How to restore hidden files from USB drive

Losing access to your files on a USB drive can be frustrating, especially if they're hidden. The good news is that restoring hidden files from USB drives is often straightforward. This article guides you through several effective methods to help you recover your important data and explains how to unhide files on USB drive, even if they've been hidden by a virus or system error.

Why are files hidden on a USB drive?

Before diving into the solutions, understanding why files might be hidden in the first place is crucial. Several reasons can lead to files becoming hidden:

• Accidental Hiding: Sometimes, files are unintentionally set to hidden through file properties.
• Virus Infections: Malware can hide files as a disguise, making them difficult to find and remove. This is a common reason people search for how to recover files hidden by virus.
• System Errors: Corruption within the file system can also cause files to become hidden.
• User Actions: Some users intentionally hide files for privacy or organizational purposes.

Method 1: Showing Hidden Files in Windows File Explorer

The simplest way to unhide files is through File Explorer settings. Here’s how:

1. Open File Explorer: Press Windows Key + E.
2. Navigate to the USB drive: Find your USB drive in the left pane and click on it.
3. Go to the View Tab: Click on the "View" tab at the top of the File Explorer window.
4. Check the "Hidden items" box: In the "Show/hide" section, check the box next to "Hidden items."
5. Verify: Your hidden files and folders should now be visible. If you want to permanently unhide them, continue to the next steps.
6. Unhide Permanently (Optional): Right-click on a hidden file or folder, select "Properties," and uncheck the "Hidden" box. Click "Apply" and then "OK."

This method answers the basic question of how to show hidden files in windows and is often the first step in any recovery process.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt (CMD)

If the File Explorer method doesn't work, Command Prompt offers a powerful alternative. This is particularly useful when dealing with files hidden by a virus. Here's how to show your hidden files with CMD:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Type "cmd" in the Windows search bar, right-click "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator."
2. Navigate to the USB Drive: Type the drive letter of your USB drive followed by a colon (e.g., E:) and press Enter.
3. Use the attrib command: Type the following command and press Enter: attrib -h -r -s /s /d *.*
   • -h removes the "hidden" attribute.
   • -r removes the "read-only" attribute.
   • -s removes the "system" attribute.
   • /s processes all subfolders.
   • /d processes all folders.
   • *.* applies the command to all files and folders.
4. Check the USB Drive: Open your USB drive in File Explorer. Your files should now be visible.

The command prompt is a great way of restoring hidden files using cmd. However, it may require some technical knowledge, so be careful!

Method 3: Using File Recovery Software

Sometimes, files aren't just hidden; they might be corrupted or deleted. In such cases, file recovery software can be invaluable. Here are a couple of tools to consider:

• Recuva: A free and user-friendly tool that can recover a wide range of file types. Get it here.
• EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: A more powerful option with advanced features, suitable for complex recovery scenarios. Find EaseUS here.

Here’s the general process for using file recovery software:

1. Download and Install: Download and install your chosen file recovery software.
2. Select the USB Drive: Launch the software and select your USB drive as the target for recovery.
3. Scan the Drive: Start a scan. The software will search for recoverable files.
4. Preview and Recover: Preview the found files and select the ones you want to recover. Save them to a different location (not the USB drive).

Using a USB hidden files recovery tool can be a lifesaver when other methods fail, particularly for critical documents or media.

Method 4: Checking for Virus Infections

If you suspect a virus is hiding your files, run a thorough scan using a reputable antivirus program like:

• Windows Defender: Built-in antivirus software for Windows.
• Malwarebytes: Excellent for detecting and removing malware. Find Malwarebytes here.

Follow these steps:

1. Update Antivirus: Ensure your antivirus software is up to date.
2. Run a Full Scan: Perform a full system scan, including your USB drive.
3. Quarantine or Remove Threats: Follow the software's recommendations to quarantine or remove any detected threats.
4. Repeat Other Methods: After cleaning the virus, try the File Explorer or Command Prompt methods again to unhide your files.

Scanning for viruses addresses the scenario where files are hidden by malware, and knowing how to recover files from infected USB drives can prevent data loss.

Method 5: Using macOS Finder to Show Hidden Files

If you're using a Mac, the process is a bit different, but just as straightforward:

1. Open Finder: Open a new Finder window.
2. Navigate to the USB Drive: Find your USB drive in the sidebar.
3. Use the Keyboard Shortcut: Press Command + Shift + . (period). This will toggle the visibility of hidden files.
4. Unhide Permanently (Optional): If you want to permanently unhide a file, you'll need to use the Terminal. Open Terminal and use the chflags nohidden command followed by the file path. For example: chflags nohidden /Volumes/YourUSBName/YourHiddenFile

This helps users on macOS find and unhide their files easily and explains how to recover hidden files mac.

Troubleshooting Tips

• If Files Still Don't Appear: Try restarting your computer and then repeating the steps.
• Check File System: Ensure the file system of your USB drive (e.g., FAT32, exFAT, NTFS) is compatible with your operating system.
• Try on Another Computer: Test the USB drive on another computer to rule out hardware issues.

FAQ: Restoring Hidden Files from USB Drive

Q: Can I recover files hidden by a virus?
A: Yes, use a combination of antivirus software and file recovery tools. Cleaning the virus first is essential.

Q: What if the Command Prompt method doesn't work?
A: Double-check that you typed the command correctly and that you're running Command Prompt as an administrator.

Q: Is file recovery software safe to use?
A: Choose reputable software from well-known vendors to minimize the risk of malware or data breaches. Make sure to do your research before downloading!

Conclusion

Restoring hidden files from a USB drive doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following these methods, you can effectively retrieve your data, whether it was hidden accidentally, by a virus, or due to system errors. Remember to always back up your important files to prevent data loss in the future, and regularly scan your USB drives for malware. Using these tips you should be able to unhide files on USB drive and get back to work as soon as possible!