Windows 10: Files stored in External USB HDD randomly disappear or do not open

I am using 2 laptops running windows 10 pro build 10240. I save my files (MS Word & Excel) directly on a Seagate External USB Drive (2 TB) which is named "M Drive" using Disk Manager.
Files which are saved to the external hdd from 1 laptop randomly disappear when the external HDD is connected to the 2nd laptop. Sometimes the files remain but show missing properties 0 KB and do not open on the 2nd laptop (they open on the 1st laptop after saving directly to the external hdd)
Assuming this may be an issue with the external HDD I purchased a new one but the problem continues.
This problem did not exist when I was using both laptops running windows 7 pro and has started only after I started using windows 10 pro. The external hdd has been formatted ntfs and all files are stored in a folder of the external hdd named "documents".

:)

 

File Explorer

Hi, since upgrading to win10 pro file explorer randomly and frequently opens 2 windows, always the 2 partitions, I: & J: on an external HDD. Whilst they are opening the keyboard is disabled. Very annoying. Can you help please.

 

File Explorer opens to external HDD randomly

Hello,

This issue might have occurred due to the conflicts of third party applications or start up items.

As an initial troubleshooting, I suggest you to try the steps below and check if this helps.

To diagnose whether this issue occurs in “Safe Mode”, let’s reboot the computer in safe mode with networking and check if the issue appears there as well.

Safe mode starts Windows in a basic state, using a limited set of files and drivers. It can help you troubleshoot problems on your PC. For example, if the problem doesn't happen in safe mode, you'll know default settings and basic device drivers aren't
causing the issue.

There are two versions of safe mode: Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Networking. They're quite similar, but
Safe Mode with Networking includes the network drivers and services you'll need to access the Internet and other computers on your network.

Refer, Start your PC in safe mode in Windows 10

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12376/windows-10-start-your-pc-in-safe-mode

If the issue does not exist, try to clean boot the system.

Step 2: Perform Clean Boot.

Placing your system in Clean Boot state helps in identifying if any third party applications or startup items are causing the issue. Check this issue in clean boot state.

How to perform a clean boot in Windows

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Note: After troubleshooting, refer to this section "How to reset the computer to start normally after clean boot troubleshooting".

Kindly get back to us with the status of the issue to assist you further.

Thank You.

 

Disabling antivirus usb drive boot sector scan and heuristic scan solved the problem