Updated: use Hidden File Tools 2.0 fo better solution.

Based on my experience, many viruses and worms spreading through removable device like flash disk or flash cards usually use this method: They hide the original files or folders, and by then they replicate their self with the icon and name of the files and folders. When we plug it in other computer, click “the fake files/folders”, viruses and worms will infect this computer. The best way to fix it, get a computer that installed with good antivirus with latest updates, and then scan that removable device. But sometimes after it gets scanned and the virus is quarantined or deleted, the original files/folders are not shown.

To view hidden files/folders, we can simply go to the menu Folder Options> View> Show hidden files and folders and remove check mark on Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) box. When the folder is displayed, hidden files/folders shown in vague icon. And when you right-click on it, and view Properties, it has hidden attributes. To make it unhidden, you just can not only uncheck the hidden attributes box (virus make it as hidden system files/folders).

Follow these steps to make it unhidden:

1. Go to the command prompt. You can go through Start> All Programs> Accessories Command> Prompt, or use the shortcut Windows + R and type cmd then press OK
2. Go to the flash drive where the files/folders are hidden (just assumed it on ‘E’) by type E: on command prompt and press Enter, so it looks like E: \>
3. Type the command as  attrib -H -S -R E:\*.* /S /D It means that you clear attribute R (Read-only file attribute), S (System file attribute), H (Hidden file attribute), E:\ (on folder drive E), *.* (choose all files), and /S/D (Processes matching files and all sub folders).

When your flash drive contains much files/folders, it will take longer times to process. Just be patient. If you get confused, just copy and paste commands which I bold.

Related posts:

1. Download Hidden File Tool 2.0: Easy way to show hidden files and folders
2. Environmental Controls: Safe Storage
3. Computer Attacks: Passive Attacks
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5. Clean Virus with Free Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool 2010