Files disappearing, but still accessible ?!

[bbshopplf]

I have files/folders that aren't showing up in Windows Explorer, however when
I type the exact path in the Address Bar, the folders or files appear and I
can access them without problem.

What??

I ran a data recovery program, which acknowledged all the "missing"
files/folders, and indicates they're not lost, but are the same status as all
the files/folders I can see. Windows Explorer disagrees, for some reason.

I appreciate any advice you can give me.

Pete F.
Annandale, VA

 

[John John]

Sounds like the files are "hidden". Go in the Folder Options and change
the option to view hidden files. Can you now see them? Right click on
them and look at the properties. If files are randomly changed to
hidden you may have a virus or other malware on the computer, run you AV
and Anti-Spyware tools.

John

 

[John John]

Well, I don't know. If the "index" (FAT or MFT) was corrupt you
wouldn't be able to open the files! Do you have a backup of your files?
If you think that there is something wrong with the file index run a
chkdsk on the drive, be warned that there is always a risk of data loss
when you run chkdsk, best to have a backup of your precious files.

I could be completely wrong but I don't think that the FAT or MFT is at
fault, I think there is a more basic thing at work here. In your folder
options is the option to view system files enabled?

Start a command prompt session and issue the attrib command against one
of the mysteriously invisible file, what does the command return?
Example of the command:

C:\>attrib "c:\Some Folder Name\filename.ext"

John

 

[bbshopplf]

I leave my Folder Options to view hidden files at all times. I double-checked
and it's still set that way.

A friend suggested it has to do with an "index file"? If somehow my index
file is corrupt, it could cause the locations of these files/folders to not
appear.

Any thoughts? I appreciate your effort.