File Recovery Help!!!

Ok, I've managed to get myself into a mess again. Here goes the sad tale:

I was browsing through my folder (let's call it XXI) in My Documents (I share my PC), when I realize I apparently have two copies of XXI - one in My Documents (c:\mydocuments\xxi) and one in another folder (c:\mydocuments\anotherfolder\xxi). So, I delete the xxi that's in the other folder (c:\mydocuments\anotherfolder\xxi). It says there is no space in the Recycle Bin so it will permanently delete. I click OK.

Then, I press backspace and find myself in c:\mydocuments . Then, TO MY COMPLETE HORROR, THE FOLDER XXI IS NOT THERE. c:\mydocuments\anotherfolder\xxi is the only version left of xxi (I'm guessing that what must have happened is that I dragged XXI into the other folder, thereby creating the conufsion).
-END STORY-

My LIFE is in that folder. I need it back. I've been looking for software online, and the sharewares show my old files but do not allow me to recover it (you have to pay for that). Paying for one of those is just impossible for me - at those prices (I'm broke), in my situation (I'm a minor).

The only freeware program i found is on majorgeeks. i've yet to try it...

Any advice on my restoring those files?
Any help is GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks all.......

 

try system restore maybe that will help you

what version of windows are you using??

 

windows 98....I don't have or use system restore...

 

try this
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2772

 

FYI: Unless you pay for the software, you CANNOT copy/paste files, and it will be a HORRIBLE experience. I would suggest PC Inspector File recovery, only because its completly free to my understanding

 

glad you found a free app.. but the "horrible experience" can be remedied in most scenarios by "writing a check".

Any way, I'm checking out PC inspector now.
Thanks for the heads up on it.

 

I am running "PC Inspector File Recovery" right now...its got 22 minutes left...about 65% done scanning my hard drive....
So...has anyone had experience with it? Does it work well? Will I be able to get me files back? Anything else I can do?

EDIT: About writing a check...would if I could...for my files...you bet...

 

this is my point..

hope PC inspector does the job though..

 

Yeah. Its been on 22 minutes for a while now. Um...I have an 80 Gb hard drive. Is this going to take forever (as long as defrag or scandisk)? Should I just restart and tell it to just scan my documents? Can I even do that while running this? Can I do anything else while running it (play a game or something)?
I know I just have to be patient now but I'd do anything to make this experience less terrifying....

 

DO NOTHING!! do not reboot.. don't do ANYTHING that will write to the drive, save the installation of the software because you had no choice. Just let it do what it has to do.. impatience will surely cause you more grief.

 

damn. ok. well how about being online now...is that going to affect it in anyway?

also...I went to 22 lemons...damn...like you know, I can't write checks, but I'll see if I can get any support for this at my school...

edit: I installed file recovery on a zip 250 disk and not on the PC...this isn't going to affect the scan in anyway is it? (still on 22 minutes to go)

also, thanks so much for your help...

edit2: 21 minutes!!!

 

being online.. does write to the drive. I would just leave everything alone and go have some cookies.

I appreciate you taking the time to visit 22lemons.. if you can't help out monitarily, then spreading the word is just as helpful

 

w00t! 90% files saved... it's great...although the files I lost... :'(
when i was checking how many files remained intact it was like counting casualties...
thanks again