I detected that I have a Spotlight virus on my usb and it subsequently infected my computer. I have avg antivirus software installed in my computer and continued scanning definitely did not help because now I cannot access any of the files that are in my usb. I get on getting a message that says “the file is empty”. How do I remove this virus so I can get access to my files again. Somebody please help !!!
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sUBs (creator of ComboFix) has a tool called Flash_Disinfector.exe that is very effective in removal of malware from USB drives. It has been a long while since I have seen it used so I can’t verify its compatibility with Windows 7.
Bleepingcomputer.com was the trusted download source for this software so it would pay to check there for compatibility.
Keep in mind that USB devices that have been sterilised can become re-infected from restore points on a host computer. Any malware removal should also involve the purging of restore points, at the tail end of the disinfection process of course.
Not keeping it is probably your best bet. Note that just plugging in the flash drive can reinfect your computer. If you change your antivirus program first, scan your computer, then plug in your flash drive but do not open any file or folder (close the pop up window that asks you what you want to do with the drive). Go to Computer and right click on the flash drive and see if the menu offers the option of scanning it with your new antivirus program, if it does, choose that option. If it does not, open the antivirus program and start a scan but make sure that it includes the flash drive. Then download, install, update, and run Malwarebytes free version make sure that the flash drive is included in the scan (during the install, uncheck the free trial or you will not get the free version). Malwarebytes should also be added to the right click options for files and folders but scanning the entire computer at this time would be preferable. Remove all it finds and delete items in quarantine. Copy and paste the both logs here for review. Depending on what is found, others may recommend other things to verify it is clean so do not try opening any folders yet.