Files can go missing on your storage devices if they get corrupted, are infected with malware, are unknowingly hidden or automatically moved by a program without user acknowledgement. Files that have actually disappeared and haven't been moved or artificially hidden can often be recovered with undeletion software that scans the hard drive for files that are no longer recorded in the file allocation table -- the storage device data that tracks where files start and end. Undeleted malware-infected files can re-infect a system if they aren't probably cleaned before use.
File Corruption
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As computer file systems have grown more sophisticated, the incidence of file corruption has become less common -- but corruption still can cause files to disappear from storage devices. Files can be corrupted by another program injecting bad data or by any type of error that stops the computer from writing the file when saving like power failure and system crashes. Files that haven't been completely downloaded or copied can also disappear from the system if the program handling the data transfer doesn't support transfer resumes. Additionally, hardware and software errors that cause either the file copy process to fail or incorrectly update the file allocation table can also cause files to disappear. Depending on how much of the file is corrupted, it may be recoverable through undeletion.
Malware
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Malicious software, particularly worms, can run rampant on a storage device and start deleting files. Other malware like viruses can cause files to disappear because when they try to rewrite a file during the infection process they may cause write errors that corrupt the file. Worms are malware that delete and modify files on a computer before jumping to another computer on a network. Files deleted by a worm may be recoverable through undeletion; however, they should be scanned by an anti-virus program because they could be infected by the worm and start the file deletion process over again.
Set to Hidden
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Files can disappear when the properties are set to "hidden" and File Explorer is not configured to show hidden files. Computer users, programs and malware can edit file properties and set them to hidden to give the illusion that the files don't exist and prevent you from editing the files. You can set File Explorer to show hidden files by opening "Control Panel," searching for "Folder, " clicking "Show hidden files and folders," selecting the radial next to "Show hidden files, folders, and drives" and clicking "OK."
Files Moved
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Some programs, particularly media players, can rearrange and sort files on your computer. If a program rearranges files, they may be moved from their original location to a new location on the storage device: they're not gone, but if you look in the folder the files used to occupy, it will look like the files have disappeared. For example, Windows Media Player or iTunes may sort your music collection into folders by artist and album. Search for files in the Windows File Explorer search field to check if a program has relocated files.
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Undeletion Software and File Allocation Table: The article rightly points out that files can go missing due to corruption, malware, or unintentional actions. The reference to undeletion software is crucial. When files are deleted, they may still be recoverable using specialized software that scans the hard drive for data not recorded in the file allocation table (FAT). The FAT keeps track of file locations on a storage device, and when files are deleted, the entries in the FAT are often marked as available. Undeletion tools can identify and restore these seemingly lost files.
File Corruption: The mention of file corruption and its impact on disappearing files is accurate. Various factors, such as power failures, system crashes, or errors during the saving process, can lead to corrupted files. In some cases, incomplete downloads or transfers can also result in files seemingly disappearing. Depending on the extent of corruption, these files may still be recoverable through undeletion methods.
Malware: The article rightly emphasizes the role of malware, particularly worms, in causing files to disappear. Malicious software can delete or modify files, and viruses, in the process of infecting files, may cause write errors that corrupt the data. The warning about the potential re-infection risk when dealing with undeleted malware-infected files underscores the importance of thorough cleaning before file use.
Set to Hidden: The article touches on the scenario where files appear to be missing because their properties are set to "hidden." This can be a deliberate action by users, programs, or malware to create the illusion of non-existence. The provided guidance on configuring File Explorer to show hidden files is accurate and essential for users to uncover files that may be intentionally or unintentionally concealed.
Files Moved: The article rightly points out that files may not be missing but rather moved to a different location, especially when programs like media players rearrange and sort files. This is a common occurrence, and the suggestion to use the search function in Windows File Explorer to locate files in their new positions is practical advice.
In summary, the concepts covered in the article are well-grounded in the realities of file management and system behavior. Whether dealing with corruption, malware, hidden files, or file movements, the provided information aligns with best practices for troubleshooting and recovering missing files on storage devices.
