Recovering files after system restore (please help)

I was wondering how you recover files after a system restore. A few months back I had to restore my computer because of a few nasty viruses and worm's. I thought it would have atleast deleted the hard drive or something, but everything is still on my computer. I still have programs on my program list but can't use them, nor can I locate them. But I know there still on here because I only have 86GB out of 143GB left. If someone could please point me in the right direction. Thanks in advanced



Akira

As a PC Technician is: run a recovery program such as Active Undelete, File Scavanger, Revelation etc to retrive personal word documents, spreadsheets, MP3s and assorted crap then back it up onto a CDR. Then format your computer and start again. Reinstall everything and set it all back up - you will be gobsmacked at the speed difference.

Post what software you're running here and we might even be able to get it to run a bit better.

Thanks for the list of file recovery programs, I'll have to try them out tonight. The main things that were lost were photos and music. I'm not to worryed about the programs I've reinstalled the ones I had access to and I'll be getting the others when I travel home this weekend. As for reformating my hard drive I'll leave that to the pro's. I'll probbly get it done once I'm done down here at WyoTech (PA campus). Once again thank you, I'll let you know how it turns out.



Akira

U can also set a restore date in system restore, that may retrieve your stuff, but it may also bring back the nasties. Did you run a search, all files and folders? U can retrieve that way.

Knifeblade, system restore restores system files and system state to a certain time only, it doesn't recover personal files and folders.