Txt file invisible in folder but not in search - cannot access

SunflowerField · 11 May 2016

I have a file with important information saved in my documents folder.

The last time I accessed it was possibly a couple of months ago when transferring it onto a usb stick although I cant say for sure if I really did that as the file doesn't seem to be on the memory stick.

The file is not visible in the documents folder but when I search it shows up and has a short preview of some of the words contained within the file. When I try to open the file I get the message -

Cannot find the C:Users\Ken\Documents\PW.txt file.

Do you want to create a new file?

This is very frustrating as I need this file, does someone know what may be wrong?

RolandJS · 11 May 2016

Have you tried "tree-climbing" with file explorer to the specific directory where search "says" the file is located? Once there, does the file again not show up in the right side directory? I'm tempted to suggest FreeCommander XL, to have it see if that program can not only see the file but also activate notepad or write to read the file and re-save the file. And, copy said file onto memory stick.

SunflowerField · 11 May 2016

The file shows up both when I do a search using search on the main search start bar and also when I search in the documents folder that the file was kept in but neither opens.

I could try the Free commander program you suggest and see what happens.

SunflowerField · 11 May 2016

I tried Free Commander program and managed to find that the program was in another folder.

Thank you Roland for the tip, seems like a very good program for exploring windows files you have saved my life.

RolandJS · 11 May 2016

Glad it worked! One suggestion, make sure Windows explorer and FreeCommander are not actively copying,moving things at the same time. I learned some time ago to only have one file manager active at a time. :)