Every storage medium can become a haven for malware. As a result, you may lose valuable data and risk infecting your other devices. Therefore, it is better to get rid of all this as soon as possible. We will look further at how you can check and remove viruses from your drive.

Let's start by looking at the signs of viruses on a removable drive. The main ones are:

• files appeared with the name "autorun";
• files appeared with the extension ".tmp";
• suspicious folders appeared, for example, "TEMP" or "RECYCLER";
• The flash drive stopped opening;
• the drive cannot be removed;
• files have disappeared or turned into shortcuts.

In general, the media becomes slower to be detected by the computer, it takes longer for information to be copied onto it, and sometimes errors may occur. In most cases, it would be a good idea to check the computer to which the flash drive is connected.

To combat malware, it is best to use antivirus software. These can be either powerful combination products or simple, highly targeted utilities. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the best options.

Method 1: Avast! Free Antivirus

Today this antivirus is considered one of the most popular in the world, and for our purposes it is perfect. To use to clean a USB drive, do the following:

You can also scan media through the context menu. To do this, follow a series of simple steps:
Right-click on the flash drive and select "Scan".


By default, Avasta is configured to automatically detect viruses on connected devices. The status of this function can be checked using the following path:

Settings / Components / File system screen settings / Scan on connection

Method 2: ESET NOD32 Smart Security

And this is an option with less load on the system, so it is often installed on laptops and tablets. To scan a removable drive for viruses using , do the following:

You can set up automatic scanning when you connect a flash drive. To do this, follow the path

Settings / Advanced settings / Virus protection / Removable media

Method 3: Kaspersky Free

The free version of this antivirus will help you quickly scan any media. Instructions for using it to complete our task are as follows:

Don't forget to set up automatic scanning. To do this, go to settings and click "Examination". Here you can set the antivirus action when connecting a flash drive to a PC.


For reliable operation of each antivirus, do not forget about virus database updates. They usually happen automatically, but inexperienced users can cancel them or disable them altogether. This is not recommended at all.

Method 4: Malwarebytes

One of the best utilities for detecting viruses on your computer and portable devices. Instructions for use are as follows:

You can go the other way by simply right-clicking on the flash drive in "Computer" and selecting "Scan Malwarebytes".

A flash drive is a portable USB storage device that has rapidly gained popularity because it allows the user to quickly record and transfer important information. The USB drive is small in size, so it is easy to keep it with you at all times.

If a problem is detected, there is no need to rush to format all data

However, in some cases, a flash drive can spoil the user’s mood when once again it is necessary to write off information from it, and she “refuses” to provide it. It should be understood that the whole problem lies in a virus that penetrated the flash drive and hopelessly infected it. To help it restore its perfect performance, you should know how to remove a virus from a flash drive.

It is not at all difficult to recognize that a flash drive has been subjected to a virus attack and has been infected, since when working with it, signs begin to appear that have not previously been characteristic of it.

Signs of infection

In particular, if a virus infection occurs, the USB drive may stop opening. If the user wants to take any action by calling up the context menu, the left mouse button will refuse to respond, or the context menu will open, but it will be impossible to read anything, since instead of the usual words, the user will see only some solid “hieroglyphs”.

A slightly different story may also happen, which almost provokes a shock in the user, since when opening a USB drive, the owner of the flash drive may not find a single document.

Indeed, there is a virus that, penetrating the drive, brings such “trouble.” However, it is important for the user to pull himself together, read the information on how to remove a virus from a flash drive, and then return all “lost” documents. In reality, not a single file disappeared; the virus code simply changed their status, turning them into hidden files.

Labels that appear on the flash drive instead of missing documents can also indicate the presence of a virus infection. In this case, experts recommend not to panic and not start frantically opening all the shortcuts, trying to detect at least some presence of important documents.

By clicking on the shortcuts, the user of the USB drive makes the situation even worse by continuing to infect the flash drive with virus code, since the shortcuts are directly linked to the malicious executable file.

Removing a virus from a drive

In connection with the situation that has arisen, the right option would be to calm down, concentrate, and direct all efforts to studying information on how to remove a virus from a flash drive. Moreover, there is nothing complicated in the subsequent steps, and even a beginner can remove a virus from a flash drive, and then successfully display hidden files.

