Files missing or are they?

[ryanbp01]

I have a Seagate 2T GoFlex external hard drive connected to my laptop. When I have tried to access the drive, it says there are no files on the drive, however when I right click the drive, it tells me there is 285 GB of used space, so I am assuming the files are still there. Does anyone have any ideas what is going on?
BPR

[kablerj]

Try emptying your recycle bin.

[rjent]

You didn't say which OS. It would help to know ..

[dusty]

First and foremost, I hope that the 285GB of occupied space is not occupied by files that you cherish.

I assume that you have the OS and other files on "C" drive and that you can access those with no problem.

No you have any sort of hard drive management software (like Norton).

Looking for a defrag tool. Not that the hard drive needs to be defragged but the tool tells a lot about the drive. Using this tool, does the system see the hard drive.

[rjent]

You need to tread lightly here. If you had/have a virus, you can do irreparable damage by "fixing" the problem. Don't do anything until you can give us an OS and a few other items of info. Since it is on a external drive (USB?) it adds another layer of complexity ...

[ryanbp01]

Well, I will let you know what I have done thus far: 1) emptied the recycle bin- no change; 2) I have windows 7 Home Pro Edition; 3) checked the warranty information. Naturally, it is out of warranty; 3) changed the USB cable- no change; 4) was asked to format the drive- No way I was going to do that and lose data that might be there; 5) was asked to scan and fix drive or continue on; selected continue on for same reason as #4; 6) unplugged both power cable and USB cable to drive- thought it would be a low tech solution to a high tech problem- again nothing; 7) tried to reload drivers from Seagate website; nothing; 8) seriously thinking about drop kicking hard drive- might not fix drive but maybe I'd feel better- no second thought, see if there are other alternatives; 9) again was asked to format drive before using- canceled that. Well, that's about it.
BPR

[dusty]

If you give up on retrieving whatever data is there, do not just drop kick the hard drive without reformatting it. Reformat may bring back the entire HD (without the data of course).

[rjent]

OK, sorry ryanbp01 I was in the shop

First disconnect the drive. I don't want it to be accessable at all.

I want you to download Malwarebytes http://www.malwarebytes.org/lp/malware_lp_form/ Install and run a scan with it. It can take hours.

When that is done, download SpyBot http://download.cnet.com/Spybot-Search- ... 22137.html install and run a scan with that as well. Both will need to do an update (SOP) and then run. SpyBot is unique at it sets IP Address blocks for known (hundreds of thousands) bad IP addresses and doesn't allow ANYTHING to access those IP's. Make sure you Immunize your system with SpyBot (pretty self explanatory, but if you need help, just ask) Once those two are run report back as to what they found. Both of these are free ... do NOT pay for them ....

There are some pretty nasty viruses out there right now that actually hide your files and then you will get an email to pay to get them restored. It is called ransom ware .....

Post back here what you find. Maybe you are clean and we have another problem, but let's make sure this is not a virus issue....