I can't figure out why the folders and files are not visible. When I check the hard disks the capacity is still the same so I think the files are still there but I can't view it. Is this some kind of a virus
The folders and the files in it are being missed as they are invisible due to the problem that is occurred with your settings being changed related to the folders.
Actually generally speaking there may or may not be the occurrence of virus as the virus may delete the files rather than hiding so the more chance is that it might not be the virus.
First you check the files and folder settings available in the explorer and check the box having show hidden files and folders and hence if any folders and files in it are hidden they will be displayed now in light yellow as they are made to look as invisible.
Now you can access to folders if they are available in the system after checking the box as earlier you did and to permanent visibility you need to select options and unselected the hidden box available so that the folders will be in visible permanently.
Thank you.
If all the files on your hard drive suddenly gone missing but the used space of the drive are still the same, it sounds like you got infected by the autorun virus which usually infects USB flash drives. If you think your computer is infected, download Sophos Virus Removal Tool. Install it then scan your computer to perform a thorough check on your drives.
You can use this tool to scan your computer for virus infection without uninstalling your existing antivirus program. Sophos Virus Removal Tool works alongside any antivirus program you may have. Also, this is a virus removal tool and not an antivirus. It doesn’t offer real-time monitoring of your system like what normal antivirus applications do. It is best used when your computer is already infected with a virus.
When Sophos detected a virus after the scan, remove it then repeat the scan until it no longer detects a virus. When you are finished, check your hard drive if the files are restored back to normal. If you still can’t see them, start Windows Explorer then click “Tools” and then “Folder Options.” Select “View” tab then select “Show hidden files and folders” then click “OK.”
If the files are visible after this, you need to remove the hidden attribute of all the files manually to restore their visibility on the system.
