UsbFix 11.022 for Windows

UsbFix 11.022 is a Windows tool from SOSVirus for cleaning malware that spreads through USB flash drives, memory cards and external disks. It scans the PC and connected drives, removes infections such as shortcut viruses and helps bring back files that the malware has hidden. The catalogue lists the licence as a demo; you can download UsbFix for Windows and use it alongside your regular antivirus.

Quick facts

• Version: 11.022
• Developer: SOSVirus
• Platform: Windows
• Licence: demo
• Size: about 4.55 MB according to catalogue data

The problem it solves

A classic scenario: you plug a flash drive into a shared PC at a print shop or school, and when you open it at home, all folders are gone and replaced by shortcuts with the same names. Clicking one opens your files, but also starts the malware again, which then copies itself to every drive you connect. The files are usually still there, only hidden. Standard antivirus programs often remove the malicious file but leave the drive in that confusing state. UsbFix is designed for exactly this kind of infection. It looks for autorun tricks and malicious shortcuts, removes them and resets the hidden attributes so your folders reappear. It is a specialist tool, not a full antivirus, so it should run next to your normal protection rather than replace it.

Guide: cleaning a drive

1. Do not open files on the infected drive yet.
2. Download UsbFix from a trusted source and run it.
3. Connect the drive and start a scan of the PC and removable media.
4. Let the tool remove what it finds and restore hidden files.
5. Open the drive and check that your folders are back.
6. Run a full scan with your main antivirus afterwards.

Prevention tips

• Turn on the display of file extensions and hidden files in File Explorer.
• Be suspicious of shortcuts on a drive where you expect folders.
• Keep copies of important files somewhere other than a single flash drive.
• Avoid plugging personal drives into public computers when you can send files another way.

Licence and safety

The catalogue lists a demo licence, so some functions may be limited compared with the full version. There is no official website in our data, and cleanup tools are a favourite disguise for malware, so be careful where you download it and scan the file before running it.

Pros and cons

• Pro: specialised in USB-borne malware.
• Pro: restores hidden folders and files.
• Pro: small and quick.
• Con: not a replacement for a full antivirus.
• Con: no official download source in our data.

Alternatives

Smadav also focuses on USB threats. For full antivirus protection, our listings include Avast Antivirus, AVG Antivirus, Avira Free Security, Bitdefender Antivirus and Malwarebytes; AdwCleaner removes adware and unwanted programs.