How to open hidden files on a USB flash drive after a virus attack

Few people, even among experienced computer users, know that some folders and files the system is hiding from us. They can be made visible to the eye, but this is undesirable. The matter is that the majority of the latent files and folders are system, i.e. Are necessary for the smooth operation of your operating system. Their removal can lead to serious malfunctions. But ... knowing how to show hidden files, you still useful.

One type of computer virus works in such a way that we have to learn how to open hidden files   And folders on your computer. This virus especially "loves" the flash drive. Once you have inserted the USB flash drive into the infected computer, your folders on it are converted into applications (ie, become viruses), and the copies of the folders become hidden. You come home, insert a USB flash drive into your computer and, like any reasonable person, check it for viruses with the help of an installed antivirus. This is where the problems begin ... Antivirus removes infected files. You, of course, are upset, but what to do. Well, if any of the folders are still saved on the computer itself, but when you try to copy it to a USB flash drive, the system only gives out: it could not be copied, such a folder already exists. Yes, your folder is in place, it was not removed from the flash drive by an antivirus, but you can not see it. And then we return to the problem - how to open hidden files?

In the window of each folder (also in the open flash drive window) in the top panel there are command buttons, one of them is "Service". Clicking "Tools", we will find "Folder Options". In the window that opens, select the second tab "View". In the "Advanced settings" list, somewhere in the end, find the function "Show hidden files and folders", put a tick in front of this inscription. But, before you click "OK", you need to do something else. In the same place, in the "additional parameters", but just above, find the inscription "Hide protected system files (recommended)". Put also a tick (a dot) and opposite this inscription. The system will send a message confirming this operation, give your consent by clicking "Yes". But now you can press and "OK". The setting for all the folders on the computer is complete, after this procedure you will be able to see the hidden files on the USB flash drive.

Versions of operating systems are different for everyone, and it happens that such a method is not available. How to open hidden files and folders, if the "Service" command button is not available in the window pane? You can find this function through the Start menu, in the "Settings", then "Control Panel", and the last - "Folder Options". It will open the same window, where you should put the dot opposite the same "Show hidden files and folders" and "Hide protected system files". Settings will also be applied to all folders in the system. Open the USB flash drive and you will see the missing folders.

More experienced users will like another way of displaying invisible files - through the command "Run" in the "Start" menu. This is a more complicated method, it can be done, perhaps, only by the holders of basic programming knowledge. But it helps in cases where the above-mentioned method of configuration does not work, and when the virus has penetrated the system so much that it has removed the "Service" command button from all the windows of the folders. This method of recovery should be entrusted to a specialist, because careless actions on your part can damage the entire operating system, and you will lose important information not only on the flash drive, but on the entire computer.

How to open hidden files, we now know, and what to do with these translucent folder icons next? You can work with hidden folders in the same way as before, but you can make a transparent icon normal. Call the context menu right-click directly on the hidden folder icon. In the menu that appears, select Properties. A window will open, at the bottom of which in the "Attributes" section you will see that opposite the "Hidden" label is a "tick" or a dot. That's it and you need to remove it (left mouse button). Then click the "Apply" button at the bottom or "Ok" at once.

After you have found the lost folders, returned them to their normal form, you can work with them again, after all this, you should turn off the function of showing hidden folders, just in case ...

And the last. Start the antivirus program to scan the entire PC. This type of virus resides on a flash drive and infects the entire computer. Do not underestimate the danger of this virus. So, for example, if in the window of any folder in the top panel the command button "Service" disappeared is a clear sign of complete damage to the system by the virus. If the antivirus program is still not active, run it immediately! A good antivirus program will clean the computer of the virus and the remnants of its tracks on a removable flash card. What can not be said about the computer from which this virus came to you ...