.
- Open the Command Prompt and choose Run the program as an administrator.
- Type the following command in the command prompt window.
/s /d attrib -h -r -s M:*.*
Note: M should be changed with the letter of your USB drive. Enter the code. Allow a few moments to pass.
In the vast majority of circumstances, the above command is effective. However, if it does not fix your issue, try the following command.
/s /d attrib -h -r -s M: *. ( M stands for the drive letter for your Pendrive)
Now go to My Computer and go through your Pendrive. It should open, and it may have a USB thumb drive shortcut as well as a few folders.
If all of your files are there and accounted for, you may erase the shortcut icon. To be on the safe side, copy your data to your desktop and format the Pendrive.
Additional Tip: Don’t double-click on your Pendrive if you know it’s contaminated with a virus. Try right-clicking on it and browsing it or opening it in a new window.
With double-clicking, the “Autorun.inf” program is launched, which is usually accompanied by a virus. There are directives put in Autorun.inf that will eventually execute your infection. As a result, double-clicking an infected PD activates your malware and infects your computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I remove shortcut virus from my pendrive?
A: Remove the shortcut virus by going to your desktop and right clicking on Computer then select properties. Click open files, click once on drive C where infection may be present and select clean.
Why shortcut is created in my pendrive?
A: The shortcut you have created was to help users with a shorter time trying to find some information on the internet.