error message when deleting word documents

Question

All the files on my laptop were corrupted by some malware/virus. The IT guys at workplace , wiped the entire laptop clean. Now, I am transferring files on the laptop from my external hard disc, by transferring files with a flashdrive.

When I delete the files on the flashdrive after transfer, I get following messages for WORD documents:

'The file '~b instructions 103013' is a system file. If you remove it, Windows or another program may no longer work correctly. Are you sure you want to permanently delete it? ~$b instructions 103013 Type: Microsoft Word Document Size: 162 bytes'

I get this message for every WORD document with the options: 'yes', 'skip' and 'cancel'

Why should word documents be system files? Did these files get corrupted too?

Answer 1

thanks. a friend thinks it could be because the flashdrive was formatted for Mac computer and I used it on PC

Answer 2

Could well be correct, format it in Disk Management

Answer 3

You must then have connected the external to a PC in order to simply in explorer copy data to the Flash, or within explorer use 'send to' neither method should have triggered any error msg in explorer when you delete anything on the flash

Answer 4

The files were simply data files copied to the external HD. (not using backup software).

I am using flashdrive to transfer, because the IT guys at workplace told me not to connect the external HD to the reformatted laptop (just in case). So, I transferred the files from backup HD to personal (uninfected) laptop and then using flashdrive to transfer from personal laptop to work laptop (the reformatted one).

Answer 5

You mention that the files are stored on an external HD, were these files simply data files copied to that HD or did you use some type of backup software?

And if they are on an external HD why are you using a flash drive?