I was having a problem with Windows and got so pissed off that, without thinking, I immediately re-installed it from the CD. Problem now is that I can't access my old data files. Any ideas on how to get to those files?
2007-03-10 14:59:55 · 2 answers · asked by grimmyTea 6 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
I did a new install which should have overwritten the Windows directory, but my old user account directory (in the Documents and Settings folder) is still there. I just can't open it (access denied).
2007-03-10 15:57:25 · update #1
Whereas, for example, I *can* open the old 'All Users' folder--and it still has its original contents. So, I'm pretty sure my old files are still there, but I can't get to them because they are encrypted. Screwball...I realize now that when the installation program asked me if I wanted to 'upgrade' or do a 'new install', I should have chosen upgrade. I didn't because I was afraid Windows setup would not overwrite the newer system files, which is what I wanted it to do.
2007-03-10 16:42:39 · update #2
If you did a destructive restore back to factory settings, then there is No way to retrieve the old files. They have been deleted from your hard drive I am sorry to say.
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2007-03-10 15:51:03 · answer #1 · answered by Elaine B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not sure
2007-03-18 15:03:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anthony 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