Upgrade after computer failure, need to recover old files

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support (More info?)

Try searching for your files through My Computer C:\, but if that
doesn't work you probably formatted yor hard drive. I don't think its
possible to recover files that have been formatted.

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support (More info?)

ProhmQueen wrote:
> Recently the computer crashed, and i couldnt start it normally. i used
> windows ME. after turning the computer on, it went to a blank screen
> and gave me an option to do something. i tried many things and in the
> end just installed windows xp to override the problem. that worked,
> however i have lost all my files. is there some way to get them back?
> this has happened to a friend and i do know there is some way to
> recover some files. does someone know how please?!
> thanks.

Depends on what type of recovery was performed.. Destructive or
non-destructive. If the installation of Windows XP was done including a
"format" - then your chances of recovering your data is slim to none. If it
was non-destructive - your data may exist on the partition as it is and all
you need to do is take ownership of it and copy/move it around to your
liking.

Look in C:\Documents and Settings and see if your old profile directory is
there.. If so, take ownership of it and all sub-folders/files. Then go
exploring.

How to Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421

How to disable simplified sharing & set permissions
on a shared folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/30787

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support (More info?)

ProhmQueen wrote:
> Recently the computer crashed, and i couldnt start it normally. i used
> windows ME. after turning the computer on, it went to a blank screen
> and gave me an option to do something. i tried many things and in the
> end just installed windows xp to override the problem. that worked,
> however i have lost all my files. is there some way to get them back?
> this has happened to a friend and i do know there is some way to
> recover some files. does someone know how please?!

Shenan Stanley wrote:
> Depends on what type of recovery was performed.. Destructive or
> non-destructive. If the installation of Windows XP was done
> including a "format" - then your chances of recovering your data is
> slim to none. If it was non-destructive - your data may exist on the
> partition as it is and all you need to do is take ownership of it and
> copy/move it around to your liking.
>
> Look in C:\Documents and Settings and see if your old profile
> directory is there.. If so, take ownership of it and all
> sub-folders/files. Then go exploring.
>
> How to Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421
>
> How to disable simplified sharing & set permissions
> on a shared folder in Windows XP
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/30787

Gunther wrote:
> I thought the files were stored in C:\My Documents for Windows ME ?

Hmm - yes, you are correct.
In Windows ME, the "My Documents" folder is indeed at the root of the C:
drive.

I'm still a bit confused by the OPs message.

At some point the "computer crashed" --> at that time Windows ME is
mentioned as the OS.
Then, the OP decided to install Windows XP to remedy their problem (not the
best way to fix a crash, but..)

What is unclear is HOW they installed Windows XP.. They mention it being an
"upgrade" install - but it is possible they did a clean install as well.
Only the OP can clear that one up.

If the OP did a clean install - *poof* - everything is gone. No chance in
recovering the files.
If the OP managed to do a parallel/upgrade install - there is a possibility
the "My Documents" folder is still located on their C:\ drive and they can
access the files there.

Good catch!

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support (More info?)

Greetings,

Active@ Undelete software is DOS compatible, so you can use it to
recover valuable files. It posses really great recover methods, so it
is your best chance to restore
http://www.active-undelete.com