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diegozuke
11-30-2005, 03:10 PM
Hi, I accidentally deleted a folder that contained tons of files and the did not go to the recycling bin but were deleted completely.
I tried to do a system restore to yesterday's date but all got back was the empty folders (i couldnn't actually recover my files)
I'd really appreciate if someone could tell me if it is possible to restore these files or if they have been lost forever (hopefully not)
Thanks
MikeDell
11-30-2005, 04:05 PM
As long as you didn't write over the disk space they resided on it should be possible. I would use another PC and search for utilities that undelete. Some are freeware/trial periods. The more you use your PC the less chance of recovering them. The reason they didn't go into the recycle bin is you exceeded the limit. Being you did a restore to a previos date i would check for freeware @download.com. I say that because doing a restore you may have overwritten the disk space those files previously resided on.
Paul Komski
11-30-2005, 04:11 PM
There are a number of recovery utilities that should be able to do this. I would first try WinHex from http://www.x-ways.net/winhex/allfeatures.html#DataRecovery

Tools >> Open Disk and then choose the relevant logical drive. Search for the deleted folder by toggling the folder button next to the Access drop down list to show the directory structure. RClick on the folder and choose the Restore Option.

If this data is VITAL to you then dont write anything more to the drive; just turn off the PC and remove the HDD. Then slave it to another operating system and run any recovery from there. The chances of overwriting the deleted files may be small but it is finite and only you know how important your data is to you.
Sylvander
11-30-2005, 04:29 PM
1. How to make a free “Smart Boot Manager” floppy
http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=41498
This makes it easier to boot a chosen drive [particularly the one holding the EBCD].

2. How to make a free EBCD bootable CD
http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=41485
This has a number of useful utilities included including "Image" [for DOS, by Terabyte] & "File Manager".

Another possible alternative that doesn't require you to move the HDD to another PC is to boot from the EBCD and use the "Un-Erase" program included to recover your files.