Unable to open files from my external hard drive

I don't mean to panic you, but this can sometimes be the starting signs of drive failure, the best thing would be to copy the files and reformat it from ExFAT to see if it works again

mrlol101 Said:

"The hard drive is set to exFAT. All the files on the hard drive are .jpeg .mov. All your typical types of files. All the software that should open these files are installed."

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Then they are corrupt. All you can do is recover it. So, either restore this from a location you may have stored these in, or take the take in for service at a retailer (for data recovery).

mrlol101 Said:

"Unable to open files from my external hard drive: So I have been using this external hard drive for years on my Mac [...]I hope these does not mean my files are corrupt in some way."

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Thank you or the screenshot.

If Seeing Question Marks on Icons:

The filetypes are not recognized. In you screenshot, docx is XML format of a Microsoft Word file. So, you need to install Microsoft Word. So, it the is only filetype shown this? Or is is throughout your hard drive? As for corrupt files, it may be the case. If so, you'll need to get data recovery.

Single-Out this User:

So, try creating a new user, and see if you still get this error. If note, then it is an issue with your current user. If not, then it is an issue with your entire Mac.

mrlol101 Said:

"Unable to open files from my external hard drive: […]I am assuming the question mark means the file is corrupt?”

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Unrecognized Filetype:

Either the file is corrupt, or the filetype is not recognized because there is not pertaining software installed to recognize the filetype. What’s the filetype (the extension)? And do you have this software installed?