This weekend something very strange happened with my computer which is a Dell computer (I don't remember the model #) about a year and a half old. I decided to remove a couple of programs that are not needed anymore and that basically had nothing to do with the normal operation of my computer. I shut down and later turned back on to discover that everything was gone!! All my photos from my digital camera - gone. All mp3s - gone. Some small videos - gone. Most programs are now corrupted. My daughter's Sim game - gone. I have no idea what happened but thought I'd try a system restore. Each and everytime it would go throught the motions then tell me it could not be restored to that point. I would try a different point each time just hoping to get somewhere. So what's the deal with system restore? Why does that function not work? Am I missing something? I have no idea what happened but I do know that after reinstalling a few programs then shutting down and restarting again - I was back to square one again!! Someone please help!!
System restore??????
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Please click the link below for your operating system to download the TSG SysInfo Utility. Click on "Save File" then double-click the file to run it. Copy and paste the report in your initial post. Windows 7 and later (downloads a file named tsginfo.exe) | Windows XP (downloads a file named SysInfo.exe)
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My question is: what was doing wrong and why did System Restore not restore my computer back to the point before all hell broke loose? The next restore point was roughly a week and a half ago. I tried that one first but after restarting it said it could not be restore to that point. Tried another about a month ago - same thing. I guess I tried 2 or 3 more times before giving up! The biggest problem is that everytime the computer is shut down all my programs are corrupted again and any saved files are suddenly missing. The only error message I get is just as windows is starting up - it says "my profile" is corrupted.
I had just run a virus scan coincidentally after I had deleted those worthless unused programs. The Dell Recover Cd though I have not tried. Will that restore what's missing or fix corrupted files? I wouldn't be quite as concerned except that I'm afraid to reinstall everything and then find it all missing or screwed up again if I turn my computer off again. I can't leave it on forever.
Two simple things to check out
Look in the recycle bin to see if files were deleted by mistake-its easy to restore those.
Check "show hidden files" in case someone inadvertantly hid folders (maybe as a joke)
It sounds like there is a big chunk of MY DOCUMENTS folder missed up.
Look in the recycle bin to see if files were deleted by mistake-its easy to restore those.
Check "show hidden files" in case someone inadvertantly hid folders (maybe as a joke)
It sounds like there is a big chunk of MY DOCUMENTS folder missed up.
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I have not tried this method, so read the whole article first and maybe print out. Back-up important stuff first.blondieb said:
http://www.informationweek.com/windows/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=189400897
As I said, I haven't tried this so I am not recommending, just a suggestion. If you do try, would like to hear feedback.
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Did you remove things through Add/Remove Programs? Or did you delete files and folders? I doubt your personal files are gone. Search the drive for some names of personal files you know should exist. You might find them in a strangely named folder. Your profile is corrupted which is why you're not "seeing" certain programs in the Start Menu or special folder links aren't working such as My Documents or My Pictures.
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