User profile for user: humberto1fd
humberto1fd Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Files not showing on my Sandisk External SSD 1TB external please Help - Imac

Hi everyone, hope you're well and thanks in advance.


I have 600GB of files on my external SSD that are not showing on my iMac. I've read and tried most things

from forums online. I've tried: to show hidden files, the cables are ok, and the SSD drive is genuine, First aid didn't fix it.


I can see the drive on disk utility and finder and get all info from it but all my files do not show up in finder.

I didn't want to use a 3rd party disk / file recovery as I never trusted them but here to take advice. i am desperate as I was editing a project out of it.


I formated in the past as Mac OS Extended (Journaled). and was using with no issues. Yesterday i returned to it and the files are not showing up


Can you please help?

Many thanks





iMac 27″, macOS 12.2

Posted on Oct 16, 2022 8:28 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: HWTech
HWTech
User level: Level 9
68,516 points

Posted on Oct 17, 2022 8:18 AM

What is the exact model of your Mac and version of macOS? You can get this information by clicking the Apple menu and selecting "About This Mac".


Disconnect all other external devices in case one of them is causing a problem. Try connecting the drive to another USB port (especially on the other side if you are using a laptop). Connect the drive directly to the Mac and try another cable and adapter. Do you have access to another Mac to see if you can see the files?


macOS 12.x Monterey is known to have some occasional compatibility issues with some external devices as do the M1/M2 Macs with Apple Silicon.


If the SSD is healthy and you are using the HFS+ file system on the external drive, then you can try using the paid third party app Disk Warrior to attempt repairs on the external drive. Otherwise you can use a data recovery app such as Data Rescue to attempt to access the files.


Don't you have a backup of the data on that external drive?


FYI, you should always have frequent and regular backups of your computer and all external media (including the cloud) which contains important & unique data.



View in context

Similar questions

5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: HWTech
HWTech
User level: Level 9
68,516 points

Oct 17, 2022 8:18 AM in response to humberto1fd

What is the exact model of your Mac and version of macOS? You can get this information by clicking the Apple menu and selecting "About This Mac".


Disconnect all other external devices in case one of them is causing a problem. Try connecting the drive to another USB port (especially on the other side if you are using a laptop). Connect the drive directly to the Mac and try another cable and adapter. Do you have access to another Mac to see if you can see the files?


macOS 12.x Monterey is known to have some occasional compatibility issues with some external devices as do the M1/M2 Macs with Apple Silicon.


If the SSD is healthy and you are using the HFS+ file system on the external drive, then you can try using the paid third party app Disk Warrior to attempt repairs on the external drive. Otherwise you can use a data recovery app such as Data Rescue to attempt to access the files.


Don't you have a backup of the data on that external drive?


FYI, you should always have frequent and regular backups of your computer and all external media (including the cloud) which contains important & unique data.



Reply
User profile for user: rkaufmann87
rkaufmann87
User level: Level 10
148,440 points

Oct 18, 2022 6:38 PM in response to humberto1fd

Well that is good that the drive is healthy according to DriveDX. We know nothing about your system so I'd suggest an EtreCheck report so we can look for the obvious. Please read the next paragraphs and post your EtreCheck report which is free, safe and does not provide any personal info:


It will help us get a good idea of what is causing your problem if you provide a report of your system, that way we do not have to play 20 questions with you. The report we are requesting does NOT provide any personal information and is extremely safe to use. Please navigate to www.Etrecheck.com and download the free version of EtreCheck. Once you have you downloaded the app and installed it, please run the report and save it. This report will help us get a good idea what has been installed on your system and help us be able to diagnose what may be wrong.


When you have your report, you can attach it when you reply to this message and we can then review it and help you determine what is needed to get your system running well again. 


For instructions on how to download your EtreCheck report and attach it to your reply to this message please click How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community



Reply
User profile for user: humberto1fd
humberto1fd Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Oct 18, 2022 7:03 PM in response to HWTech

Hi HWTech, many thanks for the fast reply.

I am exactly on macOS 12.2.1 Monterey

I did disconnect all other external devices and used a brand-new USB cable to all ports available directly to the mac.


I wasn't backing up my mac for a while. I normally do but had space issues and the time machine was disconnected. Thinking all will be fine until I sort out space.


I haven't used Disk Warrior or Data Rescue. I did a couple for frbut Disk DRILL did bring a few files but not all of them when looking into the size missing. I didn't pay to try and go forward to restore them yet as I am thinking this might be an easy, more accurate solution.


I am on the backups now and have always been good with this until recently.


I haven't used Disk Warrior oe Data Rescue. I did Disk DRILL and it did bring a few files but not all of them when looking into the size missing. I didn't pay to try and go forward to restore them yet as I am thinking this might be an easy, more accurate solution. I looked at Data Rescue and my heart jumps just thinking i have grant access to my machine to these apps (because i am desperate) this will be my very last solution now.


I am now looking into macOS 12.x Monterey and see if this is the issue and and ways around.


Many thanks for your advice





Reply

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Files not showing on my Sandisk External SSD 1TB external please Help - Imac

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.
Learn more Sign up