[ShawnReynolds]

I had a problem on my Windows 8 laptop where it would not load anything once it got to a desktop. I was finally able to do a system restore to it, but after the restore, I lost a lot of my .exe and my image files. I do not know what happened, but most of these files I cannot get again, as I do not remember what they are. If someone can help me so that I can prevent this from happening again I would be grateful.

Thanks,
Vallex Koten

[EDIT:] I meant to say that it was a friend that got it to do the system restore. So I do not know what options he selected. Though I think if it reset it to the factory settings, it would have removed all of the files I created/downloaded.

[RaccoonCity_mybb_import13707]

Hello Vallex Koten.

When you did the Windows 8 restore you probably chose the option of restoring it to factory settings.
I'm pretty sure there is a couple of other options where it can try to repair Windows, but keep your private files.

Unfortunently, you've already removed your files and cannot get them back.
But keep in mind, if anything like this happens again - make sure to read through what's happening!

I don't use Windows though, so I might be wrong.
Related:

[chmod]

It may be possible to use recovery software to get the files back, but bare in mind this is not guaranteed and even if successful most likely wont recover all of the lost data (how much depends on how many write operations have been performed on the drive, so time is a factor)

A quick search revealed this http://pcsupport.about.com/od/filerecove...review.htm which looks like it will do the job although I'm not a Windows user so haven't tested it nor can I vouch for it's effectiveness but looks like it has gotten some good reviews

[mothered]

For future reference, Windows 8/8.1 has what's called a "Refresh your PC" option, which Is available via the "ASO (advanced Startup Options).

The "Refresh" will keep all your files and applications Intact. The "Reset" option (also available via the Recovery environment), will delete everything- much the same as a clean Installation of Windows.
In terms of your deleted files, there are commercially-available tools (like Recuva), that serve their purpose well.

[mothered]

For future reference, Windows 8/8.1 has what's called a "Refresh your PC" option, which Is available via the "ASO (advanced Startup Options).

The "Refresh" will keep all your files and applications Intact. The "Reset" option (also available via the Recovery environment), will delete everything- much the same as a clean Installation of Windows.
In terms of your deleted files, there are commercially-available tools (like Recuva), that serve their purpose well.

[ShawnReynolds]

For future reference, Windows 8/8.1 has what's called a "Refresh your PC" option, which Is available via the "ASO (advanced Startup Options).

The "Refresh" will keep all your files and applications Intact. The "Reset" option (also available via the Recovery environment), will delete everything- much the same as a clean Installation of Windows.
In terms of your deleted files, there are commercially-available tools (like Recuva), that serve their purpose well.

I have tried Recuva, but it does not manage to find the missing files (not like I would know what to look for anyway). I managed to find downloads for most of the important files I lost, but all of my screenshots are lost.

[ShawnReynolds]

For future reference, Windows 8/8.1 has what's called a "Refresh your PC" option, which Is available via the "ASO (advanced Startup Options).

The "Refresh" will keep all your files and applications Intact. The "Reset" option (also available via the Recovery environment), will delete everything- much the same as a clean Installation of Windows.
In terms of your deleted files, there are commercially-available tools (like Recuva), that serve their purpose well.

I have tried Recuva, but it does not manage to find the missing files (not like I would know what to look for anyway). I managed to find downloads for most of the important files I lost, but all of my screenshots are lost.