The New Folder.exe virus was a well-known Windows malware that circulated widely in the late 2000s and early 2010s, especially in areas where USB drive sharing was common. This virus was notorious for disguising itself as a folder named “New Folder” and infecting systems through removable storage devices like USB drives and memory cards.
What Was New Folder.exe Virus?
- It was a worm virus, often labeled as W32.Sality or a variant of the Rontokbro or Brontok family.
- It masqueraded as a system folder, often using the icon of a standard folder to trick users into clicking it.
- Once executed, it replicated itself in multiple directories and infected all USB drives plugged into the system.
- It disabled essential system tools like Task Manager, Registry Editor (regedit), and Folder Options.
- It often created fake folders and autorun.inf files to re-infect the system after reboot or drive reconnection.
Effects of New Folder.exe virus on PC
New Folder.exe virus affects your system by:
- Disabling Task Manager
- Disabling Registry Editor
- Creates a startup entry to start upon system start and Creates its own exe files in Shared Documents folder which appear like ordinary folders
- Disables Folder Options Uses your 50% or more processor
- multiple “New Folder.exe” files in different drives
- Strange entries in startup programs
- Autorun.inf files appearing on USB drives
Remove New Folder.exe Virus
Use ComboFix, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, ESET Online Scanner, Avast, Kaspersky, Bitdefender, or SDFix to remove this virus.
Prevent Future Infections
- Always scan USB drives before opening
- Keep antivirus software updated
- Don’t click on suspicious .exe files or fake folders
- Disable AutoRun permanently for external devices
- Backup your data regularly
New Folder.exe was a dangerous USB-spreading virus that caused significant inconvenience and data loss for many users. It took advantage of user trust by imitating familiar folder names and used system weaknesses to spread rapidly. Removing it required a mix of manual cleanup and reliable antivirus tools. Prevention is key—always stay cautious when dealing with unknown files or drives.