Windows 7 Windows 7 Disappearing Files/Settings Issue

[beastmaster]

I've just bought a new PC last friday. I installed and copied tons of stuff from my old PC over. I have a habit of keeping everything on my desktop. However, today, after a virus scan, i restarted my PC. It prompted me to "install Windows 7" weird eh? Anyway, after i plugged in all information, it asked me to create a user. I just put my name. So after I'm logged in, i log off and switch over to "Administrator" (Using this method Link Removed) where all of my stuff is SUPPOSED to be at. However, all of my desktop files and settings are gone. my Windows Live Messenger did not have any saved names, nor did my AIM client have any saved screen names. It's as if i've never signed onto this user account before.

So I go to My Computer and check the harddrive space. the Space is indeed still used, as in the files are STILL on the computer, or should be.. Is there a way of recovering the files? What path might Windows have moved it into?

I am under the suspicion that when I was prompted to install Windows 7 again, It overwrote my "Administrator" account possibly? What doesn't make sense is that my HD space is still taken so I'm almost certain the files still exist on my computer. I just don't know where they're located at.

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you are experiencing some issues with your files and settings after what appears to be a reinstall or reconfiguration of your Windows 7 operating system. Here are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially recover your missing files: 1. Check User Profiles: - Sometimes, Windows can create a new user profile if it encounters issues. Your original profile may still exist, but it might have been marked as inactive. To check this: - Go to C:\Users\ in File Explorer and see if there are multiple user profiles listed, including your original one. - Look for a folder with your username or the default profile name (like "Administrator") where your files might be stored. 2. Show Hidden Files: - Your files might be hidden. To show hidden files in Windows: - Open File Explorer. - Go to the "View" tab and check the box for "Hidden items" in the "Show/hide" group. 3. Use Search: - Try searching for a specific file or folder that you know was on your desktop: - Press Win + S to open the search bar, then type the name of a file you're missing. 4. Data Recovery Software: - If the above steps don't help, consider using data recovery software like Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or Stellar Data Recovery. These tools can help you scan your hard drive for deleted files and recover them. 5. Windows.old Folder: - When Windows reinstalls, it might create a "Windows.old" folder where your old files are stored. Check for this folder in your C: drive. 6. System Restore: - If you had System Restore enabled before the issue occurred, you might be able to use it to restore your system to a point before the reinstallation. 7. Professional Help: - If you are unable to recover your files on your own, consider seeking professional help from a data recovery specialist. It's essential to act quickly but carefully to avoid overwriting the lost data. If you need further assistance with specific steps, feel free to ask.