Cannot access full internal storage

[shobuddy]

When I connect my N4 to the PC, it shows up as "internal storage". When I click internal storage, it shows two folders, "DCIM" and "Pictures". It used to show a higher root folder like "sdcard", I think. I'm not sure if this started happening after the 4.3 update or whether something else I did caused it. How do I get it back to show sdcard. I've tried different USB cables and usb ports. Also, under MPT usb mode nothing shows up when connected to computer. Its only under MPT mode that I even get the pictures and dcim folders.

 

[B. Diddy]

I believe the problem is that on the Nexus 4, only MTP and PTP transfer protocols are available when connected via USB, not USB mass storage. What this means is that when plugged in via USB, the Nexus 4 will not behave like an external drive. MTP protocol was initially developed for media players, so it allows access to only certain areas of storage (i.e., the media parts). I can't remember completely, but I think the reason why they got rid of USB mass storage mode was that it required more rigid partitioning of the phone's memory (i.e., into Application Storage and Internal Storage) that would therefore limit how many apps you could install on a device. For example, my Razr Maxx's 16 GB of internal memory is partitioned into 3 GB of Application Storage (where I can install apps) and 8 GB of Internal Storage (the other 5 GB is taken up by the OS and bloatware). By eliminating USB mass storage mode, you can use all of the Nexus 4's available internal storage to install apps.

I think you can get around this limitation by using wifi or Bluetooth to transfer files. Check out Airdroid.

 

[shobuddy]

I believe the problem is that on the Nexus 4, only MTP and PTP transfer protocols are available when connected via USB, not USB mass storage. What this means is that when plugged in via USB, the Nexus 4 will not behave like an external drive. MTP protocol was initially developed for media players, so it allows access to only certain areas of storage (i.e., the media parts). I can't remember completely, but I think the reason why they got rid of USB mass storage mode was that it required more rigid partitioning of the phone's memory (i.e., into Application Storage and Internal Storage) that would therefore limit how many apps you could install on a device. For example, my Razr Maxx's 16 GB of internal memory is partitioned into 3 GB of Application Storage (where I can install apps) and 8 GB of Internal Storage (the other 5 GB is taken up by the OS and bloatware). By eliminating USB mass storage mode, you can use all of the Nexus 4's available internal storage to install apps.

I think you can get around this limitation by using wifi or Bluetooth to transfer files. Check out Airdroid.

Thanks Diddy, what you're saying makes sense but that said, I used to be able to access the "sdcard" folder of the internal storage before. I'm not sure what I did or why it went away. The sdcard folder was the parent folder to the dcim and pictures folders that it now shows when I click internal storage on the pc.

 

[wunderbar]

IT sounds like you are in PTP mode instead of MTP mode. when you attach the device to a computer you should have a persistent notification. tap on that and make sure it's on MTP mode.

 

[shobuddy]

IT sounds like you are in PTP mode instead of MTP mode. when you attach the device to a computer you should have a persistent notification. tap on that and make sure it's on MTP mode.

I get nothing in MPT mode (internal storage does not show up on pc). In PTP mode I get the DCIM and Pictures folder when i click on internal storage.

 

[wunderbar]

I get nothing in MPT mode (internal storage does not show up on pc). In PTP mode I get the DCIM and Pictures folder when i click on internal storage.

Might sound stupid, but have you tried rebooting the phone? Also make sure the phone isn't on the lockscreen, has to be unlocked.

 

[shobuddy]

Might sound stupid, but have you tried rebooting the phone? Also make sure the phone isn't on the lockscreen, has to be unlocked.

Thanks again for the response. Yes, I've tried rebooting the phone. Also tried with both screen locked and unlocked. Also tried different usb cables and usb ports.

