Lost a lot of files, need help getting them back

ThePhoenix · 28 May 2016

I was trying to get rid of a ghost file on my desktop through the rmdir command in Command Prompt, but I made a stupid mistake and accidentally deleted all the files on my desktop, which I then tried to rectify with a system restore, only to discover that I barely got any of the files back. I've lost literal years worth of content because of my mistake, and I'm desperate to get it back. I've tried a few different file restoration programs, but haven't been able to get back anything from my desktop. I need a solution as quickly as possible.

cereberus · 28 May 2016

If programs like recuva etc do not work, you are probably goosed unless you are prepared to pay for very expensive specialist services.

I know it is probably too late now, but please learn to backup data. You should do this anyway as there is always some chance the hdd will fail EVEN if brand new.

Best option is to buy an external usb hard drive.

SonicBlue · 28 May 2016

da Cloud and flash drives are super cheap now.

ThePhoenix · 28 May 2016

cereberus said:

If programs like recuva etc do not work, you are probably goosed unless you are prepared to pay for very expensive specialist services.

I just tried Recuva and it was able to display a large portion of the files that I lost, but several are overwritten and some that I know were deleted aren't listed. Should I just proceed with the recovery or is there something else that might be able to bring back more of my files?

Winuser · 28 May 2016

ThePhoenix said:

I just tried Recuva and it was able to display a large portion of the files that I lost, but several are overwritten and some that I know were deleted aren't listed. Should I just proceed with the recovery or is there something else that might be able to bring back more of my files?

Recover them to a different drive. you probably overwrote a few files when you installed your recovery program.

Winuser · 28 May 2016

I know it's to late do do it now but this is a example of why you should always have backups of important files.

Pantz · 28 May 2016

Hello Guys and Gals, i learnt my lesson a few years ago, now i always have at least 2 Images on a EXT HD, it saved my A$$ this past week.

Thanks

ThePhoenix · 28 May 2016

To all those telling me to make backups, I get it. I'm definitely going to be more careful in the future, but making backups isn't going to help me right now. I need a way to get back the files that I've already lost.

f14tomcat · 28 May 2016

ThePhoenix... don't shoot the messenger. If you do not have a backup, do what Winuser said in post #5. Do not do much more until you do. The more you try to mess with it, the more likely you will lose more files. If you do not have an ext drive of some kind, make that your first errand for the morning. You can recover them to a USB thumb drive. Run down to Staples, Best Buy, Radio Shack, anywhere you can pick one up. Make your best guess at the size, but 32GB should be more than adequate. Do your best to get back what you can, and accept the fact you may not get them all. You can't recover something that is simply not there or anywhere else.

No sermons on backups, you got the point.

If you would like advice on backup methods later, post again.

Right now... stop the bleeding.

TC

ThePhoenix · 28 May 2016

While using Recuva, I discovered what were referred to as "shadow copies" of my C drive, and there's one in particular that seems to list all of the files that were accidentally deleted. Is it possible to use a shadow copy to restore everything I lost?