PLEASE help! files missing

[joshuadjohnson2]

Ok so out of no where all my files disappeared. The weird thing is all the folders are still there but all files are gone. (pics, docs u name it) Oddly enough it still reports the same data on the HDD so its like they are there but i cant see them. Ive tried doing restore points but nothing is there. Im guessing ive been hack or virus or something how can i get them back. I have a feeling they have been changed to hidden or something... please help

 

[JaidynM]

Hi joshuadjohnson2,

To see all of your hidden files and folders, click on your Start button and type in regedit (and press enter).
Navigate to the folder HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOW ALL

There should be a key called CheckedValue. Double click it and modify it to 1.

You should now be able to see all the hidden files/folders. Hope that helped.

 

[gregrocker]

Install, update and run a full scan with Malwarebytes.

Try System Restore
to before the problem began.

 

[joshuadjohnson2]

ive tried all above and no change. I was able to use the malware thing to remove 1 trojan virus. Hkey was already at 1, ad it deleted the restore points.... anything else? thanks for the offers

 

[mjf]

Try running Recuva over a specific folder (follow the wizard to go to browse to a specific location).
Recuva - Undelete, Unerase, File and Disk Recovery - Free Download

 

[gregrocker]

If Malwarebytes found a trojan then run another Full Scan to see if it is clean now. Install also Avast 6 and (if 32 bit) run a Boot scan to go even deeper. Keep Avast as your AV with the Win7 Firewall.

Now see if you can repair damage done by the infection: SFC -SCANNOW Command

If your files don't reappear, try next a Repair Install.

 

[mjf]

Running an
sfc /scannow
at an elevated command prompt is worth trying
A Repair Install will require the Windows installation disk.

A file recovery program like Recuva will give you an indication of how recoverable your files are with a damaged file system.

 

[gregrocker]

I'd feel better if this post was in Security because there may be known viruses that make files disappear but still hold the disk space, Or the viruses that delete files may show similar behavior.

 

[joshuadjohnson2]

Thanks!!

 

[Carolyn]

give this a try:

Unhide.exe (http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/grinler/unhide.exe) (by Grinler)

Once the program has been downloaded, double-click on the Unhide.exe icon on your desktop and allow the program to run. This program will remove the +H, or hidden, attribute from all the files on your hard drives. If there are any files that were purposely hidden by you, you will need to hide them again after this tool is run."

Next run an online scan:


ESET Online Scanner:

Note: You can use either Internet Explorer or Mozilla FireFox for this scan. You will however need to disable your current installed Anti-Virus, how to do so can be read here.

Vista/Windows 7 users: You will need to to right-click on the either the IE or FF icon in the Start Menu or Quick Launch Bar on the Taskbar and select Run as Administrator from the context menu.

• Please go here to run the scan.
  

  Note: If using Mozilla Firefox you will need to download esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe when prompted then double click on it to install.
  All of the below instructions are compatible with either Internet Explorer or Mozilla FireFox.

• Select the option YES, I accept the Terms of Use then click on:
  
• When prompted allow the Add-On/Active X to install.
• Make sure that the option Remove found threats is NOT checked, and the option Scan archives is checked.
• Now click on Advanced Settings and select the following:

• • Scan for potentially unwanted applications
  • Scan for potentially unsafe applications
  • Enable Anti-Stealth Technology
• Now click on:
  
• The virus signature database... will begin to download. Be patient this make take some time depending on the speed of your Internet Connection.
• When completed the Online Scan will begin automatically.
• Do not touch either the Mouse or keyboard during the scan otherwise it may stall.
• When completed select Uninstall application on close if you so wish, make sure you copy the logfile first!
• Now click on:
  
• Use notepad to open the logfile located at C:\Program Files\ESET\EsetOnlineScanner\log.txt.
• Copy and paste that log as a reply to this topic.

Note: Do not forget to re-enable your Anti-Virus application after running the above scan!

 

[joshuadjohnson2]

wow worked like magic, i see my files now! When i ran the sfc /scannow it said something on the likes of: found errors but could fix all of them. Should i do the repair install just to be safe? I have everything ready to go(dvd etc) i just want the laptop to be clean and clear. Thanks, all of you have been great

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Install also Avast 6 and keep Avast as your AV with the Win7 Firewall.

Hello joshuadjohnson2, welcome to Seven Forums!


Did you install and register free Avast Home as suggested, if you didn't this all is a waste of time as you'll get infected again.

avast! Free Antivirus - Download Software for Virus Protection

 

[joshuadjohnson2]

is it really better than avg free?

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

is it really better than avg free?

Yes it is, is that what you were using when you got infected?

 

[joshuadjohnson2]

yep, truthfully its my moms laptop, im not sure what she did to get this. Ive never had an issue with avg before but i will try out avast thanks for your help! just downloaded it now

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Go here and get the uninstaller first.


AVG Worldwide - Download tools and utilities

 

[Golden]

Hi Joshua,

I would definately follow BFK's advice : AVG lost a huge amount of ground to others, like Avast, in recent times. I don' think you will find anyone worth their salt recommending it these days.

Good luck,
Golden

 

[joshuadjohnson2]

thanks just switched all my family computers to avast

 

[gregrocker]

wow worked like magic, i see my files now! When i ran the sfc /scannow it said something on the likes of: found errors but could fix all of them. Should i do the repair install just to be safe? I have everything ready to go(dvd etc) i just want the laptop to be clean and clear. Thanks, all of you have been great

I would run the System File Checker again a few times to see if it can repair the files. If not, go ahead with the Repair Install.

You will need a Win7 installation DVD with SP1 to do Repair Install if you have SP1 installed. If you can't find an installer for your version with SP1 you can try to uninstall SP1: uninstall Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1)

 

[joshuadjohnson2]

k turns out my mom never updated to SP1 so im good to go, ill update once i finish, thanks again for all the help