File Explorer doesnt show the external HDD's folder

[abhishek_8]

I have a 350gb external hdd.. when I tried using it on my laptop it doesn't show up on the file explorer..
Even tried connecting it other laptop got the same problem..
On checking the device management it shows that hdd is connected and on disk management it shows unallocated space.. but no folder is displayed on the file explorer

Any solutions to this??

When I plug it in Ubuntu the contents of hdd are displayed but it doesn't display when plugged in to win 10.

 

[D_Know_WD]

Hi there abhishek_8,

You will need to use some partition recovery software. There are many threads on that in the community.
Once you recover your partitions, you can test the drive: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/282651-32-best-diagnostic-testing-utility
If there is something wrong with it, you will need to back up the data stored on it and replace it.

Let me know how this goes,
D_Know_WD

 

[PeterKendrick]

Hi Abhishek,

If you are plugging it for the first time, then you need to make a partition first. To make a partition:

1) type in the search box of Start menu "diskmgmt.msc" and click enter. To go into Disk Management Utility.
2) Right click on the unallocated space of your external hdd and click simple volume to start the wizard, read the details and go next to allocate space, make partition(s), you desire.
3) Assign it a drive letter on the next window which follows.
4) Use the format partition wizard to format the partition you made.

Or follow this link @Microsoft website for detailed method:
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/gg309170.aspx

In case if you had data on it and it is now not detecting, then you need a data recovery software. Personally I use EaseUS, but it is a paid software. However, you can also use Recuva by Piriform which is free and reliable. After you are done recovering your data, you can follow the link which the user (d_know_wd) has provided to run tests. Now, repeat the process I provided above to remake partitions and format your hdd.

 

[abhishek_8]

When i try to connect it in ubuntu the contents are shown properly.. but it doesnt show the hdd on win 10 whenever i connect

 

[PeterKendrick]

It usually happens when your HDD file system is set to: exFAT, in that case HDD are detected in Linux or Mac PCs but not in windows. It requires you to format the drive to make it in workable condition. Try changing the file system which is both compatible with linux and windows. I read NTFS file system has some issues in Linux.

 

[D_Know_WD]

As it is recognized by Ubuntu, you can back up all your data. Then, you can reformat the drive and put the data back on the drive.

What is the file system of the drive? It is not necessary to be exFAT in order to be recognized by Ubuntu. In many cases, Ubuntu handles failing drives better. So, there could be something wrong with the drive. The OP should really see if this is the case.

Cheers,
D_Know_WD

 

[abhishek_8]

windows couldnt read the hdd even tho it was in NTFS format.. had to use ubuntu to read and transfer the data and then formatted it again..

thanks for your solutions "D_Know_WD" and "PeterKendrick"