Windows XP Hidden files?

Question

I have downloaded and installed another version of windows on my laptop (wanted media centre edition) - but all my stuff disappeared on my computer - i found all the folders shoing all the programs i have previously install - but all my music and video downloads have disappeared - they were in My Documents folder - does installing a newer version of windows over another wipe all my documents and keep the program files - or are they hidden away somewhere.

Is it possible that 2 versions of windows exist on my laptop

Can anyone help me please !!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

chances are you've wiped it, sorry

Answer 2

I just did this recently from xp to vista, didn't lose any of my files, but it did rearrange them quite drastically. Do you have the option to see hidden folders enabled in your folder options (go to your control panel, open up folder options, click on view, look for the option that has hidden files and folders an click on "show hidden files & folders". Then check to see if you can see them, if that doesn't work, reboot your computer and hit f8 on your startup screen (before it goes to windows), that will show the different ways you can start windows, and if you have windows installed twice it will let you choose which one to start. I have 2 versions of windows on my computer, on one hard drive i got vista on the other i got xp and thats what i do in order to choose between the 2

Answer 3

It is possible to install 2 versions of windows. However, you might have done a fresh install and not an upgrade

Answer 4

Odds are they are still there...look here:



C:\Documents and Settings



Then open the folder that corresponds to your old log in name



Then open the my documents in that folder.



This works only as long as you installed the fresh copy over the old copy without formatting or deleting partitions!





hope this helps

Answer 5

Hidden audio files... best way to find any files, hidden or not, is to do a search off the start menu. you can specify what type of files to search for, and also under advanced options you can specify to look for hidden files or not. good luck.

Answer 6

You have to back the old stuff up first before installing a new OS, it won't just re-write parts and leave other parts....oops!

Answer 7

when you reinstall a fresh new windows. your pc will look like new! so before you reinstall windows you must always back up your files on cd then put them back on your new installed windows.