lost files

Hi I am new to this site, I have a HP Pavilion 061 and a couple of months ago I could not get the computer to startup. On the blank screen I was given 3 option, I forget the 2 I didn't choose I chose to Recover. Bad choice I guess because I lost ALL My files( I think they are lost because I can't find them). Well that is why I am here. looking at the size of the hard drive and what I have presently on it and what I have left there is a lot of gigs unaccounted for. I was told to talk to you guys and gals. Any help would be really appreciated! PS my kids files where left but not mine.
Mark

 

what is your os (ie - xp or vista)? if you did a non-destructive restoration, you should be ok, it just re-writes your os (leaving your data). if you did a destructive restoration, it formats the h/d, and re-writes the os. i'm guessing (it's just a guess), that since you kids files are entact, you might be ok. have you checked in "C:\Documents and Settings", to see if you see your stuff? - g/l, sos

 

Hi Sorry I am useing windows xp home and I tried windows explorer but I didn't see any.Tks Mark