External HDD Problem Help Please

Mikecalg

Hello Everyone,

I am no technology expert and don't really understand any techie stuff.

I've got a Buffalo Model HD-PE320U2 external hard drive which I have been using for about a year. It was working very well until about two weeks ago.

I think my laptop caught a virus and there was a screen poppping up repeatedly saying something about 'defragmenting hard drive" (i think, if i remember well).

I then realised that when i tried to open my external HDD folder from my laptop, it was saying there's no files in folder. However, when i go to properties and check, it still says 80GB in use space.

On that day itself, I unplugged the HDD and re-set my laptop to its original factory setting. there are no further screens popping up etc. The laptop was back to normal.

To my disappointment, when i plug in my external HDD, it still says no files in folder but in properties, displays 80GB in use.

I've scanned the external HDD with an antivirus programme and i could see it scanning all the files stored in the external HDD. however, the laptop somehow can't see these files when i open the HDD folder.

Please could anyone help to explain why this is happening and if there is a solution to the problem?

Many Thanks.

scottishf

Did you try pluggin it in to another computer ? Or maybe the files and folders are hidden

Mikecalg

Thanks for your suggesting Scottishf.
I've tried that. It recognises the HDD but when the folder is open, it still states no files.

I think i may have to just live with the fact that the files are gone

Mikecalg

how do I view hidden files or folders?

RussJK

Mikecalg wrote: »

how do I view hidden files or folders?

C'mon,
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=how+do+I+view+hidden+files+or+folders%3F

scottishf

Please let us know how you get on Mike :-)

Mikecalg

hi Scottishf. The folders and files were indeed hidden for some reason. I've now managed to un-hide them and it's back to normal so far (fingers crossed). :j

Thank you!

scottishf

Mikecalg wrote: »

hi Scottishf. The folders and files were indeed hidden for some reason. I've now managed to un-hide them and it's back to normal so far (fingers crossed). :j

Thank you!

No problem. Glad you got it sorted :-)