Your files disappeared? Windows 8.1
Your files disappeared? Windows 8.1
It's possible you made the mistake with CCleaner and lost your files. The program might also clear items from the recycling bin if they become too large, which could have removed them. Consider trying EaseUS instead—it’s not something I’ve used before but I believe it could help. Here’s the link: http://www.easeus.com/datarecoverywizard...-files.htm
The program displays the deleted files, but purchasing the full version is necessary to restore them. That’s frustrating. However, at least I now understand how to recover my documents. EDIT: Assistance needed! I’ve managed to retrieve all missing files. But now I’m stuck—opening a document shows random text. Word files display an error message. The photos appear as PowerPoint files, suggesting they might be corrupted or misplaced. I need guidance to get everything back.
This appears to be a Cryptolock style malware; it scans for specific file types and alters their appearance to mimic screenshots. Usually, it doesn’t delete files, which makes this unusual. If it does contain a small image file inside affected folders, it likely asks for payment to unlock them. Otherwise, the recovery tool might not be able to restore the full data. Another possibility is that user profiles can become corrupted, causing temporary profile changes when logging in with your credentials. Check the C:\Users folder for duplicate folders with your name and explore them to see if documents are missing. If neither explanation fits, a physical inspection or additional details would be needed.
If this were a crypto-lock virus, it would charge you for access... (I suspect he’d recognize the signs since he wouldn’t pay if it were a real threat)
Click on your files folder, select "Restore Previous Version," and bring back an earlier save.
It seems there’s no evidence of corruption in the profile. I wasn’t sure about that initially, but there’s nothing to indicate otherwise. Where exactly is this missing?
Lesson 1: Backup is essential! Windows 8 offers a useful tool called File History. Simply connect your device to a storage, and it not only saves your personal information but also retains previous versions. It can perform backups at various intervals—hours, minutes, or even just a few minutes. This feature efficiently backs up changed data only, allowing you to store large amounts of 5-minute snapshots without consuming excessive space. The process works regardless of whether you're using an SSD or HDD. Additionally, you can schedule regular disk-level backups. I recommend exploring this option further. I've experienced data loss before, so it's wise to start backing up regularly. Returning to your question: Navigate to C:\Users\<YourName>\ and verify the presence of your "Documents" folders. If two are visible, ensure both contain your files. For a single folder, right-click, select Properties, then go to the "Location" tab. A "Restore Default" button will appear—click it to reinstall the folder location. Open the Documents folder and confirm your data is intact. If you don’t see the folder at all, check that Windows hasn't moved it. Make sure the connected drive is properly plugged in and restart your system.