Windows 10: External drive visible on Explorer and Disk Manager but can't explore files

Old computer died Windows 98 but didn't concern myself as all data was backed up to an external drive which I was able to access until I use a newer computer windows 10. I can see drives E & F on Explorer and Disk Manager but cannot open files to download to the newer PC. Under properties it shows that drive E is working properly, the drivers are up to date and a virus scan shows no issues. The file system is FAT32 as per the screenshot.Any help recovering the files would be greatly appreciated.

:)

 

External Drive not visible in file explorer

The drive IS visible under Disk management and there are no problems (it says it working fine). It does not appear in file explorer. It works fine on the mac sitting next to it, and this pc does happily recognise and show a different
external hard drive in file explorer.

i have also tried updating the device drivers, and it says this pc has the best drivers required.

 

Windows 11 File Explorer not showing external drive

If Windows 11 File Explorer is not showing an external drive that is connected to your device, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Check the connection: Make sure that the external drive is properly connected to your device. Try unplugging and replugging the drive, or connecting it to a different USB port.
   
2. Check Disk Management: Open Disk Management by pressing Windows key + X, then selecting Disk Management. Look for the external drive in the list of drives. If it appears but has no drive letter assigned, right-click on it and select "Change Drive Letter and Paths". Assign a drive letter to the external drive, and then check if it appears in File Explorer.
   
3. Update drivers: Make sure that your device's drivers are up to date, particularly the drivers for your USB ports. Use the Device Manager to check for any outdated or malfunctioning drivers, and update or reinstall them as needed.
   
4. Check power supply: If the external drive requires a separate power supply, make sure it is properly connected and functioning.
   
5. Test on another device: Try connecting the external drive to another device to see if it appears in File Explorer. This will help determine if the issue is with the drive itself or your device.
   

By following these steps, you may be able to resolve the issue of Windows 11 File Explorer not showing an external drive.

 

External Hard Drive (WD Elements) is visible in PW but not in explorer

followed steps..

the partition displayed as below...





as advised I selected "list".. and for a long time it was like this..