Discrepancy between phone and pc file management

[RobbytheRobot]

I hope this is in the right place!

I have a Sony Xperia E running Android which is my first smartphone. Been getting on OK with it, but recently got a 32GB microSD card to store more stuff and have the following issue:

As the internal storage was nearly full, I used File Commander to move certain files and folders such as documents and music I had been carrying around. They all moved fine and open fine and in File Commander they are now on the "Ext SD Card". The storage space on the internal storage went up as I moved the files, and down on the external Storage card, as you would expect.

So I wanted to add more stuff to the SD card and connected to my laptop, only to discover most of my stuff is missing when I explore the external SD card. The folders/files just aren't there. But they ARE on the internal storage when I explore that. File Commander still says they are on the External SD card where I moved them to, but even using USB debugging mode and viewing the cards like ordinary drives, the files are not on the external SD card.

Why is File Commander saying the files are on the External SD card (and the change in storage space reflecting this on the phone) - but exploring the storage via my laptop the files seem to be back on the internal storage? Folder paths are /mnt/ext_card when I press and hold. But path on laptop when I right click and select properties is Computer\Xperia E\Internal Storage - for same folder. Can't see some of the folders on laptop at all.

Slightly baffled

 

[girolez]

Hi

Very odd

You don't say which os or Explorer program you are using on your computer. I suggest you install ES File explorer on your phone. If this gives the same info ie that the files are on your removable sd card, I would believe that. In that case your pc has it wrong.

Can you take the sd card out and connect it directly to your computer?

Roger

EDIT Just noticed is your first post! Welcome to these forums Hopefully we can sort of your problem. Do feel free to ask again if you have more issues ( or this issue). It may be an ideato post in the forum specific to your device where folks have more specific knowledge

 

[RobbytheRobot]

Hi

Very odd

You don't say which os or Explorer program you are using on your computer. I suggest you install ES File explorer on your phone. If this gives the same info ie that the files are on your removable sd card, I would believe that. In that case your pc has it wrong.

Can you take the sd card out and connect it directly to your computer?

Roger

Thanks for your reply

Using Windows Vista, nothing additional.

However I tried shutting phone down and starting up again and now the files seem to match up in the correct places.

Is that expected behaviour with the external SD cards, ie does it need to somehow rewrite the file directory or something when it starts the phone up?

I thought the old reboot if in doubt was a thing of the past but sometimes the old ways still seem to work

PS thanks for the welcome, sure I will have more questions or issues along the way so will bear your advice in mind!

 

[girolez]

Hi

Rebooting it the first course of action for nearly all problems !

Yes the sd card is re- indexed when you reboot. For big cards and/old phones it can take quite a few seconds. Didn't think to suggest it..

Roger