Files represented as shortcuts - Windows 10

Dino071 · 07 Apr 2016

Hello all,

I would appreciate help. Namely, File Explorer shows files within the ROOT of my E drive as shortcuts. Please see picture below.

Files represented as shortcuts - Windows 10-win10.jpg

Moreover, when I double click (or if I right click and choose "Open", a warning message shown on the bottom right of the picture above appears: "This app can’t run on your PC. To find a version for your PC, check with the software publisher." And it shows "Canecel"

I have 3 PCs with windows 10 Pro x64. This issue came up on only one of them. I am thinking why is so. This PC has 4 disks. OS and most demanding application are installed on C: drive. I have put "My Documents" on D: drive, while I have put "Pictures", "Videos", and the rest on E: drive.

One thing that comes to my mind is a question. Why does it say "app"? Does it think it is an app? If so, why?

Final note: once I click "Cancel" on popup windows shown on the bottom right of above picture, it normally opens selected file as if nothing has happened.

Any ideas?

Arc · 07 Apr 2016

It seems to be a virus attack.

Run MBAM in Safe Mode.
Perform a bootable scan, too. Kaspersky Rescue Disk will be a good choice.

See how it goes.

robgr · 07 Apr 2016

This may help after disinfection, see here

orlbuckeye · 07 Apr 2016

Well your trying to open a PDF file which has an association with Adobe reader or some 3rd party reader. Check under applications that you has an association set up with a PDF reader. If you do then try to run the app by itself. If it errors there may be a problem with that app.