Why can't I View my Files on USB

Why can't I View my Files on USB

You might have changed your computer and need to transfer your files using a USB stick. USB flash drives are great to store data and are very convenient as they're removable and rewritable. They are the evolution of floppy discs and CDs, smaller, faster and with more capacity. Furthermore, unlike floppy discs they are immune to electromagnetic interference and can be left in any surface without fearing to scratch it as you would do with a CD. However, regardless all their benefits compared to other ways of storage, they sometimes present problems.

You might have stored things on your USB stick and then used it in another computer to realize all the data was gone. You're sure you put the files on the USB memory but they don't appear when looking from another computer. What has happened? Can the problem be solved? Following the correct steps you only need to do a few things to solve this issue. If you've ever wondered why you can't view the files on your USB read this OneHowTo article and find out how to solve the problem.

It has a virus

The most common cause for not seeing your files on a USB is because it has a virus. The virus on your USB might be hiding all the files and for this reason you don't see them from another computer. If this is the case don't worry, the files are still there even if you can't see them. Analyse your USB stick with your antivirus, remove the viruses if any are found and then try again to find the files. If the problem was caused by a virus you should be able to see them now.

They are hidden (by the virus)

Sometimes, even though you have removed the USB virus, the files are still hidden. If this is the case, download the USB Show programme and install it. Follow the instructions to retrieve those files. When you return to the browser, they will be there.

They are hidden by the system

It might be that your USB is free of virus and other problems but you still can't see the files in it. The problem then is that your system may be configured so as not to display the files. To restore this, go to My PC>Settings>File options. In 'View', select the 'Show hidden files and folders' option. Click 'Apply' and 'Accept'.

Defective USB .... or deleted

If none of this works, it could be because the USB is damaged or simply that the files have been deleted accidentally. If they were very important, you can always make one last attempt to recover the files by consulting a technician, who may be able to retrieve all data.

If your USB can be reached by other people and you want to prevent files from being deleted accidentally you can put a password on the USB stick, this way you'll make sure no one else but you has access to it.

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