How do you unhide all folders/programs and restore original properties on windows vista?

Question

So i just got a virus and it took off my wallpaper, hid all folders and programs from my desktop (except for the recycle bin) and took off everything in the start menu, quick launch, everything. How do i get everything back to where it was? Even in the start menu (where you click it open and on the side, above the shut down/restart/ hibernate etc options) where it says things like control panel, main, documents and whatever else..those are gone too...now the only option there is "computer". I know everything is still there because i can still search for it from start menu...How do i unhide everything and restore all the regular functions?
*Side note: I have already removed the virus, it's just a matter of restoring everything now

Answer 1

The most efficient way to restore all defaults and return to "out of the box" condition would be to use a recovery or restore CD. You do not want to use the "restore point" option because it will leave all the files you have now on the computer; they will just not show on your desktop or where ever you have them at now they are just moved. If you have a virus or something the only way your going to get rid of it is to put in that CD and wipe out your hard drive. Restoring it will just move it.

Answer 2

I'm not certain you've removed all the infections but if you're convinced, ignore the MBAM download.



Try this:



Firstly, boot your computer to the Safe Mode menu screen. You do this by repeatedly pressing F8 as soon as you boot up. Once there, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking. Continue to boot from there, by pressing Enter.



Now open your browser and copy and paste this link into the address bar and press Enter. It's a direct download for the free version of Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (MBAM). Install it, get updates and run a full scan (still in Safe Mode):



http://www.myantispyware.com/mbam



Now open your browser and copy and paste this link into the address bar and press Enter. It's a direct download for unhide.exe. Save it to your desktop, then run it. It should restore your icons and missing files. You may now delete Unhide.exe if you wish



http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/grinler/unhide.exe



After this, try rebooting normally. If that's successful, I recommend you run another full scan with MBAM. It will detect malware that wasn't running in Safe Mode.



Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Would have loved to know the name of that Virus.



I dealt with a Smart Fortress virus recently that does that. Even in DOS the files and folders were hidden. Once I removed the virus it changed and because something like System safety check or some deal.



I would suggest formatting your hard drive a thorough format. Then reinstall your operating system.



If you can find any files or folders or programs left you can try to copy them off to another storage device and then put them back on.



You can also to to FOLDERS in Control Panel->View tell it show all hidden files or folders. If you had the Smart Fortress Trojan/Virus good luck.



Hope this helps.



Just bite the bullet reinstall your OS

Answer 4

in the control panel

files and folders

you can SHOW HIDDEN FILES AND FOLDERS so you can see them



you can Right click any file or folder

choose properties

Untick the Hidden attribute, apply to sub files/folders.



when done

revert the SHOW HIDDEN FILES AND FOLDERS option.