Hi, I can't find my files on my flash drive after plugging the same flash drive to a windows based PC. How can I view or retrieve my files using my MacBook Pro?
MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013), iOS 10.3.1
Same results I got when connected to PC as well as Mac. I consulted an IT professional here and she told me that my flash drive is infected by a virus that hides the files (most likely trojan). She mentioned that I should perform file recovery but I'm not familiar with the process. If you look at the date created, it became January 1, 1970 which is unbelievable.
Hi OGEL,
Thank you for your reply. I think it is nothing to do with the formatting as I've been using the flash drive quite long time both in PC & Mac with no issues before.
I tried to search for a certain file in the search pane and the file will appear and does exist which means the drive is functional, but it does not appear seamlessly as you plug in the flash drive or you don't see nothing not unless you type "FILES" in the search pane. I suspect the drive is infected by a virus that hides all the files.
What are the steps to retrieve my files or what should I do to make the files visible as I plug in the flash drive to my Mac?
Kind regards,
Ed
If I understand you correctly, the USB drive is recognized in Disk Utility and you ran First Aid and it resulted in NO errors.
Would you please click on the USB druve icon on the Desktop with COMMAND + I and post this image:
Ciao.
Great advice! I moved out all the files inside the hidden folder and put them in a new folder that I've recently created, and all my missing files are now visible as the same. Very nice trick!
Cheers,
Ed
First open Disk Utility and see if it is recognized there. If so, run Disk Utility>First Aid>Repair. The drive directory may be corrupt.
Ciao.
Hi Ogel,
I tried running the Disk Utility and applied First Aid and it did recognized but the files still hidden. Still need to locate files using the search pane. I think a virus hides the files.
What's the next remedy?
R/
Ed
Click on the USB drive icon which is on the Desktop, COMMAND + I.
Then use the directions for: How to take a screenshot of a selected portion of your screen.
The image will appear on your Desktop.
When you open the Response window, drag the image into the window.
Ciao.
The format tells me that the USB drive is compatible with both Windows and Mac. Are you getting the same results when connected to a PC as well as a Mac? If so, there must be some issue with the USB drive. The only guess I can make is there may be some security measure installed.
Ciao.
I do not know if this will work and I never have seen it suggested or tried. I would create a folder in your Mac and then copy the USB to the folder. I then would inspect the folder and see if you can find the files in question. If not, run Malwarebytes Anti-malware for Mac and see if that makes any difference.
https://www.malwarebytes.org/antimalware/mac/
You can not do any harm trying this.
Ciao.
There is some Windows malware that will hide files on drives that get connected to the infected machine.
Insert the flash drive, then, in the Finder, press command-shift-period. This should cause the Finder to show all invisible files. Then, look at the flash drive and see if you find any previously-hidden folders containing your files.
When you're done, press command-shift-period again to turn off display of hidden files. Be aware that there are MANY hidden files and folders on your Mac that you shouldn't mess with, so be cautious while you're viewing hidden items.
Hi Ogel,
Tried creating a folder in my Mac and copied the USB to the folder but stillI can't find the hidden files. I also installed and applied Malwarebytes Anti-malware, a threat was found OS X.Genieo and was removed and re-booted the system but still the files remain hidden.
Probably need an antivirus for Mac, what do you think?
R/
Ed
Hi Thomas,
Thank you for your advice. I applied pressing command-****-period and the hidden files just came out. It is a good trick but it would be good if we can make the hidden files visible as always. Do you have permanent remedy or solution to this?
Kind regards,
Ed
Were they moved inside a hidden folder? If so, just move them back out of that folder.
If the files are still in their original locations, but are hidden, open the Terminal app (found in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder).
Enter the following command, leaving a space at the end, and don't press return yet:
cd
Now, drag the icon for the flash drive onto the Terminal window, to insert its path into the command.
Then, switch back to the Terminal and press return. The command prompt should change to contain the name of the flash drive. If that doesn't happen, you did something wrong, so do not proceed any further.
Next, enter the following command, either by retyping it exactly as shown, or by copying from here and pasting into the Terminal:
chflags -R nohidden *
That should show all hidden files on the entire flash drive.
Note that you should not do that to your internal hard drive. There are many hidden things that should remain hidden.
OGELTHORPE wrote:
Thank you Thomas, I learned something. 🙂
I have to admit, I just learned that command-shift-period trick a couple weeks ago. 🙂
Sure does make it easier to tell people how to find hidden files, rather than relying on third-party software or Terminal commands.
Can't find my files on my Flash Drive after plugging it to a windows based pc?
