Cannot access files on USB flash drive

[llama37]

I just reinstalled my OS and inserted the flash drive. It installed properly, but after I checked it the files looked like in the screenshot I attached and I can't open them. I don't want to format it because I have a lot of important files on it. I'm not sure but I think it has something to do with Virtualbox which I installed before inserting the flash drive but overall, I really don't have a clue about what's happening with it so can someone please help me?

 

[iRazer]

I think that's just the shortcut file.

 

[mohavepc]

I just reinstalled my OS and inserted the flash drive. It installed properly, but after I checked it the files looked like in the screenshot I attached and I can't open them. I don't want to format it because I have a lot of important files on it. I'm not sure but I think it has something to do with Virtualbox which I installed before inserting the flash drive but overall, I really don't have a clue about what's happening with it so can someone please help me?

What the screenshot you have shows us is that those are not the files but shortcuts to where the files used to be. You cannot open them because they are no longer where they were before the reinstall. Looks to me that the backup of those files was done incorrectly and now they are gone.
If you haven't been using the computer much since the reinstall there might be some saving grace by using a recovery software such as Recuva or Easus.

 

[llama37]

But how can they be shortcuts when they were actual folders with files in them before this? That's what I really don't understand. I'll try using those softwares and I'll let you know if they worked or not.

 

[mohavepc]

But how can they be shortcuts when they were actual folders with files in them before this? That's what I really don't understand.

The only thing I can tell you is that those are showing as shortcuts and you can tell by the arrow. Without physically looking at the flash drive and trying it on our systems we are never going to be able to tell if they are indeed folders or shortcuts. If those are actual folders then I suggest either open the flash drive on another PC and see if it still shows the same or open the flash drive after booting from a Linux Live CD. That will determine if they are indeed files or shortcuts. How were they placed on the drive? Were they copy and pasted or drag and dropped? I find that with drag and dropped files that if the file and/or folder size is larger than the drive that they are dragged to then windows will place a shortcut instead.

 

[llama37]

From what I remember, they were copied and pasted. Some may have been dragged and dropped

 

[llama37]

Oh I just remembered. Except for those folders I also had a ppt file which was working

 

[Kaktussoft]

Put the usb stick in another pc.... same problem?

 

[Shadowjk]

But how can they be shortcuts when they were actual folders with files in them before this? That's what I really don't understand. I'll try using those softwares and I'll let you know if they worked or not.

When opening shortcuts the folder will open to the redirected place as if it was the folder itself. The only time it would not open is if the location was unavailable which appears to be the case based upon evidence you have provided.