HELP my files are all gone

[ayame]

After i cliked a fake video i got a virus that mightve attacked my hard drive and crashed...so i did a system restore ...the thing is i lost ALL my pics....i have some backed up but not the most recent ones from trips and stuff!!!! and now when i try to save a pic from the internet into my documents or my pictures folders it wont let me!! even some pics i found in my rec bin, i put RESTORE and poof they got supposedly restored but cant find them anywhere!! what can i do? is there a way to get them back?? system restore wont help, it wont finish it always encounters an error.

 

[Golden]

Hi,

In Windows Explorer, navigate to a folder that you think should have the pictures. Right-click on it, then select Properties - check and see if the Hidden box is ticked. If so, untick it, and see if your files appear.

Tell us about which anti-virus/malware software you have running at the moment.

Regards,
Golden

 

[Layback Bear]

Going to a restore point does not get rid of virus. You must clean your system.

 

[Mark Phelps]

System Restore does what the name implies -- it restores the System -- not your data files. So, not only will it most probably NOT remove a virus, it should also not damage your data files, either.

IF you can't see your files, your higher priority is to remove the virus and clean your system.

 

[gregrocker]

Download, install, update and run a full scan with Malwarebytes

Uninstall your AV, install free MS Security Essentials or Avast 5 to run with the Win7 Firewall. Run a full scan.

Do you have a folder name or any tags on the pictures you've misplaced? If so, type these in Start Search box one at a time until it uncovers their location (rightclick>Open file location). Make sure all of the active User's folders are included in the search in Indexing options. If not found, click See More Results at bottom and search Computer.

 

[pparks1]

As others have said, System Restore doesn't handle "your own personal data files", it only handles Windows system files.

Hopefully you have a backup somewhere, like an external hard drive.

 

[ayame]

hey guys!! thanks for the replies~ turned out it was a file, but a batch file...or something....thing is it just put all my files HIDDEN like Golden said hehe

 

[Golden]

hey guys!! thanks for the replies~ turned out it was a file, but a batch file...or something....thing is it just put all my files HIDDEN like Golden said hehe

Hi,

Be wary : some rogueware employ this "Hidden" technique to try and fool you into believing there is something serious wrong with your system, thereby enticing you to purchase their product via the ubiquitous pop-up.

I would strongly recommend following GregRocker's advice : download, install, update and run Malwarebytes. I would also suggest performing an online scan using ESET.

Post the results here, or post back if you need more help.

Regards,
Golden