Hidden files on my hard disk

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ryan - Updated on Jan 13, 2019 at 11:39 AM
dany l varghese Posts 1 Registration date Thursday November 8, 2012 Status Member Last seen November 8, 2012 - Nov 8, 2012 at 09:00 PM
Hello,

I have this problem with my external hard disk. if I go to properties, I'm able to see that I still have those files showing on the used space. the problem is if I open the drive, it is showing no folder or any of the files I have. I'm not a computer expert, can you please give me a simple step by step procedure on how to solve this?
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11 responses

Anonymous User
Nov 7, 2011 at 11:06 AM
Click on the below link and download the file "AutorunExterminator"

https://ccm.net/downloads/security-and-maintenance/5911-autorun-exterminator/

Extract it --> Double-click on "AutorunExterminator" -

This will remove the autorun virus from the drives.

Step 2:

For xp ,go to run and type

cmd and click ok

For vista and 7

Go to start and type

cmd

Now right click on it and select run as administrator

Now run this command


attrib -h -r -s /s /d g:\*.*

where g refers to your external hard drive letter

this should unhide your files

Let me know how it works
83
you saved my files! cool! thanks :D
0
Im not Expert
Nov 15, 2011 at 06:15 PM
Sorry sir! But it doesn't work! It keep saying "access denied, Unable to change attribute - C:\pagefile.sys". What should I do next??? help please...
0
Anonymous User
Nov 15, 2011 at 07:30 PM
page file is a system file..You will receive access denied error for system files.Ignore it.After the command finishes you can see your files
0
Halo Sundar...
I have the same problem here..and I already download & run your software.
But when I use the command (in cmd), it always said..

'attrib -h -r -s' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file

Would you help me, please...
Thank you
0
Anonymous User
Dec 8, 2011 at 11:50 AM
Go to

C:/windows/system32

See if you have a file called attrib


Option 1:Open your command prompt and run these commands one by one

cd\

cd WINDOWS\system32

Now run the ATTRIB command

Option 2:


Go to Control Panel >System >Advanced >

Click on Environment Variables

Go to System Variables
Locate and highlight PATH
Click on EDIT

Add this following line to the beginning of the Variable Value list:

C:\WINDOWS\system32;


Click ok and try to run the command

For example for me the value is

%SystemRoot%\system32;%SystemRoot%;%SystemRoot%\System32\Wbem

We need to replace
replace C:\WINDOWS\system32;C:\WINDOWS\system32\System32\Wbem

This is not needed if first option works
0
i tried what you told me ( attrib -h -r -s /s /d g:\*.* )... but is says access denied - G:\system volume information :(
61
hi..just woke up, sorry :) ohh will it take minutes for the attrib -h -r -s /s /d g:\*.* thingy? it just showed access denied, I didnt know I still have to wait sorry... and about the AutorunExterminator, I downloaded it and shows "0" zero autorun found...
12
Anonymous User
Nov 7, 2011 at 06:05 PM
It should have done by now

DId you check your harddrive
0
hey! I'm done with it... already have my files here with me.. thank you so much sundar7701!!!!!!!!.... I know I'll be back :P
7
Anonymous User
Nov 7, 2011 at 10:19 PM
Happy to know that it worked
0

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hey sundar...i'm sorry to bother you again, but everytime I plug in my external hdd, it keeps saying USB device not recognized. what can I do? I tried troubleshooting it the way we did the last time (For xp ,go to run and type

cmd and click ok

For vista and 7

Go to start and type

cmd

Now right click on it and select run as administrator

Now run this command


attrib -h -r -s /s /d g:\*.* )...... and it says PATH NOT FOUND
7
i did not replace G since that is also my external hard drive letter
5
Anonymous User
Nov 7, 2011 at 12:10 PM
ignore this error

G:\system volume information :access denied

Just wait for the command to complete,let me know the end result
0
Anonymous User
Nov 7, 2011 at 11:54 AM
Replace g with your external hard drive letter

open command prompt as administrator and run it
1
Anonymous User
Nov 9, 2011 at 10:25 AM
Disable autorun feafture

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/967715/how-to-disable-the-autorun-functionality-in-windows

This will stop external drives from opening automatically.

Always run a scan on flash drives before opening them.
1
brother sundar same prob with me.. bt that atrib suff nt working correctly.. and I m unable to acess files on my laptop on F drive... plz plz help
0
Anonymous User
Dec 4, 2011 at 10:00 AM
ryan

USB device not recognized.
is in no way related to attrib command or hidden files.

It may be a hardware issue

Did you try USB different ports?

Turn off your PC,remove the power cables(especially UPS ) and wait for 3O minutes,reconnect them and turn on your PC and try to plug in your hard disk.

See if the PC detects them


Also check if it works on other PC
1
hey sundar7701 thanks a Million bro!! worked prefectly, by the way what causes that so I dont do it again
0
hi sundar! listen I had the same exact problem. Notice I said had:) thank you so much for fixing this! Now im encrypting this drive hardcore, I found a program that the police can use to track it even if it gets stolen and now the people or person who stole my data can't unlock it! cool huh? But honestly thank you again, seriously I feel like I owe you money, can we work something out?
0
Anonymous User
Jan 5, 2012 at 09:05 PM
Thankyou for being so kind but i'm not interested in receiving any donations.

Appreciate your feedback :)
0
I had the same problem and tried what you said and it worked!! You are a legend!!! Thanks
0
Anonymous User
Feb 18, 2012 at 10:52 PM
You're welcome
0
good day sundar... I have a problem.. again.. when I plug my external hdd on my HP netbook, it detects the the device but when I try to open it, it says unable to access device.. I cannot open the hdd.. the netbook's os is windows 7.. but if I plug it on my pc, there is no problem, my pc is windows xp, I can open all my files... what seems to be the problem? can you please help me?
0
Brilliant!!!
0