Removal methods

To clean a USB drive from virus code, it is best to use a computer that has powerful protection installed. It is good if this antivirus program is a paid version, because in this case you can be sure that the antivirus databases in it will be up to date, and therefore such an antivirus program can easily deal with any malicious file.

Having such an excellent antivirus program at your disposal, it will be absolutely simple to understand how to remove a virus from a flash drive, since the process will practically occur automatically, with only a little user participation.

The USB drive should be inserted into the USB connector, the antivirus program will immediately prompt you to check the drive, the user can only agree with this. The antivirus program will perform all other actions independently, displaying the result of its work on the screen.

The antivirus program itself will be able to remove hidden viruses. After such cleaning, flash drives will be “healthy” and operational again.

Experienced users can remove a malicious file from a flash drive manually. This tactic is especially welcome when there is no nearby computer with a powerful antivirus program with updated antivirus databases.

To manually eliminate a malicious file, the user must initially display hidden files, since the execution file is in this status.

To show hidden files, you should open the “Control Panel”, go to the “Folder Options” tab, then “View”, among the listed options you should find and check the box for “Show hidden files and folders”. Now the user will be able to see everything that the virus tried to hide. The USB drive will contain RECYCLED and RECYCLER, if there is a file inside them with the exe extension, it should be destroyed, since it is a malicious file.

Another option for removing malicious code is the formatting process, but it should be noted that after its completion, not only the virus and all its traces, but also all documents will disappear from the drive without a trace.

Document recovery

After you have successfully eliminated a malicious file, and only documents remain on the drive that are simply not visible because they are in the status of hidden files, it is important to perform a number of simple steps that will allow you to return the documents to their usual appearance.

The easiest way is to use a file manager, which includes Total Commander.

Having launched Total Commander, go to the “Configuration” tab, then “Panel Contents”, and then check the box next to “Show hidden/system files”.

Now the user will see all his documents. At this stage, you should select them, then go to the “Files” tab, then “Change Attribute”, and in the dialog box that appears, uncheck the “Hidden” and “System” boxes. This concludes the fight against the virus and the work of restoring documents.

So, when using a USB drive, you should be careful and not expose it to virus infection again. However, if such an infection does occur, it is important to remain calm and calmly eliminate the malicious object, not allowing it to “manage” the USB drive for a long period of time.

The most popular threat to flash drives is Trojans, which are distributed using Autorun ( automatic start). It is transferred to a flash drive from your computer as soon as the media is inserted and hides your folders and files. Turns them into shortcuts and thereby blocks access.

It is problematic for the average user to deal with it, especially if deletion is required without data loss.

Typically, such viruses are harmless in themselves. They simply hide files and spread to other media.

You can remove a virus from a flash drive using almost any antivirus program, and infection most likely occurs due to its absence. This also applies to the memory card.

Here are a number of signs that your device is infected:

1. Labels instead of folders.
2. Missing information.
3. Can't open flash drive ( but most likely another reason).
4. Unknown files with .exe extension.
5. Autorun file
6. Hidden RECYCLER folder.

Remember that these problems can occur not only if the virus is on a flash drive, but also on a computer or other device. Other unpleasant things can also happen. In this instruction I will show 2 ways to remove this virus, but of course the fastest and easiest way is this. Only suitable if you do not have valuable information on it.

Manual removal method

The virus disguises itself as a system file ( hidden by default) and therefore you need to enable and then switch to the USB flash drive. Here you need to delete the RECYCLER, autorun and exe file. Their names may differ.

Usually this is enough, but the virus may appear again if it is located in another location. If the situation repeats, go to the next method.

Removal by antivirus

It is worth checking your computer and flash drive with any free or shareware antivirus. For example, try downloading NOD32 ( 30 days free). After the trial period, you can continue to use it, but without updates. I myself actively use it.

Perform a detailed scan of your computer. All viruses will be automatically removed when found. Once completed, you can view the report.

Problems after removing the virus

Most likely, the virus will make all data hidden. Instead, there will be shortcuts that will show an error when opened. After all, they pointed to a virus that had already been removed. They can be safely deleted.

