4 Solutions to Fix Pen Drive (or USB drive/flash drive) Shows Empty Although It Has Data

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Pen drives, also known as USB flash drives, are incredibly convenient for storing and transferring data. However, one frustrating issue that many users face is when a pen drive appears empty even though it contains data. This problem can be alarming, especially if the stored data is important. Fortunately, this issue is often resolvable. In this article, we will explore the causes of this problem, provide step-by-step solutions, and offer tips to prevent it from happening in the future.

Understand the Problem: Pen Drive/USB Drive Not Showing Files

A pen drive showing as empty despite having data can happen due to various reasons. When you plug in the drive and open it, seeing "0 bytes used" or "empty folder" can make you think your files are gone. However, in most cases, the data is still there - it's just not accessible due to certain issues. Let's delve into the possible causes and how to resolve them.

Common Causes of the Pen Drive Not Showing Files Issue:

Several factors can cause a pen drive to show as empty:

1. File System Errors or Corruption

   The file system on the pen drive may have become corrupted due to improper ejection, power interruptions, or system crashes. This can make the data inaccessible.

2. Hidden Files or Folders

   Sometimes, files on a pen drive are hidden due to system settings or malware. These files won't appear in the default view, making it seem like the drive is empty.

3. Virus or Malware Infection

   Malicious software can alter the structure of the pen drive, hide files, or even create shortcuts that redirect to nowhere.

4. Incorrect Device Formatting

   If the drive has been formatted using an unsupported file system, it may not display data correctly on certain operating systems.

5. Compatibility Issues

   Using a pen drive on different platforms (e.g., Windows and macOS) or older operating systems can sometimes result in access issues.

Preliminary Steps to Diagnose the Pen Drive Shows Empty Problem:

Before diving into solutions, take a few simple steps to confirm the issue:

1. Test on Multiple Devices

   Connect the pen drive to different computers or devices. If it shows empty on one device but works on another, the issue might be compatibility-related.

2. Check Storage Space

   Right-click on the drive in your file explorer and select "Properties" to see if the storage space is being used. If it shows data usage but no visible files, hidden files or corruption may be the cause.

3. Ensure Proper Connection

   Sometimes, a loose or damaged USB port can prevent the pen drive from functioning correctly. Ensure the drive is securely connected.

Recover Missing Files from the Pen Drive/USB Drive/Flash Drive Which Dose Not Show Data

Before fixing the pen drive or USB flash drive, you can use data recovery software - such as Donemax Data Recovery to recover disappeared files form it.

Step 1. Click Download button to download Donemax Data Recovery, then install it on your computer and connect the pen drive to your computer. Open Donemax Data Recovery, select the pen drive to start data recovery.

Step 2. Click on Scan button to deeply scan the pen drive and find all existing files, inaccessible/hidden files, deleted/formatted/lost files, etc.

Step 3. Once the deep scan gets finished, you can preview all recoverable files. Then select the wanted files, click on Recover button to save them.

4 Solutions to Fix Pen Drive/USB Drive Doesn't Show Files Issue

Solution 1: Display Hidden Files on the Pen Drive

Hidden files are a common reason for a pen drive appearing empty. Here's how you can make them visible:

For Windows Users:

• Open File Explorer and go to the "View" tab.
• Click Show, then choose "Hidden items."

• If the files appear, copy them to a safe location.

For macOS Users:

• Toggle hidden files by opening Finder and pressing Command + Shift + Period (.).
• If hidden files appear, back them up.

💡 Note: You also can use third-party tool - such as Donemax DMmenu for Mac to quickly unhide files on Mac or connected pen drive.

For Linux Users:

• To access hidden files, open the file manager and hit Ctrl + H.

If this works, the issue was likely caused by system settings or malware that hid the files.

Solution 2: Run a Disk Check Utility to Repair the Pen Drive

Disk errors can prevent the pen drive from displaying data. Running a disk check can fix file system corruption:

For Windows Users:

• To launch the Command Prompt, press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.
• Type chkdsk X: /f, substituting the letter from your pen drive for X, and hit Enter.

• Wait for the process to complete, and then check if your files are visible.

For macOS Users:

• Open "Disk Utility" from the Utilities folder via Applications.
• Select your pen drive and click "First Aid."

• Let the tool scan and repair errors.

If errors are detected and repaired, your files should become accessible.

Solution 3: Scan for Viruses or Malware

Malware is a common culprit behind inaccessible data. Use a reliable antivirus program to scan your pen drive:

1. Connect the pen drive to your computer.
2. Open your antivirus software and select the option to scan external drives.
3. Remove any threats detected and restart your computer.

Some well-known antivirus tools include Avast, Norton, and Malwarebytes.

Solution 4: Reformat the Drive

If all else fails, reformatting the pen drive can resolve severe corruption issues. However, this will erase all data, so try to back up files first using recovery tools.

For Windows Users:

• Right-click on the pen drive in File Explorer and select "Format."
• Choose the file system (e.g., NTFS or FAT32) and click "Start."

For macOS Users:

• Open "Disk Utility" and select your pen drive.
• Click "Erase," choose a format (e.g., ExFAT), and confirm.

