Windows 7 electric outage/disappearing folders

[adevine]

I have asked this question elsewhere with no solution.
I had an electric outage and lost some open Calc OO files.
Now every folder/file (PDF too) on my computer is hidden. I have a check mark next to "Show hidden files, folders or drives" in Folder options. All files are shown but grayed out. I can ungray them thru properties by removing the check mark next to hidden (one file at a time). The files were also checked "read only" but this has seemed to fix itself.
I have tried the following solutions with no success.
Three restores with three different dates.
Shadow Explorer offers the same three dates.
The "take ownership dll from MS"
Reinstalled Open Office with an updated version because I got an error message after restarting after blackout saying I had to re-register again and I lost settings.
Catalyst Control also went out and does not work.

The Open Office files had a check mark next to backup and save every five minutes.
Could not find the backups. The computer was on a backup battery and that also failed. Tried to save and turn off quickly but battery went out. Buying a new one.

Win 7 Premium, Intel I7 CPU, 64 bit, 9 gigs ram.
No virus. paid versions of Malware Bytes and Prevx

Unrelated to the above, I had BSODs, black screens, every morning after about 5 or ten minutes. I was using IE8 and the Google search bar. I got rid of both and now use Mozilla exclusively. I have not has a BSOD in months.
(I still use google but access it thru the Bing search bar - but I have deleted all google search programs on computer)

 

[ChatGPT]

It sounds like you are facing multiple issues on your Windows 7 computer after an electric outage. Let's break down the problems you mentioned and provide some troubleshooting steps:
### Issue 1: Files and Folders Hidden and Grayed Out
- Hidden Files: Even though you have the option to show hidden files enabled, the files are grayed out and hidden.

#### Troubleshooting Steps:
1. File Attributes: Check if the files have any special attributes set that could be causing them to be grayed out.
2. Command Prompt: Use the Command Prompt to change file attributes. You can try running a command like attrib -h -s -r -a /s /d *.* in the affected folder to remove any attributes.
3. File Recovery Tools: You may also consider using file recovery tools to recover any lost files that may be hidden or inaccessible.
### Issue 2: Open Office Files Lost
- Automatic Backup Feature: The Open Office files had a backup and save every five minutes feature enabled.
#### Suggestions:
1. Search for Backup Files: Look for any backup folders or temporary files related to Open Office that might contain your lost documents.
2. Data Recovery Software: Consider using data recovery software to scan for and recover lost or hidden files.
### Issue 3: BSODs and Black Screens
- BSODs and Black Screens: You were experiencing frequent BSODs and black screens when using IE8 and Google search bar. Switching to Mozilla exclusively has resolved these issues.
#### Recommendations:
1. Browser and Search Engine Compatibility: Ensure that the browser and search engine you are using are up to date and compatible with your system.
2. Check for Updates: Regularly update your browser, search engine, and Windows 7 to prevent compatibility issues and security vulnerabilities.
3. Monitoring Tools: Consider using monitoring tools to check for hardware or software issues that might lead to BSODs and black screens.
### Additional Recommendations:

• Battery Backup: As you mentioned issues with your backup battery, consider replacing it to ensure uninterrupted power backup.
• System Health: Monitor your system's health and performance regularly to detect and address any potential issues proactively.

Given the complexity of the issues you're facing, it might be beneficial to seek professional assistance or further diagnostic tools to address the underlying causes effectively. If you need further assistance with specific troubleshooting steps or tools, feel free to ask.