Lost files in My Documents after 2nd WinXP install Please Help!

[Mickee]

I corrupted my WinXP install and could not boot - it was missing hal.dll,
kernel file and many others. I could not repair it using WinXP install CD
because it did not accept my Administrator password. So, I installed a new
version of XP to a new folder (C:\WinXP). I have done this previously in
Win98 and WinNT. I thought I could boot to this new install and at least
recover my data files and may be even replace the old installs system files.
However, when I booted up to this new install, the file structure on the
c-drive seemed to be intact but all my word/excel etc. files under
C:\Documents and Settings\...\My Documents were gone. Note, I did not get an
access denied message. Why would all my data file be gone!!!??? I even tried
to use the DOS command attrib to look for hidden files but could not see
any. Half the system files in the old install were also gone. I copied them
from my new install but am not able to boot up to the old install.

Q. Is there any way at all to get my data files that were in My Documents
folder?

 

[Microsoft]

In the back of my mind I think there is a chance that the Windows re-install
may have renamed your old Documents and Settings folder so try tacking a
good look for thst first.

Alternatively

There a number of free and commecial software packages that can recover
deleted files, however I believe they can only recover files that have not
been over wrtten, so untill you have made your best attept at recovery do as
little as possible with the PC. You find plenty of utlities at www.cnet.com
or http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/collection/0,collid,1295,00.asp

Best regards


Andrew

 

[vern]

Go to windows explorer, Go to Tools--Folder Options, click the view tab.
click "show hidden files and folders", uncheck "hide files extensions of
known type", and uncheck "hide protected system operating files" then hit
the "like current folder" button.
Now got to the C:\Documents and Settings folder and you should see the users
from the previous installation.

 

[Mickee]

I had looked at hidden and system files under "Documents and Settings" as
suggested by vern - the Old User Folders do exist but are all empty of with
empty subfolders.

I am new to WinXP and not very familiar with WinXP encryption. Could these
files still be there but encrypted in some way such that when I log on to
the2nd install, I just cannot see them?

Even when I do a search for *.doc and *.xls on the c:\ drive it comes up
with nothing.

Note that I am unable to boot to the original install - is there anyway to
look at the recycle bin from the original install.

Microsoft - I will try the undelete utilities.

Thanks Guys!

 

[Guest]

Go to windows explorer, Go to Tools--Folder Options, click the view tab.
click "show hidden files and folders", uncheck "hide files extensions of
known type", and uncheck "hide protected system operating files" then hit
the "like current folder" button.
Now got to the C:\Documents and Settings folder and you should see the users
from the previous installation.