Windows 10: NTFS folder on external drive shows as zero-byte file

I'm having problems with a folder on an external hard drive. Recently I had a Windows notification to repair the drive, which I did. The next time I plugged in the drive, one of the folders was missing. On closer inspection I found that there was a zero-byte file with the folder name, and I suspect the Master File Table has gone wonky.


Running a full chkdsk hasn't fixed the problem. Does anyone have any preferred tools for finding and fixing such an issue?

:)

 

Creating Zero Byte Files of a folder of large sized files

Hang onto your hats. This is going to be a bumpy ride.

I understand where the OP is coming from. I also want to download large graphics files, on maybe a daily basis, and store them in a folder, and I want the presence of the zero byte files to prevent a download to this folder with the same name, but to download with the next available increment. For example. I might have filename.jpg and filename (1).jpg etc. So the next download of a filename.jpg or filename (1).jpg to be downloaded as filename (2).jpg.

As an aside. I think that is how both File Explorer and Filezilla function. If I'm not mistaken.

Then I want to visually compare the files which are not zero byte in this download folder with the filename*.jpg in my master folder of full size filenames, and if I have that picture already, to simply delete the filename in the download folder, or if I don't have the picture to copy it to my master folder of full size filenames, and then zero byte that file in my download folder.

Now I'm not an expert with Windows, so this structure might be achieved with some alternative better structuring. Why not compare the filename and size to be downloaded with a list of this filename*.jpg in my master folder of full size filenames, and if there is a file of the exact same size, to abort the filename download. If not, then to download to the zero byte folder, as described above. Now why to do this? It will prevent many unnecessary processing of files in the download files, and therefore less manual processing by me. This only exacerbates with the more files I store. Currently around 5K of files. By having the list of zero byte files in the download folder is only a tool in this process, but having these filenames with an without sizes, it is easy to see which files require further processing. These could be 1byte in size if it makes things easier in any way, like when deleting files etc.

Now I'm open to any questions or clarifications on what I'm trying to automate.

 

Zero byte video files

Using Win 10, I've moved (copy & paste) multiple video files from 1 external hdd to another external hdd. I left pc running (1.5gb) overnight, came back in morning & found complete directory missing from both drives. Tried using Recuva, finds the files,
but they're all 'zero bytes'!

can any one help?

 

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.