Computer help forum: Lost files even after back up

Hello Kees,

Thank you for your prompt reply! I'm using HP laptop, G32. I used the backup at control panel system & security. No, I did not check if my files and school documents were on the external disk because it took 3.5-4 hours to back up. If it did not back up my files, then why did it take so long? I do not have much software installed on my laptop (Restoring did not get my software back either). And when I check the backup folder, it's larger than 100 GB?

I did a system recovery. Mine is Windows 7. I have removed my external disk.

I restored my files using control panel system & security. Basic default files are those files that are not mine, they came with the computer. For example, those flower pictures etc. Actually, they said some files cannot be retrieved when I restore them. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/shatteredsouls/cannotberestored_zpsebb0a9fe.jpg

The free recovery program i used is Recuva. It just offers to recover different kinds of files such as pictures, music, documents etc. Then they will ask where were the files located and proceed to scan. I manage to get a few docs/pdfs but I hope to get everything back.

I had to lookup the control panel system and security. But http://www.magnesiummedia.com/windows7/2011/02/the-windows-7-control-panel-explained-system-and-security/ is clear about it.

This seems another sad story about Windows backup and restore. Nobody uses it, and those who do seem to regret it. Anyway, clearly your next step is to view at the logfile as your screenprint tells. What does it say?

Kees

I thought everybody uses control panel system and security to back up their files? So there are programs to install on your computer and backup files? I think it's my own fault too, I should have copy another copy of my files in my external disk just in case the backup didn't do its job. I thought when I do backup on C drive, they're suppose to capture everything in C drive. -.-

The Logfile has a lot of these:
Restore failed to restore the file: C:\Users\User\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Options.ini. Error:The file exists. (0x80070050)

Do you think there's a chance of restoring all my files?

If I believe that message (and why shouldn't I), it exists on your c-drive. It could be the system recovery didn't delete it. Some do, some don't. I can't check. You can.

About programs to backup your files. How about (My) Computer or Windows Explorer. Very well suited to copy all your files to another medium (just copy/paste or drag and drop). Not suited, indeed, for incremental backup (changed files only, although it works for new files). But there are many more intelligent programs. But it would go too far to tell all about those now. Getting your files back is more important.

Kees

I just went through the long logfile and realise they are files already in C drive, not those that are... lost. :/

I'm afraid I cannot get those files back anymore because the free recovery program (recuva) did a scanning and state that most files have been overwritten and so cannot be recovered. But... I don't get why would the files be overwritten? I didn't do anything to my external disk. And I don't think there's reverse reformat right? Hahaha!

Yeah, next time I'll just... copy & paste my files instead of doing a whole back up.

what information was offered if you clicked on the "Why can't I find my restored files?" As it hints they may have been restored to a different location on the drive - especially files you think are stored in a library which might actually be in a completely different directory or even drive.

Try searching your computer for the files by name.

Hello!

I did but couldn't find those files in my computer.

They only have one answer so far and as they spam, you shouldn't place any trust in this.
Bob