Virus?

Something got into one of my external hard drives and renamed some files. These are raw files and some PSD and jpgs. They files names look like symbols. I can't rename them. Any ideas?

I doubt it's a virus - probably corrupted directory entries. Try running antivirus, malware scans.
Then copy all the files to another drive, then try running chkdsk (if you have Windows - if a Mac, can't help you).

solara wrote in post #12185261
I doubt it's a virus - probably corrupted directory entries. Try running antivirus, malware scans.
Then copy all the files to another drive, then try running chkdsk (if you have Windows - if a Mac, can't help you).

I tried McAfee and Malware bytes with no problems found. I was told that the person using this had a windows system warning come up and clicked on that. He was visiting some web site for looking up people.

This is a Pc running Win 7.
Right now I have disconnected the drive. Not sure if it will cause other problems. I have all files backed up expect the last couple of weeks.

I ran the chkdsk and that did it . Thank you for your help.

Quite possibly it's a sign that your hard drive's days are numbered. Probably be a good idea to think aout replacing it. Definitely a good idea to make sure your backup routine is effective.

hollis_f wrote in post #12188643
Quite possibly it's a sign that your hard drive's days are numbered. Probably be a good idea to think aout replacing it. Definitely a good idea to make sure your backup routine is effective.

Thanks since it just reverted again after I was able to back up the few files I had not gotten to yet, that's the plan.

rw2 wrote in post #12185331
...I was told that the person using this had a windows system warning come up and clicked on that. He was visiting some web site for looking up people...

I'm confused... Some "person" gained access to your external drive? Who told you this?

About malware and Windows. Don´t run your windows as an admin. That´s how people installing malware. I would even say that running windows not as admin are more safe than to use an antivirus.
If you having XP, disable Autoplay. Autoplay makes malwares from USB possible. Windows 7 and Vista have Autoplay disable as default.

rw2 wrote in post #12189155
Thanks since it just reverted again after I was able to back up the few files I had not gotten to yet, that's the plan.

at least hard drives are cheap

With an external drive this can also be a sign that you are not removing the drive properly. Most people just unplug the drive when they are finished with it and this is not "best practice". Instead go to the USB devices icon in the system tray, right click, go to safely remove hardware, select the appropriate drive and allow windows to "eject" the drive. Now unplug.