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Can't access internal storage on the PC - Xperia P

MegaShark
New

Can't access internal storage on the PC - Xperia P

Hi there,

I seem to have lost the ability to access the contents of my internet storage when connected to a PC, even though the Xperia P shows the "internal storage connected" as a notification.

Most of the times my Computer doesn't display the Xperia P icon. Sometimes it does, but then I can't see the "Internal storage" folder for the Xperia P. Less frequently I am able see the "Internal Storage" icon, showing the used and free space, but then it contains no folders.

I've tried 3 different PCs all with the same result (Win XP, Vista and 7), which makes me believe this is an issue related to the phone and not PC OS related.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

43 REPLIES 43
Miltos95
Contributor

Create another user on the Windows PC you're using and try there - I guess that wouldn't work since I've already tried with three different PCs.

You never know! Winking_Face

If it doesn't, perform a repair via SUS or PCC. - a repair will delete the phone's memory. Will updating to ICS also do it? If so, I will have to do it nevertheless when updating to ICS. Is ICS available to upgrade via OTA like the 6.0 GB versions were?

If you pick only the Update, the contents won't be deleted but the Phone might have minor problems. And nope, the Upgrade is not (yet ?) available OTA. I wouldn't recommend upgrading to ICS. I don't really trust 'em. Also if i tell you to and you don't like it, you're gonna blame me >_<. Anyway, like i said, backup your stuff and perform a Phone Restore via the Settings (don't even remember how it's called).

Your last option is to send it to a Sony Service to see if there's a problem with the device - not really an option everything works when I'm using MyPhoneExplorer - even via USB...

How does that work? Via bluetooth? If it does, do you have bluetooth turned off when you're using it via USB?

It's very strange that doesn't work on 3 PCs. Might be a Driver causing the Trouble too. I'll explain it a bit later maybe after your answer to get this a bit sorted out.

Will i sound dumb if i tell you to test it on a "Fresh" Formated PC or a Friend's one? Dizzy_Face

MegaShark
New

Inline Slightly_smiling_Face

Create another user on the Windows PC you're using and try there - I guess that wouldn't work since I've already tried with three different PCs.

You never know! LOL

If it doesn't, perform a repair via SUS or PCC. - a repair will delete the phone's memory. Will updating to ICS also do it? If so, I will have to do it nevertheless when updating to ICS. Is ICS available to upgrade via OTA like the 6.0 GB versions were?

If you pick only the Update, the contents won't be deleted but the Phone might have minor problems. I'm willing to try that as a first step. And nope, the Upgrade is not (yet ?) available OTA. Slightly_frowning_Face I wouldn't recommend upgrading to ICS. I don't really trust 'em. Sony? Also if i tell you to and you don't like it, you're gonna blame me >_<. Never!  Anyway, like i said, backup your stuff and perform a Phone Restore via the Settings (don't even remember how it's called).

Your last option is to send it to a Sony Service to see if there's a problem with the device - not really an option everything works when I'm using MyPhoneExplorer - even via USB...

How does that work? via USB! Via bluetooth? No. If it does, do you have bluetooth turned off when you're using it via USB? yes.

It's very strange that doesn't work on 3 PCs. That's why I think it is phone-related. Might be a Driver causing the Trouble too. I'll explain it a bit later maybe after your answer to get this a bit sorted out.

Will i sound dumb if i tell you to test it on a "Fresh" Formated PC or a Friend's one? Did that - it doesn't work...

Miltos95
Contributor

You never know! Winking_Face LOL

I actually got the idea from there. Hope you don't mind aayushjain1987 Dizzy_Face

Sony?

Yeah, Sony. Just read couple 'o threads about some things (USB OTG, WiFi Direct and things like that) and i'm changing my mind.

Never!
Good to hear! Proceed with whatever you like (Update only - Update + Restore Phone - Restore via Settings).

via USB!
That's exactly why i said it could be a Driver Problem.

That's why I think it is phone-related.

Mindf- . Pure Mindf- . How does that work via the Program but not Native?
Try this:

  1. Connect the Phone with USB Debugging Off.
  2. Open Driver Manager.
  3. Right Click on MTP Device.
  4. Pick the First option "Update Driver".
  5. Select the second option (Search my Computer...)
    Click the option below the Path and the tick box (Pick a Driver from a list...)

Okay, there should be at least one Driver there (Digital Signed Drivers). How many are there? Post a screenshot if it's possible. Try different ones, disconnect the phone and reconnect it after picking the Driver.
Hope there are at least 2 Drivers so you can test it.

MegaShark
New

It definitely appears to be a driver problem (Windows especifically gives me errors relating to drivers), but somehow caused by the phone (it worked in the past, and now it doesn't work in different computers, even some that never had this device installed). I think it could be somehow caused by an Android application running... who knows! I have tasker profiles depending on the phone being connected... I'm thinking of all the options. Once I remember my phone identified being plugged via USB to a computer as being plugged to a wall charger.

Nevertheless, MyPhoneExplorer works via USB and this puzzles me. I never expected it to, and I have installed just to find a workaround to access my files via Wi-Fi. But then I tried it via USB and it worked...

Here's what I'm getting right now in XP: no file/folder contents whatsoever:

1.JPG

Now following your steps:

  1. Connect the Phone with USB Debugging Off.
  2. Open Driver Manager.
  3. Right Click on MTP Device.
  4. Pick the First option "Update Driver".
  5. Select the second option (Search my Computer...)
    Click the option below the Path and the tick box (Pick a Driver from a list...)

I'm not getting any MTP device in XP, only an LT22i as a portable device:

2.JPG

Right now, I'm not even seeing the Portable Device in "My Computer". The phone shows the "Internal storage connected" notification and, of course, doesn't show the USB debugging notification.

Miltos95
Contributor

  1. Connect the Phone with USB Debugging Off.
  2. Open Driver Manager.
  3. Right Click on MTP Device LT22i. :smileygrin:
  4. Pick the First option "Update Driver".
  5. Select the second option (Search my Computer...)
    Click the option below the Path and the tick box (Pick a Driver from a list...)

Have you tried it? Also, is there a tick box on the Xperia P to Install PCC from the Settings? I remember that on Xperia 2011 family. Nevermind, forget it. I just had a problem on a PlayStation 3 with that tick box (tho it was in MSC mode).

Right click the LT22i and pick another driver if there are.
Else toss it to the tr- I mean Update it, Update it or Format it :smileysilly:.

MegaShark
New

I almost forgot XP had that option to pick drivers from a list Slightly_smiling_Face

Chose MTP device...

1.JPG

2.JPG

3.JPG

Device manager still shows Portable Devices and not MTP devices.

4.JPG

gauravchandok20
Visitor

even the app xperiasmarttags which was supported in gingerbread isnot supported when we update xperia P to ics... and same is the case with 3d camera

Miltos95
Contributor

Still doesn't work right? Just proceed with a Format/Update. No other option remaining (except sending it to Sony).

MegaShark
New

Still doesn't work... what about a root upgrade to ICS? Slightly_smiling_Face

Miltos95
Contributor

What do you mean "root upgrade to ICS"? Isn't the update available to you via PCC or SUS?