The shortcut file cannot be opened, what should you do?

In the process of using devices such as computers, USB drives or mobile hard drives. Many people have encountered a situation where the shortcut file cannot be opened . This brings a lot of trouble, especially when the file contains important data. So why do our devices encounter this situation? Is there a way to handle the problem when the shortcut file cannot be opened? Come to this article and your questions will be answered.

What is a shortcut file, why can't the shortcut file be opened?

Even though they have been using computers for a long time, there are many people who still don't know what a shortcut is even though they still use it every day. Specifically, a shortcut is considered a shortcut to folders, files or applications. Simply put, the icons on your computer screen are mostly shortcuts. When you open these shortcuts, the corresponding program will be started. If a file's path is too long, you can create a shortcut of that file and bring it to the desktop. Next time, just double click on the shortcut and you will open the file.

Normally opening the shortcut file will not be difficult at all. However, there are also a few exceptions that prevent them from being able to open these files. The main reason for this is usually because you only copied the shortcut file on the screen without copying the original file. Or it could be because the original file has been deleted, your device is corrupted or attacked by a virus.

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Is there a way to open Shortcut files on USB?

If you just copy the shortcut file to a USB, of course there will be no way to open the file because there is no original file. If suddenly all the files on the USB are turned into shortcut files, there is a high possibility that the USB has been infected with a virus or your USB is defective. At this point, it is necessary to restore the files back to normal before they can be opened

How to restore shortcut files

When files on the computer, USB. are converted into shortcuts, we will not be able to open the files in the usual way. If you are trying to open a Word file with a shortcut in similar cases, try the following methods.

1: Fix errors using CMD

Using CMD to fix shortcut file errors is a method used by many people and is considered quite effective. When a file on your computer is suddenly turned into a shortcut, do the following.

1. Step 1 : Press windows + R , enter CMD and press enter .
2. Step 2 : Enter the command attrib A:*.* /d /s -h -r –s and press enter to let the system scan for viruses and restore your files.

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Note: Replace the letter A with the name of the drive you want to scan. For example, when plugging the USB into the computer and the computer reports that the USB drive is drive G, enter attrib G:*.* /d /s -h -r –s .

2: Use AutoRunExterminator

In addition to the above method, you can also use AutoRunExterminator software to remove shortcut viruses on your device. This software is completely free and works quite effectively. If you are looking for a way to convert a shortcut file to a regular file, try installing and launching this software to quickly fix the error.

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1. Link to download AutoRunExterminator

With the methods I just introduced above, hopefully you can quickly fix the situation where the shortcut file cannot be opened. If the above methods don't work, try using other anti-virus software.

Jessica Tanner

Update 27 June 2024