Windows 7 Backup and Restore: restore files in Recycler (Win7 Enterprise x64)

It seems like you are facing an issue with recovering files from the Recycle Bin that mysteriously disappeared on your Windows 7 Enterprise Pro x64 laptop. Let's go through the steps to try and recover these files from your backup using Windows 7's built-in Backup and Restore feature. Here's a detailed guide on how you can attempt to recover the Recycle Bin files from your backup: 1. Check Backup Settings: - Go to Control Panel > Backup and Restore. - Verify that you have selected the Recycle Bin ($RecycleBin) to be included in your backups. Ensure that it's checked under "What do you want to back up?" if you haven't done so already. 2. Restore Files: - Go to Control Panel > Backup and Restore > Restore my files. - Browse for the location of your backup. You will typically see the backup listed under "Backup of C:". - Check if the $RecycleBin is visible in the list of folders/files that you can potentially restore. If it is not visible, you might need to explore alternative recovery methods. 3. Alternative Recovery Methods: - If the Recycle Bin isn't showing up in the restore options, you can try other methods to recover your files: - Data Recovery Software: Consider using professional data recovery software that specializes in recovering deleted files. There are various reliable options available like Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or Disk Drill. - Manual Recovery: You can also try to recover deleted files manually by checking other system folders, running a deep scan using recovery software, or seeking assistance from a data recovery service. 4. Hidden Files: - Even though you have enabled "Show hidden files, folders, and drives," some system files may still not appear. In such cases, using dedicated data recovery tools might be necessary. 5. Backup Integrity: - Ensure that your backups are intact and not corrupted by verifying the backup files and the external HDD's health. You can also try restoring other files to confirm the integrity of the backup system. Try these steps and let me know if you encounter any issues during the process or if you need further assistance in recovering your Recycle Bin files.