You need to make the files visible. Using them on other devices will be inconvenient because you will always have to enable the display of hidden folders, and sometimes even this will not be possible.

To fix this, go to the folder properties and uncheck the “hidden” attribute as in the image below ( show hidden folders must be enabled).

If the attribute is not available ( highlighted in gray), then download the executable .bat file, which will automatically fix everything.

Move it to the USB flash drive and run ( on behalf of administrator). Specify the media letter and press Enter. You can see the letter by going to My Computer.

If this does not help, use the free USB Hidden Recovery program. Download it from the official website and install. Run and scan the flash drive, and then start recovery.

If a virus constantly appears, it means it is on the computer ( or another device) and constantly infects the flash drive after its removal. Look for it using an antivirus.

This information should be enough to solve this problem. If something doesn’t work out, I’ll be happy to answer in the comments.

How did you get rid of a virus on a flash drive?

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A USB drive is a “tidbit” for viruses. There is even a separate category of “digital strains.” They are aimed specifically at external drives. Trojans and worms secretly penetrate a flash drive, install their elements (startup modules, startup file, shortcuts) and carefully disguise them, delete or damage user folders and files. They also disrupt the operation of a USB drive: they prevent you from opening a partition and individual folders, prevent you from safely removing the device, and imitate system errors (fake messages appear).

Let's look at how to clean a flash drive from viruses using various methods.

Method #1: antivirus cleaning

Disabling autorun

The first step is to secure the operating system of the computer on which the scan will be performed. Disable autorun in Windows. So that the virus, after connecting a USB flash drive, cannot automatically start and secretly penetrate the PC’s hard drive.

This procedure is performed as follows:

in Windows 7

1. Press the key combination “Win” and “R”.

2. In the Run panel line, enter the directive - gpedit.msc.

3. Click OK.

4. In the Group Policy Editor window, select the “Computer Configuration” section.

5. Open the “Administrative Templates” subsection.

6. From the list of options, select Windows Components.

7. Go to “AutoPlay Policies” → “Disable AutoPlay” settings.

8. In the settings window that opens:

• by clicking the left mouse button, turn on the radio button next to the “Enable” add-on;
• Click the "Apply" and "OK" buttons.

in Windows 8.1

1. Right-click on the Windows icon on the taskbar.

2. Select “Find” from the context menu.

3. In the search bar, type - autorun.

4. Click in the search results - “Enable or disable autorun”.

5. In the “Computer and Devices” panel, go to the “Startup” section.

6. In the block on the left, set the value “Do not perform any actions” in the “Removable media” and “Memory card” fields.

Advice! If you want to completely disable the AutoPlay feature, click the slider at the top of the block to “Off.”

Scanning a flash drive

1. After disabling autorun, connect the USB flash drive to the PC.

2. Press "Win+E".

3. In the window that opens, right-click on the USB drive icon.

4. To check the flash drive for viruses, select “Scan…” from the list of options. (In this case it is ESET Smart Security).

5. Remove all malicious objects found.

Advice! You can perform cleaning using alternative anti-virus scanners - Dr.Web CureIT!, Free Anti-Malware or Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool. Before the scan is performed, do not forget to check the box next to the flash drive in the list of partitions.

Method #2: formatting

(removing all data - virus and user files)

Note. This option is appropriate to use when there is no valuable information on the media or when it is not possible to remove the virus from the flash drive using other methods.

1. Make sure that AutoPlay is disabled on your computer. And then connect the infected media.

2. Press the “Win” and “E” keys simultaneously.

3. Hover over the USB shortcut. Click the right button. In the system menu, select “Format...”.

4. In “Formatting...” set the following values ​​in the settings:

• “File system” - NTFS;
• “Cluster size” - “Standard size...”;
• “Volume label” - the name of the flash drive (optional; you don’t have to change it);
• “Format methods”: in the “Quick” box, check the box to perform superficial (quick) cleaning.

5. Click the "Start" button.

6. In the additional window, confirm the action: click “OK”.

7. When the procedure is complete, in the “Formatting...” window, click “OK” again.

8. In the settings window, click “Close”.

Now the flash drive is clean and ready for full use.

