How to fix a USB or flash drive that doesn't show files and folders

Pendrives sometimes misbehave when data is copied to them. A relatively common misbehavior that occurs is that the data you have worked on and are fairly certain that it was copied to disk disappears. This can lead to panic if you haven't backed up your working hours and hours.

In this post we will explain why this sudden loss of data occurs on your pendrive. We will also give step-by-step methods to fix this problem when it occurs..

Reasons why you cannot see the files and folders on your USB stick

There are various reasons that could have caused your files and folders to disappear. Below are some of the top recognized reasons.

Your pendrive could be damaged

Unfortunately, this happens relatively frequently. In other cases, drive is generally inaccessible. If the pendrive is damaged, but the firmware is still ok, will appear on the computer and will even show you the storage space used and the free space. The copy on this pen drive will work fine and will show your files when you open the pen drive. Despite this, when unplugging the unit and plugging it in again, files and folders will no longer be available. This is because the disk will save your files and folders as long as there is a current / electrical voltage via USB. Despite this, will not retain copied data when power is lost / usb voltage. Now it starts acting like a RAM instead of a ROM. This may mean that you will need a new flash drive..

I have not copied files or folders to that pendrive

This is pretty straightforward.. Maybe you accidentally copied your data to equivalent drive. It happens to me a lot.

Your files and folders were deleted

This is the worst that could have happened. Your files and folders were accidentally deleted or removed as a result of a virus / malware. There are various viruses that are embedded in the file and when you try to open it, the virus erases your disk. If you see a mysterious file that ends with the extension .exe (type of application) from .lnk (link type or shortcut), you most likely have an embedded virus; especially if it contains the name and icon of your files or folders. Do not open this file before scanning. Many shareware and freeware can also be malicious.

Your files are hidden

Hidden files and folders are inaccessible to users unless their exact path is known. Every time I change a folder or file to hidden, will be invisible from the browser window. At the same time, if you save a file or folder as $ 0027 Protected system file or folder $ 0027, this folder or file will be automatically hidden from view in the browser window.

Virus attack / malware

As we have said before, viruses can alter or delete your files. Another very common virus is the one that hides your folders or sets them as “Protected system files and folders”. Links and files of virus applications can be left visible so that you can click and spread the virus to other USB sticks. An autorun.inf file could automatically start the virus if your USB drive's autorun property is turned on.

If you are sure that your pendrive is not damaged and you are sure that those files and folders exist, the methods given below will possibly solve your problem. These methods are applicable to data disappearances caused by viruses / malware or hidden file attacks.

Method 1: use AutorunExterminator

The Autorun.inf files could be releasing viruses that hide your files. Follow these steps to clean and reveal your files.

1. Download the »AutorunExterminator» here

2. Extract and double click AutorunExterminator.exe to run it

3. Connect your pendrive. AutorunExterminator will erase all the .inf files from your flash drive.

4. Press the start key + R

5. In the window “run”, type cmd in the box and hit enter

6. Assuming your pen drive is drive E: enter this line in command window

atributo -h -r -s / s /de:*.*

NB: Replace the e: with the letter of your pendrive.

1. Download MalwareBytes anti-malware from here

2. Install and update it

3. Run a full scan of $ 0027 $ 0027 (quick scan is the default)

4. Open your pendrive. Your files and folders must be visible.

Method 2: use Winrar

Winrar is an archiver that will show all your files and folders regardless of whether they are hidden. If you can't see them in Winrar, they are probably not on your pendrive,

1. Download the winrar archive from here

2. Install winrar archive

3. Open Winrar Archiver and navigate to your pendrive. You should be able to see your files and folders.

Method 3: get rid of your folders

Try this option for a quick fix. This will make hidden files and folders visible, and then you can remove your hidden property

1. Open the pen driver in a new browser window

2. In the upper left, click on organize and then click on folder and search options

3. In the folder alternatives window that appears, go to the View tab.

4. Navigate to hidden files and folders. Double click on it.

5. Select the radio button $ 0027 Show files, hidden folders and drives $ 0027. This should show your files and folders.

6. Right click on your files or folders and go to options

7. Uncheck the checkbox $ 0027Hidden $ 0027 and apply the changes

8. Now you can revert folder alternatives to keep other folders and files hidden.

Alternatively

1. Go to the control panel and view the panel for "little icons"

2. Click on the folder alternatives, and then follow the instructions above for the # 3 al # 5

3. Wow, open your pendrive and follow the instructions on the n. ° 6 al n. ° 8 previous.

Method 4: View hidden system files and folders

If the method 2 does not show your folders and files, we probably save them as hidden system files and folders. To reveal them:

1. Open the pen driver in a new browser window

2. In the upper left, click on organize and then click on folder and search options

3. In the folder alternatives window that appears, go to the View tab.

4. Browse to hide protected system files (recommended).

5. Uncheck the checkbox $ 0027hide protected system files $ 0027 and apply the changes. This should show your files and folders.

Alternatively

1. Go to the control panel and view the panel for "little icons"

2. Click on the folder alternatives and then follow the instructions above from the n. ° 3

Method 5: Use SmadAV

This is the best and fastest tool you can get online to fix your problem. It will also solve other future incidents. There are similar tools, but I prefer this.

1. Download SmadAV from here

2. Install SmadAV

3. Run SmadAV

4. Disconnect your pen drive from the USB and then reconnect it

5. SmadAV will automatically scan your pendrive and ask you to fix the problems found. Run a full scan on SmadAV just in case.

6. Click fix all

7. Open your pendrive. Your files and folders must be visible

Method 6: enter your folder path

If you know the name of your file or folder, this should be easy.

1. Open your pendrive

2. Click in the address bar of the file path at the top. This will highlight the path. Press the End key to go to the end of the file path.

3. Type a backslash followed by the name of your file or folder and press Enter. This will open a folder or file with this name.

4. To open a specific file, write a period (.) After the name. This will show all filenames with this name and their extensions. Click or fill in the extension and hit enter to start / open your file.

NB: Do not open the .exe or .lnk extension types. They can be viruses.

1. Save your folder contents to a new folder or save your files to a new location.

Always keep your antivirus and SmadAV updated. These utilities will only detect known viruses. Their databases are regularly updated with new virus algorithms and how to fight them. You might want to disable autorun for all your USB ports to avoid autorun viruses.