Windows 10: External Hard Drive not appearing in file explorer, how can I access my files?

Hi!I’ve recently been using an external hard drive to put some files on. I left the drive on the side of my desk not plugged in for a few weeks. I have now gone to plug the drive back in and it hasn’t appeared in file explorer see photo attached. I’ve plugged it in to test on 3 different devices and I’ve tried another cable, so I think that rules out a computer or cable issue.I have had a look in disk management see other photo attached and it shows the device in there Disk 1 1863.02GB, as empty! It has some files I’d rather keep on it so is there anyway to try and get to those files?

:)

 

External Hard Drive

Hi John,

We suggest that you try the troubleshooting steps below:

• Open your External Hard Drive file in File Explorer.
• Type the name of the file you want to search on the search box and click Enter.

The file will show up in Search Results and you will be able to move it to the correct folder.

Let us know if you need further help.

 

Trouble accessing files on external hard drive

I am am having trouble accessing files from an external hard drive. Getting 0x80004005 error message and other errors "can not access files". I have shared and given permissions for all the files but still no luck

The external hard drive was one of a shared network of hard drives but I have been able to access all the others....

THoughts? Suggestions?

 

saving and viewing files on an external hard drive

Hi Sam,

We appreciate you for being part of Windows 10.

Yes, you may format the external hard drive. Follow the below steps.

• 
  Connect the external hard drive to Windows 10 computer.
  
• 
  Press Windows + E keys on the keyboard to the keyboard to open the file explorer.
  
• 
  Locate the external hard drive on left navigation pane in File explorer.
  
• 
  Right click on the external hard drive and click on
  Format.
  
• 
  Click Start and follow on screen instructions to format the hard drive.
  

I hope the above information helps. Kindly let us know if you need any further assistance with Windows. We are glad to assist you.

Thank you.