 

[fernandezhjr]

With the phone connected to the PC, go into device manager on the PC and located where the phone is listed. Normally, it will show up under portable devices. Wherever it shows up, right click on it and choose the option to uninstall. After it uninstalls, disconnect the phone from the PC and then reconnect it again. This will force the phone to be redetected by the PC and and do a fresh install.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[Tall Mike 2145]

4.3 hasn't changed any of this for me. When I plug it in, Android File Transfer opens as usual and gives me complete access to the user-accessible areas of my on-board storage.

 

[shobuddy]

With the phone connected to the PC, go into device manager on the PC and located where the phone is listed. Normally, it will show up under portable devices. Wherever it shows up, right click on it and choose the option to uninstall. After it uninstalls, disconnect the phone from the PC and then reconnect it again. This will force the phone to be redetected by the PC and and do a fresh install.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

I tried this but the problem persists

 

[fernandezhjr]

I tried this but the problem persists

Did your phone show up in device manager under portable devices as Nexus 4? Where are clicking when you say you click on internal storage? Within my computer it should be showing up as phone or an additional drive depending on your PC software.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[Rizy7]

Correct me if I am wrong but isnt only the sdcard accessible when you connect the nexus 4 to a computer

 

[shobuddy]

Did your phone show up in device manager under portable devices as Nexus 4? Where are clicking when you say you click on internal storage? Within my computer it should be showing up as phone or an additional drive depending on your PC software.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Thanks again for the response. I've attached screenshots to answer your questions.

 

[shobuddy]

Correct me if I am wrong but isnt only the sdcard accessible when you connect the nexus 4 to a computer

Yes, and thats what I'm saying. I can't access sd card. I get the pictures and dcim folders.

 

[Rizy7]

Yes, and thats what I'm saying. I can't access sd card. I get the pictures and dcim folders.

have you got a pin or anything on your device

 

[fernandezhjr]

Thanks again for the response. I've attached screenshots to answer your questions.http://i40.tinypic.com/23ve0dc.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/303fn90.jpg

Apparently it is reading the drive, just not seeing all the folders. You don't have encryption on do you? Are you connected as mtp with USB debugging off?

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[shobuddy]

No pin, no encryption. With usb debugging off I get nothing on MPT or PTP. With USB debugging on, I get nothing on MPT and the dcim and pictures on ptp.

 

[DirkBelig]

I ran into this problem when trying to update my Nexus 4, first with Wug's Toolkit then manually thru ADB - it only worked when the phone's USB storage was set to PTP (Camera) mode and as the OP noted, only the Photos and DCIM were visible. Here's what I posted on XDA:

* Media Device (MTP) Mode - ADB and Toolkit say there is no device connected, regardless of whether its booted or in bootloader/recovery. Device doesn't show in Windows Explorer, so unable to move files. In Device Manager, it shows under Android Phone as Google Nexus ADB Interface, but not as a Portable Device. On the Device Stage it shows under the Unspecified area beneath the Devices and Printers and Faxes lists. It doesn't show in the AutoPlay list, though my digital camera and old Galaxy S2 (neither of which are connected) are listed. When I run "adb devices" query, I get nothing in the results.

* Camera {PTP) Mode - ADB and Toolkit see the device and work. Device shows in Windows Explorer, but I'm only able to access DCIM and Pictures folders under Internal Storage; no system folders show so unable to move files. In Device Manager, it shows under Android Phone as Google Nexus ADB Interface and under Portable Devices as Nexus 4. On the Device Stage it shows under Devices, but not in AutoPlay. When I run "adb devices" query, I get:
List of devices attached
0xxxxxxxxxxxxxb device

I'm running Win7 Pro x64. I've tried different USB cables. I've wiped and reloaded the drivers with the Toolkit's manager. I ran SDrecan on the Nexus 4. I've Googled a lot and can't find a fix for this specific issue. I've noticed it sometimes previous Androids taking time to show up in Explorer - can't recall what i did to fix it - but this case is being a PITA.
==========
I haven't tried Airdroid, but ES File Explorer has a FTP server under Tools>Remote Manager which when you turn it on gives you an address (e.g. ftp://192.168.1.24:3721/) that you enter into Windows Explorer (not a browser) and you can drag and drop files from another Explorer window.

