restore from c:\mybackup

[murfisto]

Rather than restore my system, which had lost it's ability to reach the
internet due to some driver changes, from XP's 'system restore', i foolishly
re-installed the OS from supplied disks. Only THEN, did i remember the
restore utility. Meanwhile, my earlier OS, i believe, went into c:\my backup.
Can i go back to my earlier OS from the backup and how? Or how can i access
the contents of the backup to restore photo and other files? Thank you for
your help...

 

[Leonard Grey]

Typically, the restore CDs (or restore partition) provided by computer
makers erase the hard disk and reinstall the software that was on the
computer when it left the factory. Everything on the disk is erased and
nothing is backed up.

 

[Daave]

Murfisto, I agree with Leonard that that erasing the contents of your
hard drive is most likely what you did.

Just to be sure, what is the make and model of your PC? And please
describe these "supplied disks" in detail and the specific method you
used. A link to a Web page with those instructions would be most
helpful.

In your "earlier OS," you stated you had a folder called "mybackup" in
your C: directory. Do you have that now, too? If so, there might be
hope.

Either way, you now have learned first-hand the need to regularly backup
your data.

 

[murfisto]

Daave, thanks for the quick response. in answer to your questions: My desktop
is a gateway media center #5084 running xp media center ed.2005. when
inserting the operating system disc, it asks if you wish to reinstall the OS
with formatting, or to save contents to c:\mybackup (which i chose). in
theory, somewhere on my C drive are the contents/files/even to OS from the
previous installation. I specify 'in theory' because i have no idea how to
retrieve any of it. the disc is labeled: operating system disc for microsoft
windows xp dedia center edition 2005. whaddaya think?

 

[murfisto]

Oh yes, my C drive shows a file named 'mybackup'. m

 

[John John - MVP]

Take ownership of the files and folder and you will be able to access
the contents:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421
How to take ownership of a file or a folder in Windows XP

John

 

[Daave]

You need to consult your User's Guide for Gateway's specific
instructions. If you don't have a hard copy, go this page and enter your
Serial Number. Eventually you should be able to locate your User's Guide
that way. If you are able to find the guide but still have questions,
post a link to the guide so we can take a look.