Sometimes, it may so happen that all our folders and files are changed to shortcut folders, which is a frustrating situation for us in case the folder contains some important files. Most of us delete these shortcut folders but find that after some time they are back on the screen! In this article, we will guide you how to get rid of shortcut virus from your PC.
What is a Shortcut Virus?
Whenever you connect a USB drive to an infected computer, and transfer any file. Then the file shows you in a Shortcut form, as it got infected. Basically, the virus can infect any disk drive, hard-disk, USB-drive, memory card.
Why does this Shortcut Virus Occur on PC/USB Drive?
It is an anonymous malware which spreads through online medium. However, there are some reasons for it spreading.
- If your anti-virus is not updated, then there are more chances to spread this virus to infect your computer.
- If you have downloaded some files/movie/audio from untrusted sources.
- Unknowingly, you have opened files which contain hidden malicious script.
Types of Shortcut Viruses
There are mainly 3 types of shortcut viruses:
- Drive shortcut virus:
Whole drive becomes a shortcut, it can be your PC drive or the drive which contains USB/Hard-disk drive.
- Folder shortcut virus:
As the name implies, folder becomes a shortcut folder.
- File shortcut virus
It makes the shortcut of an executable file.
Remove Shortcut Virus From USB-Drive/Hard-Disk Drive
You always have the option to Format your pen-drive/PC or any drive, but if your drive contains important files than you need take a backup first and then format it. However, if you do not wish to format, you can use the below method to get rid of shortcut virus.
Step 1. Type cmd in the Cortana search bar located near Start button, once it appears Right Click on it and Click Run as Administrator.
Step 2. Type the name of drive for which you wish to remove shortcut virus, you can find the drive name from My Computer section (For example in this case we have typed I:) and press Enter key.
Step 3. Now, type del *.lnk and press enter again.
Step 4. Now type attrib -s -r -h *.* /s /d /I and press Enter key.
Now, in few moments shortcut virus will be removed and all original files will be restored.
Remove Shortcut Virus From PC:
Method 1:
If your PC is infected due the shortcut virus, you cannot use USB drive or hard-disk as, it can infect your USB drive as well. So, you can follow the steps below to remove the shortcut virus from your PC.
Step 1. To open the Task manager, right click on taskbar and then tap on Task Manager.
Step 2. Now, in Processes tab, search for the process Wscript.exe and right click on it and then tap on End Task.
Step 3. Next, type regedit in the Cortana search bar, and launch Registry Editor.
Step 4: Now, follow the path below
HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Run
Step 5: Now search for registry entry named odwcamszas, if found, delete this entry via right click option.
Now, it will remove the shortcut virus from your computer. If the above method will not work for you then you can try Method 2 to remove the shortcut virus.
Method 2:
Step 1. Type run in the Cortana search bar, now type %temp% and press Enter key.
Step 2. Now, a temp folder will open and here search for entry nkvasyoxww.vbs and delete it.
Step 3: Go to the Task Manager, and tap on Startup tab, and search for the entry named nkvasyoxww.vbs and right click on it disable it.
That’s all! Now you know how to remove this shortcut virus from your computer. If you have any comment or suggestion, you can post in the provided section below.