Disappearing file

[Steve_J]

I transferred a number of files that I wanted to backup to a 4GB flash drive. All seemed to go well until recently the disappeared. I believe they are still there because the remaining drive capacity is still the same. How do I get them back?

[pendragon]

Steve,

FileSalvage would probably do the trick. You can DL the trial mode and see if your lost files are identified/located. Alas, that's about all the demo mode is good for. If you want to recover the files, you must first obtain a registration number ($9.95 US).

Also, a few guesses-

I. Try your flash drive on a different machine (even a PC).
II. After inserting your flash drive and opening it, Select All (Command+A) and then drag the contents to your desktop. Maybe the lost files will then appear.
III. Use a utility such as FileBuddy to do the search. Sometimes a third party search will find things the Finder doesn't.

Good luck and please let us know how this saga ends.

Sorry my help is not much. But perhaps others, with better suggestions, will stop by.

[FLASH1296]

File Salvage is not the best at what it does. That honor goes to Data Rescue II; but I digress. NO APPLICATION WILL LIKELY RETRIEVE A FILE THAT HAS BEEN OVERWRITTEN.

If the files are still there - your first move is to rebuild the file directory with either Disc Warrior 4.0 (preferred) or TechTool Pro4.3.

Another route is to search for the files including INVISIBLE files in the search using FILE BUDDY 9.0, a great must-have application.

[Xairbusdriver]

BTW, even command-f (in Finder) will enable you to find both or either invisible/visible files/folders. Just select "Other..." in the drop down list and scroll down to "Visibility".

You might want to check the Trash Can when the thumb drive is installed/mounted. The files may have been put int the Trash and (hopefully) not Emptied yet!

[Steve_J]

Thanks to all who responded. Disaster struck during a recovery attempt. The drive was erased. So I get to start over. Whoppee!!!