How to Unhide Files in External Hard Drive Hidden By Virus or Corrupt File System? Know Easy Methods
Are you searching for an effective method to unhide hidden files in an external hard drive? If yes, then follow this write up where you will get to know all the answers about how to unhide hidden files in external hard drive without losing any data.
Nowadays easy availability of storage devices such as USB drives, pen drives, external hard drives, flash drives etc. makes data storage quite handy for users. However, these same devices become a headache when users are unable to access the stored data when required. After all, they contain numerous important files, images, videos and other data holding emotional values. And while opening these files, nothing shows on the drive. The system only displays the message that the drive is empty.
User Query
Hello, from yesterday I have been trying to access my files from my external hard drive, but nothing is showing in it. The data is there stored in it (because it is showing some occupied space), but is invisible to me. I don’t know what could be the reason of this hidden data, if it is damaged due to virus attack or there is some problem with my hard drive. Can you please help me resolve this issue to unhide my hidden files from my hard disk drive?
This is only a single user query, but I am sure there are many other users too who are dealing with this similar problem of hidden files and folders. But don’t worry, we have covered you too. here in the coming section of this post, we will discuss some easy methods to help you unhide hidden files on your external storage drives. But first let’s understand :
Why Data Becomes Hidden on External Hard Drives?
First, it is important to know the reasons why data becomes hidden on external hard disk drives, before exploring all possible methods to unhide files. A few common reasons are discussed below :
- Virus Attack : A virus attack on the machine might sometimes cause files to deliberately become hidden, preventing you from reaching out to them.
- System Setup : Different operating systems comes with in-built settings to hide certain system files and folders from being accidently modified or deleted.
- Corrupt Data System : In case the external hard disk has been mishandled (improper ejection) or deteriorated from a system crash, certain files might get corrupt, making them inaccessible or hidden.
Also Read : How to Fix Disk Read Error in Windows 10?
How to Unhide Hidden Files on PC – Know Different Methods
Now, it is important to know how to unhide hidden files in external hard drive so that you can view your important data again.
Method 1. Unhide Hidden Files in External Hard Disk Using CMD
You can find hidden files and folders on external hard drive using command prompt. Follow this step-by-step process to know how to show hidden files in hard drive using cmd:
- Plug in your USB/ external hard drive to your machine
- Then, Click on Windows Start button in the task bar. In search bar, type “cmd” followed by hitting Enter
- Or you can press Windows Logo + R Key to open Run Window
- Type cmd to open command prompt (cmd) screen
- After that, enter the following command to unhide hidden files
- Type “attrib -s -r -h /s /d drive letter:\*.*” (Provide your Drive Letter)
Finally, hit enter to start the process. Wait till the process completes and close the cmd prompt.
Open your external hard drive and verify if the hidden files and folders are visible or not.
Method 2 : Fix Hard Disk File System Issues using CHKDSK
In case the attrib command fails to deliver the desired results, you can consider examining the corrupted file system. You’ll need to run CHKDSK to check the file system
- Open File Explorer.
- Select and right click your External hard drive and Click on Properties.
- Under the Properties dialog box, tap on Tools >> Check showing under Error Check
Also Read : How to Recover data from Dead Hard Disk Drive ?
Method 3. View Hidden Files on External HDD in Windows 7
- Press Windows + E simultaneously to open Computer
- In the top-left section, click Organize and select Folder and search options.
- Under the View tab, choose Show hidden files displayed under “Hidden Files and folders”. Deselect the option “Hide protected operating system files”.
- Click Apply >> OK to finish.
You can now view your hidden files and folders.
You can also permanently unhide your hidden files, if you wish to. To do this, right click on the now visible hidden files and tap on properties. Uncheck the Hidden option. tap Apply and then OK buttons to save all the changes.
Method 4. How to Show Hidden Files on External Hard Drive Windows 10
- Click on Start button and go to the Control Panel.
- Click on Appearance and Personalization
- Under File Explorer Options showing on the right screen, select Show hidden files and folders
- In the File Explorer Options dialog box that opens, tap View >> choose Show hidden files, folders and drives checkbox showing under “Hidden Files and folders”.
Recommended Solution to Recover Hidden Files from External Hard Drive
Despite the availability of various manual methods, users may find it difficult to achieve desired results, due to non-technical background, large sized files or any other reasons. Therefore, it is suggested to use professional software to unhide hidden files without any issues. CubexSoft Data Recovery Software is your ultimate tool that helps you recover hidden files from external hard drives. The software recognizes hard drives of multiple brands – Seagate, Samsung, HP, Sony, Toshiba etc. and supports data recovery without any issues.
Conclusion
The problem of data becoming invisible (hidden) on external hard drives is bothering users more often now. That’s why we have discussed a few manual and automated methods that will help them resolve this issue. They can try any or all the methods and choose the one that suits them most. Our technical support team is available 24/7 to assist you with data recovery from external hard drives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I restore my external hard drive having 148GB of data?
A. Yes, you can recover unlimited data from external hard drive using data recovery software.
Q. Can I use this software on Windows 10 to view my hidden files?
A. Absolutely yes, you can run this program on all Windows OS editions (10, 11, 8.1, 8 etc.) without any worries.
Q. I am not that much tech savvy. What if I stuck mid process? Whom should I contact then, and when?
A. Don’t worry, you can contact our technical support team whenever you like. We are available 24/7 for your assistance.
