Cant find files after recovery

Discussion in 'Software' started by ba53ba11, Jan 1, 2005.

  1. ba53ba11

    ba53ba11 Private E-2

    I had a problem when i downloaded a new screen saver, and my computer shut down. When at startup, it came up with some error in windows (windows XP) I tried over and over again, but would not get to the screen to sign in as a user. After not allowing me to go any further, i hit F10 i think at startup to system recovery. After complete, many of my setting have gone back to original, but all the programs that i placed on the computer are still there and operational. My question is that i can not find any of the files that i had on my computer. I looked at the memory after i recovered it, and it still says the same as when i origonally DL a bad file (about 40 gigs left) So, it says that i have about 80 gigs still used, only 40 left, but i am unable to find where all the files are. I think they are still there, but i have no clue where they could be as i already seached for them. Are they hidden or what? any info would be greatly appreciated!!
     
  2. TheDoug

    TheDoug MajorGeek

    If you used the recovery CDs that came with your name brand computer, your machine should be restored to the state it was when you first purchased it. Any data or files you may have created since should have been deleted, as the recovery process reformats your hard drive before copying an image of you computer's original state to it. How you still have programs you installed on the drive is a mystery, unless I am misunderstanding what you are saying you did.
     
  3. TheDoug

    TheDoug MajorGeek

    If this was a non-destructive recovery that did not require CDs, is there perhaps a new folder on your hard drive called "My Old Disk Structure" or the like? Your files may be there, if so.
     
  4. ba53ba11

    ba53ba11 Private E-2

    When i did the recovery of the computer, (HP) i did not use any of the CD's that came with the computer. Instead there was a recovery option at first boot up, which i did, hitting F10 if i remember correctly. As for the new file, i looked briefly, but couldnt find a file "My Old Disk Structure" or similar. Maybe i did not see it or looked in a different spot, where would this file be located? Under program files or something?

    I do still have programs that i placed on the computer and or downloaded to run certain files, and they are all still there and operational. Just the files are in a different location, taking up my space on my drive which i can not find.

    thank you
     
  5. TheDoug

    TheDoug MajorGeek

    According to what I read, F10 gets you to a recovery console where you can do a non-destructive restore, or an "advanced" destructive restore. If the former is performed, you're not supposed to lose any data. Some similar recovery schemes I have seen-- not HP-- move your data to a new folder like the one I mentioned. It was just a thought.
     
  6. ba53ba11

    ba53ba11 Private E-2

    I looked for any files, and could not find any where something like would be stored. But I still have much of my disc space used up for some reason (40 gigs free out of 120) Along when I was working on it, the program would load, but would not let me use it, a pop up saying this user was unable to open, and then shut off. Before I had a different user, but since i redid my computer i have not changed the option of either owner or guest. Any other ideas?
     
  7. TheDoug

    TheDoug MajorGeek

    I'm not sure I understand what you mean in your last post, but have you tried a Search and just used a wildcard? For example: If you know you had a bunch of mp3 files do a Search on All Files and Folders, Look In Local Hard Drives C:;D:; ..., and in All or part of the filename put *.mp3 (asterisk dot mp3).
     
  8. ba53ba11

    ba53ba11 Private E-2

    Yes, i looked for both a file which would hold all the files, and did a search for *.mp3/*.wma and so on. I found little help, as i got a few old files, but there are more that i have no idea where they could be. I tried searching the main folders to see how big they were, to see where all my memory is, and none of them even added up close to what is considered used space. I tried HP, as it is a a220n and they were not willing to give me any support as it was just out of warranty.
     
  9. MikeH

    MikeH Specialist

    Dumb question, but could those files have been renamed (like *.bak or *.old)?
     
  10. TheDoug

    TheDoug MajorGeek

    The possibility always exists that a program installation will add someting to, say an ini file, and save the original as .bak or .old, but I can't see any reason a recovery prog would save or change a user's (binary) data files that way.
     

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