Files have disappeared from my external hard drive?!
baboosky
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baboosky Posted messages 3 Status Member -
baboosky Posted messages 3 Status Member -
Hello,
here is my problem, I store my data on my external hard drive that I use every day by plugging it into my laptop (Windows 7).
When I wanted to resume my work this morning, I realized that many folders have mysteriously disappeared.
The hard drive hasn't fallen, it hasn't taken any shock, I didn't delete these folders myself, it's inexplicable. Does anyone have a clue???
Thanks a lot.
here is my problem, I store my data on my external hard drive that I use every day by plugging it into my laptop (Windows 7).
When I wanted to resume my work this morning, I realized that many folders have mysteriously disappeared.
The hard drive hasn't fallen, it hasn't taken any shock, I didn't delete these folders myself, it's inexplicable. Does anyone have a clue???
Thanks a lot.
1 answer
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Welcome to the Forum, baboosky :)
It's more than enigmatic... Have you noticed any dependency or similarities regarding the missing folders (created on the same date, containing specific information or specific file formats, etc.)? To be honest, in my opinion, it's unlikely that this disappearance is the result of a technical failure... and considering the random nature, the disappearance seems impossible without outside intervention.
That doesn’t prevent you from examining a few hypotheses such as hidden folders, for example: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/show-hidden-files-0320fe58-0117-fd59-6851-9b7f9840fdb2#show-hidden-files=windows-7
Did you safely remove the HDD and then reconnect it? Does what you observe affect all the folders?
You might try implementing alternative methods (
https://forums.commentcamarche.net/forum/affich-37640569-recuperer-des-donnees-sur-disque-dur-et-cle-usb ) to see if recovering these folders would be possible.
@baboosky, remember that it is always recommended to have a backup of important content, with that backup being kept on a different storage medium.
Keep me updated, please :) Catch you later
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If you found the answer to your question, feel free to click on Resolved to help other members with the same issue ;)-
First of all, thank you for your response.
To be more precise, on my external hard drive, I have a series of folders in which I organize subfolders and files.
One folder concerns my work, I work for a restaurant: the menus, posters, flyers, paperwork, etc.
Everything that was in this folder has mysteriously disappeared except for a folder where I had stored background music for the restaurant.
Let's just say I'm really upset because I am facing a busy season with everything to redo from the beginning when I only had small tweaks to do initially...
But upon closer inspection, I realize that many files are missing randomly throughout all the folders... I'll chalk it up to coincidence that what disappeared is what I needed the most!...
Regarding the use of the external hard drive, it's true that I often leave it plugged into the computer all day since I save my work progressively on it... however, since this is the third one I've purchased (the others broke or were mishandled and no longer worked), I am very careful with transportation, protective casing, precautions when I unplug it, etc.
Another detail, I have movies on this external hard drive that I watch on my television in the evening by connecting it to the TV’s USB port... could that damage it?!?
Indeed, I have no other backup of this hard drive even though I promised myself I would... too late...
I bought it in January, at Boulanger, WD Element brand with a capacity of 1TB.
I tried the manipulation regarding hidden files, found nothing.
I haven't tested data recovery yet because I'm short on time, I need to keep making progress on my work all day, if I manage to do it I'll let you know... -
Hi baboosky, I can imagine what that means! And all the work involved! Did you happen to leave a copy of those files on the PC?
Feel free to try alternative methods regarding data recovery (https://forums.commentcamarche.net/forum/affich-37640569-recuperer-des-donnees-sur-disque-dur-et-cle-usb that we talked about.
If you use the HDD to back up important content from your PC while also watching movies on your TV, I recommend getting a backup copy of your important content and keeping it on another storage medium. This way, a good backup plan and your patience in making backups will be rewarded.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed and I’ll wait for your updates!
See you!
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