Backed up files on an external -- restored the files and they were gone

Danika Li

Reputable
Feb 27, 2014
2
0
4,510
Hi guys,

So I have an HP Pavilion dv6 (unsure of full model number) and I recently decided that I wanted Windows 8 on it (was running Windows 7). Before I uninstalled Windows 7 and installed Windows 8, I backed up my programs, programs (x86) and user files onto an external hard drive. I've done this before without any problem, but this time when I loaded the files back in, everything was gone. The folders themselves were there, but all of the documents, and more importantly, the pictures, were all gone. There are a few very random, and old files saved, but about 99% of my documents and picture files are all gone. Is there any way to get them back? Most of these pictures were only on my computer (stupid, I know) and are irreplaceable.
 

Danika Li

Reputable
Feb 27, 2014
2
0
4,510


I'm not computer savvy AT ALL so forgive me if I say something super stupid. What exactly do you mean by writing new things onto the drive? Does this include all things like saving word documents or pictures? Also when we installed the new Windows 8 onto it, it came with its own programs like Skype, Chrome, Internet Explorer, etc. Would these have overwritten the previous data?