converting hidden system folders back to regular folders

My external harddrive (and desktop pc) was infected by a virus that turns every folders in a mass storage device into hidden system folders and duplicate the folders into an application file tricking unsuspecting users and will lead to infected PCs.

This virus will also lock your system and will not be accessible unlesss you hack through it.

I managed to reformat the infected laptop since it's illegal to seek help if you need password recovery. I managed to hack through our desktop pc since i accidentally activated the virus there.

All I ask is how to convert a hidden system folder back to regular folder (not counting recycled folder and system volume information). Is there a program that can do this feature?

If I do this manually, it will be fine but I have hundreds of folders to re-make but I do need patience if i do it manually. the files are fine but the folders are not. Wish me luck.

Thank you for your time.

PS: I posted this in the malware forum but I managed to fix it. It all depends on my sis for future assistance. I hope she will not be infected once I give the laptop back. The infected hardware and desktop PC are cured. The laptop is the one I'm worried since it'll not be in my care tomorrow (Sunday).


Regards,
Chris

 

I'm sorry. I am confused.

You reformatted the laptop so why are you worried that it's still infected?

 

Oh. I meant that if I give back the laptop, it might get infected again by a new virus my sis will encounter.

Anyway, it'll take time to re-transfer those files into another similar-named folders.

 

Thank you for clarifying.

I don't have any suggestions regarding your mass-converting hidden folders to visible issue with your desktop. I guess I would weigh the advantages/disadvantages of doing it manually or backing up essential data and then wiping, and installing Windows fresh.

I suggest you and your sister click on the "Computer Security Recommendations" in the signature of my message above.

I suggest you and your sister also carefully read the following article in miekiemoes' Blog.

• How to prevent malware (posted Wednesday, February 13, 2008)

Another good source of security related information information is TeMerc Internet Countermeasures. The left side of that page contains a menu of links to information that will help keep your computers "clean ".

 

I read the blog and it helped me a lot. I'll teach my sis on how to use the internet and the laptop properly. She's on the last 2 semesters on college.

My last question (kinda off-topic but related to the laptop malware prevention)
In the TeMerc Internet Countermeasures' website, it didn't mentioned any USB protection like "when inserting USB flashed devices, it will detected the malware" or it's included in the list of anti-spywares like WinPatrol and Spybot Search and Destroy.

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Regarding the mass-conversion, I think I am force to re-transfer the files to a new folder since no program exist nor command in XP/Vista. I'll have to start transfering with the most important folders then.


Chris

 

You might want to try Panda USB Vaccine.

Keep in mind, if you choose to "vaccinate" a USB drive, then that action is reportedly not reversible (unless you reformat that drive). Vaccinating an internal operating system hard drive is apparently reversible.

Click here for more details.