Method #3: manually removing viruses

(for advanced users only)

This cleaning algorithm is advisable to use if you want to save as much useful data as possible located on an infected flash drive.

1. Enable Windows to show hidden files and folders:

• press "Win+E";
• in the window that appears, press “Alt”;
• in the top panel open: Tools → Folder Options;
• go to the “View” tab;
• in the last paragraph of options, turn on by clicking “Show hidden files...”;
• Click the “Apply” and “OK” buttons.

2. Check the autorun setting. It must be disabled (see Method #1).

3. Connect and open the contents of the flash drive.

4. Analyze the files. Elements of the malware may look like this:

• files with extension .bat;
• labels;
• Recycler folder (a clear sign of the presence of a virus).

5. Right-click on each of them and view the “Object” setting in the properties (click → item in the “Properties” menu). In virus files, the “Object” usually displays the executable file of the “microbe” that attacked the USB drive.

6. Remove all malicious files and shortcuts, as well as the executable element of the virus that they access (listed in the “Object” line).

Vaccination of flash drives

A flash drive vaccine is a kind of software protection in the form of a special file (Autorun.inf). It prevents the virus from “settling” on the flash drive: it blocks its functions. Used exclusively as a prophylactic and warning agent on “healthy” USB drives. It is created manually and using special programs. We will get to know some of them better.

Panda USB Vaccine

A utility from the famous antivirus company Panda. Has a volume of less than 1MB. However, very useful. Available free of charge on the official website. After launching USB Vaccine for the first time, in the panel, check the boxes next to “Hide tray icon...” and “Enable NTFS...”. And then click "Next". Connect the USB flash drive and click the “Vaccinate USB” button in the application window.

Autostop

Does not require installation. Runs in the MS-DOS console. At the request of the user, he can not only “vaccinate” the flash drive, but also disable autorun by changing the registry settings, and prohibit writing data on the media.

USB Defender

An efficient GUI tool. Activates USB storage protection in one click (and disables it in the same way). Carefully hides the presence of the “grafting” AUTORUN.INF on the flash drive.

Let your USB drives avoid viruses!

From this article you will learn how to remove a virus from a flash drive. The problem of protecting a flash drive from malicious files has always been and remains relevant, especially in cases where you have to use a USB drive on different PCs. If it happens that a virus has “sneaked” onto the flash drive, then in such a case there are several effective ways to prevent infection of your own PC and secure the files on the flash drive.

Main signs of infection

The most common malicious code on a USB drive is Trojan horses, which are usually written into the operating system boot file autorun.inf. To verify the presence of viruses on a flash drive, it is enough to detect files called “autorun.exe” and similar ones.

Other signs of an infected USB drive:

When you try to open the flash drive, an error window appears;

The flash drive does not open;

Files that are on the drive disappear on their own;

The “Recycler” folder has appeared

It is impossible to remove the device; the system says that it is constantly busy.

To find and see all suspicious files, you need to make all folders and files on your PC visible:

If a virus got onto the USB drive, it means the PC on which it was used was infected. Therefore, before using a flash drive on someone else’s computer, you need to be sure that a modern one is installed on it.

Removal methods

To begin with, the infected flash drive must be connected to a PC on which an antivirus with updated, current antivirus signature databases is installed. A virus that gets onto a flash drive writes a file to it, which becomes active after the USB drive autostarts. At autorun, the antivirus program neutralizes the virus, and after that the flash drive does not open. Therefore, you need to remove viruses from a flash drive without opening it on your PC.

The simplest and easiest way to remove all viruses is this. But this must be done before it opens. To do this, you need to disable autorun. Next you need to go to “ My computer" and right-click on the USB drive icon and select " format».

It is important that when formatting a flash drive, not only viruses are removed from it, but also all files that were stored on it. Therefore, sometimes this method is not acceptable. In such cases, scanning the device can be done manually. To do this you need from the menu " My computer"Right-click on the flash drive icon and select the option " Scan selected files using..." or " Scan with» and select the desired anti-virus program to perform this action.