Where did my folders and files go?

Question

So I've been using my back-up computer for the past couple of days because my main one is being repaired. The problem occurred yesterday when a suspicious but familiar "anti-virus" program randomly downloaded itself onto my computer."Windows Recovery" was the name and i knew it was one of those fake trojans things right from the start because i've had them before. The problem this time was that after i removed it i noticed a LOT of files were missing. MY whole desktop was gone, my start menu was empty all of the folders within my C: drive are empty except \windows, \programs files\, \users\publics. My other user files are gone and i can't find ANY of my files in my computer. I have one of the folders that is missing on my object dock and it will still open but is empty. My recycle bin was gone too but once i put it back on my desktop i noticed it still had the same files in it, nothing missing, nothing new.

P.S. I have a dell vista laptop if that helps.

Answer 1

Yes, it is technically possible to recover any deleted file (Even those removed from the Recycle Bin) by using recovery software.



Check out the software from link blow.

http://www.asoftech.com/adr/



Good luck!

Answer 2

If you'd been backing up your laptop instead of having abackup computer, you'd be in much better shape ;)



Sounds like a malicious program decided to teach you a lesson for removing it. I know there are "undelete" utilities out there... if this stuff is important to you, do not do anything that writes to your hard disk. A deleted file isn't gone... it's still there, just the entry that tells the file system where it is is gone. I bet you can find something, maybe Norton, that will try to recover? Turn that PC off until you have an answer.



And start doing backups! Check carbonite.com or something.

Answer 3

Your system is now corrupted due to virus so that all the program files and shortcuts are missing so now you have to repair your windows if your system is now virus free. And for your user files you have to use a third party data recovery software like "Kernel for FAT and NTFS" file recovery software which will perform the recovery of your user files very efficiently. For more details about process go to - http://www.filerecoverysoftware.net

Answer 4

At first you should use system restore to restore your system to some earlier state, when all have been working and files was there



If this does not help or you do not to use system restore because of some reason use my too called special folders manager to check if path to desktop, start menu and other folders is correct. If it is not, or path is missing you can use restore option of special folders manager to restore default paths of all user folders. If you are not sure if path it reports are correct, then you can do repair on all folders to make sure they are set correctly. Then you will need to log-off and log-in again and to check if you can see your files again.

You can download special folders manager from here http://www.nezavisim.com/?cat=2&scat=8



Also you must set explorer to show hidden and system files to be sure you see everything on disk



If files are deleted then I think chance to restore them in not very high. If files are deleted right click your drive in windows explorer and then from menu click properties. If there is tab with old states of hdd you can select date to restore files

Answer 5

Your files and folders are still there, they've had their properties changed to "hidden". You are going to have to change Windows folder options to show hidden files. You can then start changing folders back to normal by right clicking on a folder and unchecking the box "hidden"



About the 'Windows Recovery" virus



http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-windows-recovery



Changing folder options to view hidden files



http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial62.html

Answer 6

genuinely sh*t for me to delete a trojan (its risky in spite of the undeniable fact that it relies upon wht form) i take advantage of McAfee additionally such as you and that i admire itt... to delete that considering the fact that that mcafee anit deleteing it i think you acquire the virus while u have been on line surfing the information superhighway... if so then pass and delete your non everlasting itnernet documents, and delete the documents, cookies, and the background... its one hundred% secure to try this... the virus is on your temorary folder which wont be deleted because of the fact the background is using it to maintain it in music...in case you like greater preparation purely digital mail me ok...peace

Answer 7

surgery