Reformatting should restore the pen drive to working condition.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Pen Drive or USB Drive Issues

To minimize the chances of encountering this problem again, follow these tips:

1. Scan for Malware Regularly

   Always use an antivirus program to scan your pen drive before and after using it on shared or public computers.

2. Safely Eject the Drive

   Always use the "Safely Remove Hardware" or "Eject" option before unplugging the pen drive to avoid corruption.

3. Back Up Important Data

   Regularly copy critical files to multiple locations, such as cloud storage or an external hard drive.

4. Use Compatible File Systems

   When formatting a pen drive, choose a file system compatible with your intended devices (e.g., exFAT for cross-platform use).

5. Avoid Public Computers

   Avoid using your pen drive on public or unknown systems, as these may harbor malware.

Conclusion

Discovering that your pen drive shows as empty can be a stressful experience, but most of the time, the data isn't truly lost. By understanding the causes and following the solutions provided in this article, you can restore access to your files and ensure the drive functions properly.

Remember, prevention is better than cure. By practicing good habits like regularly backing up your data and scanning for viruses, you can avoid similar issues in the future. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently resolve pen drive problems and protect your valuable data.

FAQs About Fixing Pen Drive Doesn't Show Files

1. How to fix pen drive or USB drive shows as empty although it has data?

Here are some solutions you can try to fix this issue:

• Unhide files if the files are hidden on the pen drive.
• Reformat the pen drive or erase the pen drive.
• Repair the pen drive with Disk Repair tool.

2. How to use data recovery tools to recover missing files from the empty pen drive?

If the methods listed above fail to resolve the issue, using specialized data recovery software can help retrieve files from your pen drive. These tools are designed to scan storage devices for recoverable data, even if the file system is corrupted or the files appear to be missing. While recovery isn't always guaranteed, modern tools offer a high success rate for most scenarios. Let's dive deeper into the process and options available.

How Data Recovery Tools Work:

When files are deleted or inaccessible due to corruption, they are not immediately erased from the drive. Instead, their location in the file system is marked as free space, making recovery possible until new data overwrites them. Recovery tools scan the storage sectors for remnants of these files and attempt to reconstruct them for retrieval.

Recommended Tools for Data Recovery

1. Recuva (Windows)

   Recuva is a popular and user-friendly recovery tool that supports various file formats. It’s ideal for recovering documents, images, videos, and other common file types.

   • Pros: Free version available, deep scan feature, intuitive interface.
   • Cons: May struggle with heavily damaged drives.
2. Donemax Data Recovery (Windows/Mac)

   Donemax Data Recovery offers a robust set of recovery features for all types of storage devices. It supports file systems like NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and HFS+.

   • Pros: Supports multiple platforms, previews recoverable files, offers recovery vault for future protection.
   • Cons: Full features require a paid license.
3. PhotoRec (Cross-Platform)

   PhotoRec is an open-source recovery tool that specializes in retrieving lost files from memory cards, USB drives, and hard disks. It works well with severely corrupted drives.

   • Pros: Free, effective for all file types, cross-platform compatibility.
   • Cons: Command-line interface may be challenging for beginners.
4. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard (Windows/Mac)

   EaseUS is another reliable option with an easy-to-use interface and powerful recovery capabilities. It allows users to recover files from formatted or corrupted drives.

   • Pros: User-friendly, supports recovery from formatted drives, free trial available.
   • Cons: Free version limits the amount of data you can recover.

Step-by-Step Guide to Data Recovery

Here's how to recover data using most recovery tools:

1. Download and Install the Tool

   Visit the official website of the chosen recovery software and download it to your computer. Install the program on a drive other than the one you are recovering to avoid overwriting data.

2. Connect Your Pen Drive

   Insert the pen drive into a working USB port. Ensure that the device is recognized by your operating system before proceeding.

3. Select the Drive

   Launch the recovery software and select the pen drive from the list of available storage devices. Most tools will display drive letters and storage capacities to help identify the correct one.

4. Perform a Scan

   Choose between a quick scan or deep scan, depending on the severity of the issue. A quick scan is faster but may not locate all files, while a deep scan is more thorough.

5. Preview and Select Files

   The tool will show a list of files that can be recovered after the scan. Prior to recovery, several tools let you see the files to ensure their integrity.

6. Recover the Files

   Select the files you wish to recover and choose a different drive or folder as the destination to avoid overwriting. Save the files, and ensure they are accessible.

Best Practices During Data Recovery

• Stop Using the Drive: Avoid writing new data to the pen drive until recovery is complete to maximize success.
• Backup Recovered Data: Immediately create backups of recovered files to prevent future loss.
• Follow Instructions: Always adhere to the software's prompts and recommendations for best results.

When Data Recovery May Fail

In rare cases, recovery might not be possible if:

• The drive is physically damaged.
• The storage sectors have been overwritten.
• Severe corruption has rendered data irretrievable.

In such cases, consulting a professional data recovery service may be necessary.

By using data recovery tools effectively, you can often salvage important files and restore peace of mind, even in situations that seem dire.

3. How to reformat a pen drive when it does not show any file?

• On Windows: Open Disk Management, choose the pen drive and right-click it, choose Format to reformat the pen drive.
• On macOS: Open Disk Utility, select the pen drive, click Erase. Choose a file system, click Erase again to reformat the pen drive.