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My external hard-drive is not showing any folders once i opeen it does anyone know why this is happening?

my external hard-drive is a maxtor OneTouch

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Rik_

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Brief expert summary and practical next steps based on the thread: several replies (notably and ) describe Explorer showing an empty view while direct access methods still reach files, suggested hidden/system attributes, and flagged possible partition-table or filesystem damage. The combination of a "FILE NOT FOUND" result and later a "cmd file is corrupt" warning is particularly suggestive of either (a) attributes/autorun-style malware that hides folders, (b) logical filesystem/partition-table corruption, or (c) early hardware failure. Recommended actions are ordered to protect data first.

Recommended immediate actions (stop further writes, then image):

  • Do not copy new files to the drive or attempt repeated quick-fix repairs; further writes make recovery harder.
  • Make a sector-level image of the drive before any repair attempts (use a read-only imaging tool or a Linux live USB with a tool such as ddrescue). If imaging is not possible or unfamiliar, consider a professional image/recovery service.

Safe, low-risk checks (do after imaging if possible):

  • Clear hidden/system attributes (run from an elevated prompt, replacing X: with the external drive letter):
attrib -s -h -r /s /d X:\*.*
  • If attributes do not restore visibility and the filesystem looks inconsistent, an on-image repair attempt can be tried with CHKDSK (understand CHKDSK can alter directory structures; run only after imaging):
chkdsk X: /f /r

Deeper recovery if partition/table is suspect:

  • Use TestDisk (runs from Windows/Linux) to inspect and, if safe, rebuild partition entries or recover the file table.
  • If SMART checks (CrystalDiskInfo or similar) show failing sectors or the drive makes unusual noises, stop and use a professional service.

Additional notes: scan the image for autorun/shortcut malware, use a Linux live session to see whether files are visible there, and prioritize recovery of important files to another healthy drive before any destructive repairs. This approach ties the thread observations together while minimizing risk of data loss.

Recommended Answers

All 17 Replies

Member Avatar for Xlphos

Hello,

What happens when you click on the external drive icon in my computer?
Are you sure you have folders in the external drive?
Have you had this problem before are have you just got it?

- Let us know how it goes.

Member Avatar for person in need

When I click on the external drive icon, the whole windows is blank but I am sure there are files inside as i can use the 'run' to get into the files for example, j:videos
this is the first time i had the problem...

Member Avatar for Xlphos

Hello,

Open command prompt; press windows key+ R.
Type cmd and press enter.
Once command prompt is open type J:.
You should now be able to view the contents of the external hard drive by typing dir; it will show the directories and files stored on the hard drive.

let us know if you can do the above.

Something else to try;
Right click on the desktop then click on new > shortcut. When asked type J: for the location and press next or OK. Once to shortcut has been created click on it and see what happens. Le us know if this opened the disk contents in explorer.

You could also try typing J: in explorer's address bar.

- let us know the outcomes of the above.

Member Avatar for person in need

Ive tried everything you have said but when i typed dir, it says
directory of J:\
FILE NOT FOUND
also the shortcut thing was blank as well

after awhile a warning popped up at the bottom right of the screen saying cmd file is corrupt

Edited by person in need because: n/a
Member Avatar for gerbil

Mmm... that rather says that explorer thinks that j:\ is a filename [well, that is how it works...], and it will think that right up until it discovers that it is actually something higher up the tree, like a folder or drive letter. So, my guess is that the partition table is disturbed. I mean, it obviously did not find J: was assigned as a drive letter. We can repair that if you wish...? Just ask.

Edited by gerbil because: n/a
Member Avatar for nnnnssssttttt

yes it works in explorer.. oh thanks alot dear bro

Member Avatar for gowtham18110

Its simple friends,
Go to Folder Options,uncheck "Hide protected Operating System Files(recomended)"
if you have same problem,Try unchecking other hidden files in folder options.
Enjoy it works 100%

Member Avatar for James Donovan

Restart your computer in safe mode.

Member Avatar for ramiyamout

hi, after doing the steps, it gave me g:dir is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

Member Avatar for SuperSup

I had the same problem. The folders won't show up in explorer but if type the location in the address bar (G:\Movies) I could access the folder. I tried what 'gowtham18110' suggested and it worked. Thanks for the help mate!!

Ramiyamout - You should first access the drive through CMD.
Open command prompt; press windows key+ R.
Type cmd and press enter.
Type cd\
Type g:
you should be in g: drive now. Type dir now - you should see all the folders

Member Avatar for adi.rj08

Hi.. I also had the same problem.. bt I am stuck now.. I own WD My Passport External Hard Disk..

I can access my folders from the "run" command but I cannot see them in the explorer and also when I typed "dir" in cmd I could not see my folders..

In explorer I can see only 5 of my folders and the same folders in cmd on typing "dir" when I have about 20 folders in my hard disk and I can see only 5 of them.. pls help me out..

Member Avatar for raavn111

dettach and re attach it and then try

BEST OF LUCK
..........

Member Avatar for adi.rj08

thank you raavn111 for your advise but I have done that and no results..

I have taken backup of my data and now I am trying to format my hard disk but it is not formatting.. I left it for about two and a half hour but it(formatting process) did not start.. i tried it on cmd but there also it did not start.. it kept showing 0% completed..

any suggestions on how to atleast start my formatting process..?

Member Avatar for anupam sekhar

comuter is not showing the files of the ext harddisk via explorer but showing via winrar.what can i do to see my files thrugh win 7 explr???? help me.....

Member Avatar for anupam sekhar

files cannot be seen when i browsed my ext hdd through win explr but i can acess my files thrugh winrar.what shuld i do to see my files thrugh win explr..pleaze help me............my lap is dell with win 7

Member Avatar for Member #225258

right click my computer-manage-disk-management. You should see the drive there at the bottom. Right click on it and add drive letter suggested. You should now be able to see the drive and contents.

Member Avatar for Rik_

The previous posts in this thread are more than a year old!!

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