Windows 10 can't see files copied to HDD offline

[LarrySabo]

I copied recovered data from my storage array to HDD 2 of my customer's Windows 10 laptop by removing HDD 2 and connecting it to my data recovery PC. When HDD 2 is reinstalled in the laptop, the files are invisible and the space occupied by the copied files is not subtracted from free space. I removed and double-checked HDD 2 on another computer and they are indeed there.

Does anyone know how I can make these files accessible from within Windows 10? They occupy over 500GB and copying them using the laptop would be a waste of precious time. I've seen a suggested fix somewhere but cannot find it after much searching.

[Alexey]

Make sure that the PC you are moving drive to is indeed shut down, not in standby and not in hibernation. Especially, not in hibernation.

[LarrySabo]

Thanks, Alexey. I'm pretty sure it wasn't in sleep when I removed the battery and then the HDD so I could copy the recovered files to it. I just removed the HDD again to check the properties on my Win7 PC and the folder of recovered data was not hidden. Strangely, when I then re-installed the hard drive in the laptop, the folder and files are now visible.

It would be good to know what the secret is, for next time this happens (and for others' benefit, too).

[pclab]

Hi Larry

We have already discussed a similar case here: https://www.data-medics.com/forum/windo ... t1837.html

It's seems that's a windows 10 "feature"

[fzabkar]

It would be good to know what the secret is ...

I would go through the same procedure with a small test file/folder and compare the corresponding metadata.

[LarrySabo]

Thanks, @pclab. That's the discussion I remembered but couldn't find. In my case, the free space did not reflect the presence of the data.

I'll experiment with the commands suggested:

1. Press Windows Key + R (opens run prompt)
2. Type shutown /r /t 0 (restarts PC/ refreshes USN journal)"

I would go through the same procedure with a small test file/folder and compare the corresponding metadata.

I'm unclear where I should be looking; in the MFT, I assume.

[fzabkar]

I copied recovered data from my storage array to HDD 2 of my customer's Windows 10 laptop by removing HDD 2 and connecting it to my data recovery PC. When HDD 2 is reinstalled in the laptop, the files are invisible and the space occupied by the copied files is not subtracted from free space. I removed and double-checked HDD 2 on another computer and they are indeed there.

Doesn't this suggest that Windows 10 is not consulting the $Bitmap to determine the free space?

Would running CHKDSK against the drive reveal the location or nature of any file system inconsistency? Would it then be safe to use CHKDSK to "repair" the file system?

[rogfanther]

Larry,

the command does the same as choosing Restart instead of Shutdown in the start menu. That way, win10 will really close everything and start anew. The shutdown option has been turned by MS in another "hibernate" option, to allow for the so-called Fast Start.

Another option, that can be used in desktops or laptops, is to do choose Restart, then cut power when the bios screen appears. Not much gentle, but gets things done.

[LarrySabo]

Thanks, @rogfanther! I'm trying the several suggestions now.

[fzabkar]

The following article talks about "Fast Startup".

The Pros and Cons of Windows 10’s “Fast Startup” Mode:
https://www.howtogeek.com/243901/the-pros-and-cons-of-windows-10s-fast-startup-mode/

[Doomer]

Offline files located inside Windows/CSC folder
You can work with that directory or move the files to more desirable location

You might need to change ownership/permissions to access that folder

[LarrySabo]

Thanks for the link, @fzabkar. Interesting article. I can't replicate the problem copying folders/files to c:\ for some reason and the laptop I used for testing doesn't accommodate a HDD 2. I'll continue testing later as I have been interrupted by other work.