because this is the only backup of all the pictures i have since 2002.
I tried using the same external hard drive on another laptop that i am about to reformat and without any antivirus installed in it.
although the folders are changed to .exe with a file size of 293kb, I could still get into the folder just by clicking it and accessing the files.
so the question is how do i disinfect the external hard drive without deleting the files?