Summary
Trying to access a folder but keep getting a Location is not available error?
Your folder may have been moved or deleted, or theres another issue preventing you from opening your folder.
In this case, you cant access it, and Windows will display an fault signal.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
You should alsocheck the Recycle Bin to if it is there.
Try disconnecting and re-connecting the drive to your PC.
Then, see if your USB drive (and folder) has reappeared.
This applies whether the connection is a local one or the internet.
If your folder is on the internet, double-check your PC has a stable internet connection.
you’ve got the option to verify that by opening a web internet tool and loading a site.
If the site fails to load, trytroubleshooting your PCs internet problems.
This helps fix minor internet issues with the unit.
You could try accessing that unit from another machine to see if it works.
Restart Windows Explorer
Sometimes, Windows Explorer acts up and doesnt let you perform your file-related tasks.
In this case,restarting Windows Explorerwill typically fix minor issues.
To restart Windows Explorer, right-poke the Start Menu icon and select “Task Manager.”
In the “Processes” tab, right-click “Windows Explorer” and select “Restart.”
Windows Explorer will close and relaunch.
If it faces issues re-opening, force-launch it.
To do that in Windows 11’s Task Manager, click “Run New Task.”
In Windows 10’s Task Manager, select File > Run New Task.
Then, typeexplorer.exein the open field and press Enter.
Check the original path of your folder and ensure it still exists there.
This will lead to an error.
Run a Virus Scan
A virus or malware can prevent you from accessing your folders.
This will remove any threats that might be causing the problem.
To do that, kick off the Start Menu, search forWindows Security, and launch the app.
In Windows Security, select “Virus & Threat Protection” and then “Scan Options.”
turn on the “Full Scan” option and choose “Scan Now.”
Wait while the antivirus finds and removes threats from your PC.
In this case,use System Restoreto roll back your system changes.
To do that, initiate the Start Menu, search forRecovery, and select it.
Then, click “Open System Restore.”
Select “Next,” choose the most recent restore point, and click “Next.”
Select “Finish” to start restoring your PC.
After restoring the PC, you should have access to your folder.
If you still can’t locate your folder, it may have been permanently deleted.
You could tryrunning recovery softwareto get it back, but that is unlikely to work on modern SSDs.
The best way to prevent data loss is tomake regular backups of your important files and folders.
