Autogeeks/Computer Geeks - Help!

ChrisJ said:
System restore does not do documents as stated before...

If gone use recuva to get them back
Click to expand...


While not its designed use, system restore will restore user files in certain situations, that is, if the file was recently moved from one directory to another. If the file was permanently deleted then system restore would not be able to recover it.
 
stephent007 said:
While not its designed use, system restore will restore user files in certain situations, that is, if the file was recently moved from one directory to another. If the file was permanently deleted then system restore would not be able to recover it.
Click to expand...

Unless it was in the system folder it will not. System Restore does just like it says; its for the system files and will not touch the user files.
 
I was 99% positive that System Restore did not bring back user files but since I haven't actually needed to do a system restore ever I really didn't have any direct experience with it. So, in AutoGeek tradition I decided to do a test...

I started by creating 2 folders on my desktop "AGO A" & 'AGO B." I then copied a random picture into AGO A. At this point I created a restore point. Then I rebooted. I then cut and pasted the picture into AGO B. Then I deleted the picture and all folders.

That was a few days ago when this thread started. Today I restored my computer using the restore point that I previously created.

Here is the message I got: "System Restore completed successfully. The system has been restored to 11/5/2012 8:20:55 PM. Your documents have not been affected."

The files were not restored.
 
I am a tech and can tell you if you do a system restore it leaves your personal files in the state they were before you performed the system restore. If they are not in the flash drive or the recycle bin or your desktop then they may have been deleted. You can try recovering them using programs found on the web or send your pc/hard drive into a data recovery center.
 
ChrisJ said:
Unless it was in the system folder it will not. System Restore does just like it says; its for the system files and will not touch the user files.
Click to expand...

System Restore does much more than that. System restore can restore your computer to a point before a program was installed or a point before a program was uninstalled. Programs are user files, stored in the "program files/program files x86" folders.
 
stephent007 said:
System Restore does much more than that. System restore can restore your computer to a point before a program was installed or a point before a program was uninstalled. Programs are user files, stored in the "program files/program files x86" folders.
Click to expand...

Which are system files not user files...User files are located under the "C:\Users" on win 7 and "C:\Documents and Settings" on XP...

System restore by definition is: Straight From Microsoft

- System Restore can return your PC's system files and programs to a time when everything was working fine, potentially preventing hours of troubleshooting headaches. It won't affect your documents, pictures, or other data.

- System Restore affects Windows system files, programs, and registry settings. It can also make changes to scripts, batch files, and other types of executable files on your computer.

- System Restore uses restore points to return your system files and settings to an earlier point in time, without affecting personal files.

A means of restoring personal data would be a System Backup which is:

- You can create a system image, which contains a copy of Windows and copies of your programs, system settings, and files. The system image is then stored in a separate location from the original programs, settings, and files. You can use this image to restore the contents of your computer if your hard disk or entire computer ever stops working.

You can do this with the built in software that MS adds or use bartpe, ghost, WUBC, and a few others that are out there...Myself I keep an image of my systems on my home server running 2k8r2...I am a nerd that runs roaming profiles, active directory, 8tb server and much more out of my home so I can assure you I know what I am talking about...Along with my MCSE, MCITP, CCNA, CCENT and many other certs that I possess from doing this for the past 10 years...

System Restore DOES NOT touch user files ONLY system files...

Please don't feel that I am trying to scoff at you or throw my weight around I just want factual correct information out there so people will not have misplaced hopes of file recovery...
 
Also you can search your drive using wildcards if need be that might give ya some clue as to where they went...

If you can remember what format the pictures were in you can use "*.bmp" and just substitute the file extension that need to find and do a search on the drive if that doesn't return the files you want do a deep search to include hidden files and folders...While this will give you a stupid amount of files you can sift through them...If its what it takes to recover them...
 
worst comes to worst you can send the drive to a data recovery service. Since there was no physical damage to the drive they will probably be able to get them all back. Even deleted files are not really fully deleted.
You will have to pay for it, but if the data is valuable enough it may be worth it.

Start with an undelete program.
16 Free File Recovery Software Programs (Free Undelete Software)

Go from there.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top