How do I remove/repair AVI video file virus?

[paulywalnuts]

I downloaded a virus that has now apparently corrupted every single AVI file on my PC. All thumbnails now have a small winRAR symbol on them and when I attempt to open get first an error the file is damaged and then a request to purchase a winRAR license. I have AVG anti-virus installed up to date and ran a full scan, and also ran Microsoft MSRT but deteted nothing. Downloaded another AVI video and immediately had the same problem. Please help or suggest something!!! Many thanks...

[davexnet]

If the virus really altered the files, then they are probably lost.
Have you tried system restore? This will clean out the active virus,
but not fix the movie files.

If system restore is not available or doesn't work, try malwarebytes.
http://www.malwarebytes.org

[jagabo]

I suspect all that's happened is the AVI extension has become associated with WinRAR. Right click on an AVI file and select Open With -> Choose Program. Pick the player you want to use to play AVI files, eg Windows Media Player. Checkmark the "Always use the selected program to open this kind of file" option. Press OK.

[TreeTops]

Hey Paulywalnuts, did jagabo's suggestion work for you?

[paulywalnuts]

Hi Jagabo,

Thank you for the advice! Yes it appears the the AVI extension has become associated with winRAR. So if i right click and open with my player it works just fine. But can you suggest any way to fix/repair that problem? - i feel like something is not right...

[jagabo]

I gave explicit instructions on how to permanently change association back to your preferred player in my previous post.

[paulywalnuts]

thank you thank you jagabo your instructions worked perfectly!