Recover missing files after malware removal: So, You Removed Malware from External Storage and Now There’s Missing File? What Happened and How to Recover?
You have removed the malware from external storage, and somehow, all your data in it seems to be missing. Just like you, many other people face this frustrating aspect since, after the act of the malware, it very well can affect files or even hide them. Here, in short, is what happened and how you can potentially recover your data.
What Happened?
Malware infests external storage like USB drives or external hard drives to corrupt or even hide files. It may delete files or modify some of their properties in some cases so that they become invisible for the system. When you eliminate the virus, everything may seem normal, but the damage may still continue for your files.
Why Can’t You See Your Files (Recover missing files after malware removal) ?
A few reasons can explain the case of not having the files visible after removal of malware:
Files Hidden by Malware: Some of the malware will hide the file and then you will not be able to access them. The files may still be there on the drive, just not visible in your standard file explorer.
Corruption of Files: Sometimes, malware corrupts files so badly that they cannot be even opened and some times that the file disappears.
Deleted Files: The file might have been deleted while the malware was around and the removal could have just cleaned up the mess.
How to Recover Missing Files?
Check Hidden Files: Use your system settings to view hidden files. To do it on Windows, enable “Show hidden files and folders” under the View tab in File Explorer. Make sure to activate “View hidden files” on your setup.
Data Recovery Software. If the files remained inaccessible, using some data recovery programs such as Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery, or Disk Drill might help recover lost files.
For Professional Help: If recovery software doesn’t help, you might want to turn to professional services specializing in retrieving lost data. Their tools are specifically designed for lost data recovery.
Backup and Prevention: Always backup your important files and equip your system with antivirus protection to minimize the occurrence of infections and prevent future data loss.