OK, just tried AirDroid and it's pretty snazzy. Not crazy about having to register with a 3rd party to use the app compared to something like ES File Explorer or WiFi File Explorer PRO. Of course, if simply plugging in the darn cable worked, we wouldn't need all this rigmarole.

 

[shobuddy]

I ran into this problem when trying to update my Nexus 4, first with Wug's Toolkit then manually thru ADB - it only worked when the phone's USB storage was set to PTP (Camera) mode and as the OP noted, only the Photos and DCIM were visible. Here's what I posted on XDA:

* Media Device (MTP) Mode - ADB and Toolkit say there is no device connected, regardless of whether its booted or in bootloader/recovery. Device doesn't show in Windows Explorer, so unable to move files. In Device Manager, it shows under Android Phone as Google Nexus ADB Interface, but not as a Portable Device. On the Device Stage it shows under the Unspecified area beneath the Devices and Printers and Faxes lists. It doesn't show in the AutoPlay list, though my digital camera and old Galaxy S2 (neither of which are connected) are listed. When I run "adb devices" query, I get nothing in the results.

* Camera {PTP) Mode - ADB and Toolkit see the device and work. Device shows in Windows Explorer, but I'm only able to access DCIM and Pictures folders under Internal Storage; no system folders show so unable to move files. In Device Manager, it shows under Android Phone as Google Nexus ADB Interface and under Portable Devices as Nexus 4. On the Device Stage it shows under Devices, but not in AutoPlay. When I run "adb devices" query, I get:
List of devices attached
0xxxxxxxxxxxxxb device

I'm running Win7 Pro x64. I've tried different USB cables. I've wiped and reloaded the drivers with the Toolkit's manager. I ran SDrecan on the Nexus 4. I've Googled a lot and can't find a fix for this specific issue. I've noticed it sometimes previous Androids taking time to show up in Explorer - can't recall what i did to fix it - but this case is being a PITA.
==========
I haven't tried Airdroid, but ES File Explorer has a FTP server under Tools>Remote Manager which when you turn it on gives you an address (e.g. ftp://192.168.1.24:3721/) that you enter into Windows Explorer (not a browser) and you can drag and drop files from another Explorer window.

OK, just tried AirDroid and it's pretty snazzy. Not crazy about having to register with a 3rd party to use the app compared to something like ES File Explorer or WiFi File Explorer PRO. Of course, if simply plugging in the darn cable worked, we wouldn't need all this rigmarole.

Everything you posted is exactly my situation. I tried WugFresh before doing it manually.

In the meantime. I tried another computer with the same usb cable and it connects fine in MPT mode. It shows up as Portable Devices --> Nexus 4 under device manager.

On my computer where its not working, its Windows 7 64bit and in device manager its listed as Android Device -- Android ADB Interface. I'm not sure what to do to get it to work on my computer as it does on the other one. But I think we're getting closer. The difference is on the working computer the N4 is listed as "Nexus 4" in device manager and on my computer its listed as "Android ADB Interface".

 

[fernandezhjr]

Everything you posted is exactly my situation. I tried WugFresh before doing it manually.

In the meantime. I tried another computer with the same usb cable and it connects fine in MPT mode. It shows up as Portable Devices --> Nexus 4 under device manager.

On my computer where its not working, its Windows 7 64bit and in device manager its listed as Android Device -- Android ADB Interface. I'm not sure what to do to get it to work on my computer as it does on the other one. But I think we're getting closer. The difference is on the working computer the N4 is listed as "Nexus 4" in device manager and on my computer its listed as "Android ADB Interface".

When connected in MTP mode, windows media player drivers are used. When connected in ADB mode, the android drivers are used. I would uninstall the wugfresh toolkit, if you haven't already, and uninstall any android drivers installed. Also, any software that installs android drivers, like for tethering, if you have installed such. Then try connecting the N4 to see if it picks up on the WMP drivers.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta