Solved – Files Not Showing In External Hard Drive

This post will answer this question and provide several practical ways to help you find the missing files.

Before starting to fix the issue, youd better rescue your data from the external hard drive.

Designed to recover data with no damage, it can restore lost data under any situation.

Why not have a try?

Then, follow this tutorial to recover data.

Step 1: Download and install MiniTool Power Data Recovery.

Step 3: Select a partition and click theScanbutton.

Step 3: When the scan process ends, look through the result page to find your wanted files.

Tip: you’re able to use the auxiliary functions to reduce the distraction choices.

ThePreviewfunction is practical in checking whether the files are what you want.

Step 4: go for the wanted files and press theSavebutton.

Step 5: Choose a proper save path and then clickOK.

Additionally, you may follow the methods below to try fixing the current external drive.

you might have a go at reconnect your external hard drive or change to another port to use.

There are some methods for you to show hidden files.

Solution 1:

The DIR command can display the list of the directorys files.

Executing command DIR/A will display the names of all files including hidden and system files.

The parameter -s means do not show system files.

Thus, it’s possible for you to run this command to find the hidden files.

Step 1: PressWin + Rto initiate the Run window.

Step 2: Typecmdand pressShift + Ctrl + Enterto run Command Prompt as administrator.

Step 3: InputDIR/A x:-s(x refers to thedrive letterof your external hard drive).

This command means: list the non-system files in x: drive.

Solution 2:

The attrib command is used to see the attributes set on the files.

This command works well if your files are hidden by viruses.

Step 1:Run Command Prompt as administrator.

Step 3: Finally, verify if the real files will be shown.

Solution 3:

To protect files or prevent accidental deletion, some folders are hidden by the computer automatically.

you’ve got the option to do these things to show them up.

Step 1: InputControl Panelin the search bar.

Step 2: SelectFile Explorer Options.

Step 3: In the View tab, checkShow hidden files, folders, and drives.

Step 4: Then check whether the files/folders are there.

Have you ever encountered Windows 10 show hidden files not working issue?

Some solutions and files recovery tips are introduced here to deal with it.

Step 2: jot down the drive letter of the external hard drive and hitEnter.

Example: d:, e:, f:, etc.

Step 3: Typedir /ahand hitEnter.

You will now see the files/folders with hidden attributes.

Step 4: Typeattrib [name of file/folder] -r -a -s -hand pressEnter.

To unhide the files, you should probably key in the full name of the file including its extension.

Step 6: Finally check your external hard drives and all data should be there.

Fortunately, it’s possible for you to use Windows-equipped tools to check and fixsystem errors.

Step 3: Input thechkdsk c: /fcommand and hitEnter.

(hey replace c with the drive letter of your rig).

Then the computer will evaluate automatically and repair its errors.

Solution 2: Use the Error-Checking Tool

Step 1: Right-punch the external hard drive.

Step 2: ChooseProperties.

Step 3: Select theToolstab and press theCheckbutton.

Step 4: SelectScan and repair driveto fix the system error.

Then, hey wait until the process ends and check whether the files appear.

CheckedValue enables the Show hidden files & folders feature.

you’re able to follow the next steps to ensure it works well.

Step 3: Right-clickCheckedValueand selectModifyin the context menu.

Step 4: Check whether the value data of CheckedValue is1.

Step 5: If NOT, deleteCheckedValue, create a newDWORin the blank, and rename it asCheckedValue.

After that, modify the value data as1.

Fix 5. you could attempt to reboot your system and reconnect the external hard drive.

Then, check whether your files are on the unit.

External hard drives typically have high storage capacities and are often used to back up computers.