J
JC2096
This may be a little long-winded, so bare with me.
I have Windows 10. My desktop is set up such that it consisted mostly of folders-inside those folders were shortcuts for programs, a lot of important word documents, etc. Somewhat recently I had an issue where my computer got stuck in a boot loop, and after taking it to local PC technicians discovered that my Windows had been partially corrupted since purchase (June last year) and they fixed the PC. My documents were all safe and still there, it was just programs that had to be reinstalled (the shortcuts for those programs nonetheless remained in the desktop folders).
Since this, I had issues attempting to get a particular VPN program to install properly, despite rebooting the computer several times as instructed. Thinking I would uninstall it and a attempt a re-download and re-installation, last Wednesday, I went into my apps and uninstalled the VPN program. While in apps, I noticed several game programs I thought were unnecessary and proceeded to also uninstall-specifically, Microsoft Solitaire, Farm Heroes Saga, and Kandy Krush...Something. After deleting all four programs I went to my desktop and...noticed the folders seemed empty.
All documents, all program shortcuts, almost everything that was in those folders appeared to have been deleted. Somehow, some way. I immediately performed a Malwarebytes scan to see if I had some kind of virus (with the exception of one program saved specifically to the desktop, only shortcuts were deleted, not the programs themselves). The result was clean. I considered a System Restore, but after realising that didn't affect documents or personal files I believed it to be pointless. I went into my Recycle Bin to see if everything was in there, and all that was in there were a few files deleted at the most recent three days prior. I should also mention that despite declaring after the boot loop issue was fixed that I would backup all my data in future just in case, I never got around to doing so.
In my desperation, I found EaseUS Data Recovery and paid the $130-odd AUD for the pro version. I began combing through the recycle bin (among other locations the program discovered), and found everything deleted from the desktop. I elected to recover things one folder at a time. Starting with one documents folder, I attempted to open the recovered files...only to find them corrupted and, upon actually finding a way to look at them, they appeared to be complete gibberish. I researched for ways to 'repair' the documents, but nothing seemed to work. As of now, I am left with hundred of hours of work unreadable and I do not know if there's a chance this may happen again.
So ultimately, I have two questions:
1) How did the deletion of any of those four programs affect my desktop in any way, and delete all pretty much anything that wasn't nailed down?
2) How can I repair my documents, or bring back their original versions?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Continue reading...
I have Windows 10. My desktop is set up such that it consisted mostly of folders-inside those folders were shortcuts for programs, a lot of important word documents, etc. Somewhat recently I had an issue where my computer got stuck in a boot loop, and after taking it to local PC technicians discovered that my Windows had been partially corrupted since purchase (June last year) and they fixed the PC. My documents were all safe and still there, it was just programs that had to be reinstalled (the shortcuts for those programs nonetheless remained in the desktop folders).
Since this, I had issues attempting to get a particular VPN program to install properly, despite rebooting the computer several times as instructed. Thinking I would uninstall it and a attempt a re-download and re-installation, last Wednesday, I went into my apps and uninstalled the VPN program. While in apps, I noticed several game programs I thought were unnecessary and proceeded to also uninstall-specifically, Microsoft Solitaire, Farm Heroes Saga, and Kandy Krush...Something. After deleting all four programs I went to my desktop and...noticed the folders seemed empty.
All documents, all program shortcuts, almost everything that was in those folders appeared to have been deleted. Somehow, some way. I immediately performed a Malwarebytes scan to see if I had some kind of virus (with the exception of one program saved specifically to the desktop, only shortcuts were deleted, not the programs themselves). The result was clean. I considered a System Restore, but after realising that didn't affect documents or personal files I believed it to be pointless. I went into my Recycle Bin to see if everything was in there, and all that was in there were a few files deleted at the most recent three days prior. I should also mention that despite declaring after the boot loop issue was fixed that I would backup all my data in future just in case, I never got around to doing so.
In my desperation, I found EaseUS Data Recovery and paid the $130-odd AUD for the pro version. I began combing through the recycle bin (among other locations the program discovered), and found everything deleted from the desktop. I elected to recover things one folder at a time. Starting with one documents folder, I attempted to open the recovered files...only to find them corrupted and, upon actually finding a way to look at them, they appeared to be complete gibberish. I researched for ways to 'repair' the documents, but nothing seemed to work. As of now, I am left with hundred of hours of work unreadable and I do not know if there's a chance this may happen again.
So ultimately, I have two questions:
1) How did the deletion of any of those four programs affect my desktop in any way, and delete all pretty much anything that wasn't nailed down?
2) How can I repair my documents, or bring back their original versions?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Continue reading...