So the title says it all. My documents folder got pinned to the desktop accidentally, and I deleted it from the desktop thinking it would only delete the shortcut. On top of that I am almost OCD about clearing the recycle bin.(anyone else like this?) I did not realize that all my important word files, excel files, and html files I had saved had been deleted until early this morning. I am running Vista on this latop, and if you need the specs or something let me know. I have been trying to run different programs like "recovermyfiles", "winundelete"...etc. They find files, but not the ones I lost. When I search for the lost files my comp finds them, but I cannot open them.....probably cause they are deleted. Anyway I am only slightly annoyed. I tried to post in a similar thread, but it had been closed due to inactivity. Thank Guys

I may be completely off my rocker here but I thought my documents was just a standardized folder in "C:\documents and settings\(username)\my documents" and that it was just the starting point from CMD and save files 'n such.

EDIT:
My Documents Folder in WinXP

Be Very Careful!!!! Installing new software (including downloading it) could accidentally overwrite some of your data.

I've not had the need to use any of those softwares (especially on vista), so I can only give you general warnings like my first statement. If I have time, I'll see what I can learn. It hurts having a life


Also, As to your 2nd post. Vista changes A LOT of things!! so making assumptions (including mine in the first line) could be deadly.
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Okay give this a try, It's adapated from a thread in the Microsoft forums.

In My Computer (Windows Explorer) go to a hidden folder, so in the address bar, type in:
C:\Users\
Then (here we are in a process of discovery), go into your account. Do you see the folder labeled "Documents"? If yes: GOOD, (If no, Okay go back to C:\Users\)

If yes, Right-Click on "Documents" and chose PROPERTIES (If no, right-click on your user folder)
Chose the tab for PREVIOUS VERSIONS
Chose the date for which you know your documents folders/files were not deleted
Click on the RESTORE button.
Apply / Okay

This SHOULD use the volume shadow copy to go to what was there before.

Try this, and I hope it works. Also, if this works, it should restore your files, and not worry about the overwriting problem that I mentioned in my first post.

everything was good up to "previous versios" tab I dont see that.

That was something I was afraid of. What flavor of Vista?

Here is an excerpt from the MS pages regarding Vista:

D. Domain Join, Group Policy support, Windows Fax and Scan, Encrypting File System (EFS), Shadow Copy, Corporate Roaming, Offline Files and Folders, and Remote Desktop are available in Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate.

If you have one of the Home versions, You will need some software like you were referencing. Try to look for something that will run entirely from RAM, or from a flash drive. But don't install it on your primary data drive. The programs, once they find the items, Should have some command to restore/revive the lost/deleted files. That may take some digging.

home basic
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Okay thanks man. That sux
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Does system restore work?

you can try system restore... but im not sure if it affects documents

it doesn't. It affects Drivers, settings and installed programs. But individual documents are left alone.

Hey thanks again guys! I just figure I can prolly get the data back if I want to shell out some coin to a pro, but I didn't lose anything that was EXTREMELY important. I just lost some word documents, and I have been able to get a few back from teachers and people that I e-mailed. I will try to post some stuff to help others! thanks again