Inactive Files hidden and certain program files won't open

[OMD]

I don't think it is a virus or anything, but somehow on my laptop....files won't open. For example if I go to open a pdf file that I have saved on my desktop, I get an error saying..."Adobe Reader - an internal error occured" or a zip file - I get this error from zip genius - an access violation. Something happened a while back and many of my files all of a sudden became 'hidden' so I thought I had taken care of that, but not sure if my file associations has become corrupt or what and not sure how to fix it. I am sure it is not a virus - I have scanned with malwarebytes and a couple other things.

I read online that others had an issue with files and folders becoming hidden after an automatic microsoft update. I tried the restore back to a point, but didn't fix it. I am probably just messing it up more.

Any Ideas?

 

[Bobbye]

"Any Ideas" > Stop restoreing! There are several malware programs currently active doing just what you describe..the difference is that the malware puts an attribute in to make the 'hidden' or 'missing'- but they are really there.
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[Bobbye]

If I don't get a reply from you in 5 days, the thread will be closed. If your problem persist, you can send a PM to reopen it.