[zmn1]

Hello everyone, I have a really weird problem. Basically 2 days ago I ran a virus scan with Avast Build 4.8.1335 on my windows XP computer, I foolishly clicked "delete files" instead of just quarantining because I was completely ignorant as to the problems which could occur, basically a Folder of mine w/ a ton of pics and vids got deleted somehow as a result.

There was probably ~200GB of content in it, when I search for files from within the folder nothing comes up in Windows Search, yet my HD space is still the same and 200GB are not now free!

So next I tried to do a system restore, it ran but said it could not restore, I tried a bunch of points, none worked, I tried to disable Avast Self-Defense Module and do my system restore in safe mode, even that gave the same error!

I tried to run several recover files programs as well and they showed up with no related files!

So basically I am in a bit of a conundrum, a huge 200GB folder was seemingly deleted by avast and yet no space cleared up on my HD, yet when I search for the files in it nothing comes up in windows!

I do not know what to try next! I do have system restore points but I have yet to be able to get them to work! If anyone can help it would be very much appreciated!

[lawson_jl]

Your are msot likely out of luck for three reasons.
1. System Restore does not back up data files just system files.
2. If Avast did it's job correctly it did a secure erase of the files not just a normal delete.
3. Running system restores and contiuning to use the PC is likely over writing any recoverable data on the PC.

You have two choices to recover data at this point.
1. Try Recuva to recover the files. If they were just deleted normaly then Recuva will find them.
2. Seek the services of a professional data recovery service which will cost at least $600 for a basic recovery from a working drive.

A poster in another forum has the signature "Data you don't have at least 2 copies of is data you don't care about." Most people don't learn this leasson soon enough.

[casper0191]

Well if it's deleted you can't retrieve it. You might want to try number1 answer but i think it won't bee hundred percent that you'll recover the files you wanted.

[zmn1]

thanks for the help guys it's ok I figured it all out, it just moved the files to another location which I eventually found even though it didn't show up w/ windows search, grrrr! I learned my lesson tho for sure another HD is on the way!

[casper0191]

Great then Well keep it safe next time.