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Corrupt Local Profile Files lost

Hi,

I logged into my computer this morning as I normally do (username & Password Windows XP)
It viewed me as a new user and did not pull up my local profile. I have seen this happen in the past. It is usually just a corrupt profile. I renamed my old corrupt file so I could create a new profile and rebuild. All of my data was still there in my renamed profile.

I restarted my computer to start rebuilding a new profile and now I can't find my old renamed file or any of the files in it. I do a lot of video editing so there must by GIGS of videos in "my videos" folder and they are all gone.

I tried searching for file names, files modified everything is gone.

Any ideas?

johnb6767

Try logging in as another user, and viewing the file structure....

Does the drive's free space show as you would expect it to, with the amount of data you have?

start>run>cmd

set

Does the set command reveal you as a different profile, in the USERPROFILE value? eg "C:\Docs&Set\Userid.PCName"

If so, see if you can see your files in the old one in a Command Prompt.... Maybe even "attrib -h -s -r" the old profile folder....

Bryon H

install this:
http://foldersize.sourceforge.net/

then add the 'folder size' colum in c:\... (it's easy, instructions in the link)
let it add up all the subfolders, and start drilling down to where the gb's are at... and you'll find it.

you might want to tools>folder options > view > show hidden/system, dont hide anything

jdolan2587

ASKER

I may have made a big mistake. I put my renamed profile folder in a folder called temp. I commonly create these folders so I though nothing of it. Is it possible that the contents of the folder was dumped? Was it one of those windows temporary folders?

Bryon H

It depends where the temp folder was at, and if you ran any disk cleanup utilities...

If it still exists, my link above will lead you to it

If it's deleted, you're looking at disk recovery software...

jdolan2587

ASKER

Looks like I am in data recovery mode. I starting using a piece of software and it finds most of the files and can recover them but when I try to open the pictures or play the videos, it doesn't work. It says this file type is not recognized or something similar?

Any thoughts?

johnb6767

Might be too damaged.... What recovery app?

jdolan2587

ASKER

Right now I am using Nucleus software.
http://www.windowsdatarecovery.com/

Any better suggestions? The data size seems to be correct for the file but most will not open.

Bryon H

after you recover them, do they have file extentions/types? like, does an excel file have the excel icon? what error do you get when you try to open them?

jdolan2587

ASKER

All files are recognized as they originally were. They all have the correct extension and icon. The file size also seems accurate.

If I remember correctly some of the messages I get are...
for MS office files it says the file may be missing parts or it may be corrupted
for video files it says can't open or does not recognize the file format. I can get more specific info when I return to work on Monday.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Bryon H

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jdolan2587

ASKER

I think it is being recovered on the same drive. I will either try another piece of recovery software or live without the data. I have been able to recreate or gather my files from other locations at this point.

Thanks for all of your help.