My computer had a worm or something, so I had to reinstall the whole OS. My problem? Users started new, and now, even though substantial space is taken up on my drive, I can't access my old files, because that user has been deleted. I've tried file recovery software, both PC Doctor and Recover My Files, but neither can access the folder. The computer says it's empty, but too much space is taken up on my drive for that to be true. Help!
Katia04 I wish you hadn't reinstalled the OS. Most of the time you can remove the worms without doing that. And just so you know. By reinstalling the OS you do not loose the worm all the time! Boot the computer in safe mode and login as administrator. Under administrator you should be able to pull all the files that were under the other user’s name. Open Windows Explorer. Under My Computer select the C: drive. Under Documents and settings you will see a list of all the users on the computer. Drag what files you need recovered to another user or to the administrator. After you do this get Ad-Aware from lavasoft.com and update your anti-virus. Run both of them starting with the Ad-Aware. Empty you temporary internet folder and your cookies folder. Basically you are doing all of this to be sure you are rid of the worm. Be sure to do all of this in safe mode. If you have any problems let me know.
okay, I found my files. Thanks. But now I have another problem: the computer says the file folders are empty, even though there's exactly enough room on the disc for them; I only have 25 gb's left. The attributes are 'read only' but I've tried reapplying them, and the computer won't do anything. Any thoughts?
Well, I am not 100% sure. Download a program called Hijack This. You may find it at hijack-this.org. Run a full system scan and post the log for me to look at. The reason the computer tells you that your files are read only is because you do not have administrative rights. Log in as administrator and you should be able to view the files. Under the C: drive there is and a folder called documents and settings. This folder will contain all the users that have access to your system. You need to make sure not to do anything damaging so I won't give you further instructions until you tell me who your users are. One of them should be your personal. Open that user and then try to view your files. Let me know if you are able to. Also post that Hijack This log for me to look at. [bold]Don’t do anything to your system without me or someone else explaining what to do.[/bold] Good luck and keep me posted.
