Disappearing files from HD.. help!

Matrixhasu77

Matrixhasu77

2,491
Ok, this is really strange to me... Today I noticed that one of my installed programs is completely missing from my harddrive. The folder remains, yet all the files associated with that program are now gone. I never removed the said program using add/remove. My question is, can I use System Restore or some other program to recover these lost files? Its as if Windows XP didn't like the program and barfed it out of its stomach. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
 
I run Zonealarm. And the files disappearing leads me to believe they were corrupted. Please don't use explicatives in your posts Belda, it's rather rude.
 
First off, the "Hacker" explination is the funniest thing I've heard all day. No, a Hacker did not delete your files. It would help if you told us what program it was. You might have installed it incorrectly or you're looking in the wrong folder. System Restore might work, but Windows doesn't delete files just because it feels like it.
 
System Restore might work, but you may lose other files by using it. I'd say just reinstall the program if you can.

<- Risingson77, who formatted his HDD and reinstalled Windows XP yesterday. :)
 
Yeah it probably would have helped. It was the original Unreal Tournament which I hardly play anyway since I got UT2003. I probably will reinstall it, but its probably not worth it since I have the sequel. And yes, I know a hacker didn't delete the files. I installed it probably back in January, but I moved it to a different folder thus breaking file association. What irks me the most about this is there was still a registry entry for the program, so I know I didn't delete the files myself. It's not that big of a deal, Its just something that I know shouldn't have occured.
 
Originally posted by Matrixhasu77
Ok, this is really strange to me... Today I noticed that one of my installed programs is completely missing from my harddrive. The folder remains, yet all the files associated with that program are now gone. I never removed the said program using add/remove. My question is, can I use System Restore or some other program to recover these lost files? Its as if Windows XP didn't like the program and barfed it out of its stomach. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
No you cant, the restore option is for windows files
 
Moving files manually can cause all kinds of trouble. Especially since the registry will be looking in the wrong folders. You're definitely better off uninstalling and reinstalling if you want to move game files.
 
Well, if you deleted the files manually, they would still show up in the registry. What you need to do to get them OUT of the regestry is difficult now. I've done that soo many times with one of my computers, that I'm thinking about just reformatting the hard drives and reinstalling Windows. Then my regestry will be clean and hopefully it will boot up faster. Maybe I can also get rid of LiteStep then, that thing is starting to be a pain in the butt since I can't restore Explorer(Not the application, the shell)
 
sounds like a possible virus or even those little grelims in the tower. :lol: I would strongly suggest against using system restore becuase like stated earlier it only replaces system files, second if you installed anything else after the last restore save point, that installed program will not work, and third you would give yourself a major splitting head-ache. A hacker is possible, but unlikely because a hacker will not remove a program, they would screw around with it such as - taking the AOL "you've got mail" wave file and cahnging it to "you've got a fat c@#k in you mouth". Plus if your running XP, if I remember correctly, there is a way to check what systems have logged onto your computer and give you an IP address. Then again the hacker could be a better hacker which in turn he or she would never have gotten into your computer because iot really would not be worth his or her time. Sounds either like a virus or a 'yes' clicker to me.
 
Originally posted by rjensen11
Well, if you deleted the files manually, they would still show up in the registry. What you need to do to get them OUT of the regestry is difficult now. I've done that soo many times with one of my computers, that I'm thinking about just reformatting the hard drives and reinstalling Windows. Then my regestry will be clean and hopefully it will boot up faster. Maybe I can also get rid of LiteStep then, that thing is starting to be a pain in the butt since I can't restore Explorer(Not the application, the shell)
Click to expand...
Gotta luv Billy Gates perfect enviroment A.K.A Windows
 
Originally posted by Matrixhasu77
Windows isn't perfect and never will be... and I'll bet neither is Mac Os X for that matter I'm sure.
Click to expand...
Os X does not have near the problems Win does, is much better/stable Enviroment then Windows ever was. Peeps use Windows because they dont want to learn another operating enviroment
 
Originally posted by Masterblaster
Os X does not have near the problems Win does, is much better/stable Enviroment then Windows ever was. Peeps use Windows because they dont want to learn another operating enviroment
Click to expand...
That and the fact that there is more support for Windows than any other operating system.
 
Im using OS X ...When it first came out it had some problems ..But this is to be expected ..As all early adopters will know..

But the beauty of OS X ..Apple sorted the major flaws and gave all it's users a FREE update to solve the problem ..

The same can't be said for windows though (typical gates )

Since i've updated i've had no major problems with my machine except with MS programmes

Im on a mission to rid my machine of all microsoft products as these cause the most problems ..Just Explorer and word to get rid of ..

Then i will be free of microshaft:P
 
Originally posted by Masterblaster
Thats cos Win NEEDS the support
Click to expand...
Early versions of Windows, yes. But Windows 2000 and XP handle their resources a lot better. The only problem I've had with my XP computer is my harddrive failed and thus, the computer wouldn't boot - but I don't think you can blame Windows for that.

And what I meant by support, I meant the majority of programs nowadays are written for Windows and there isn't always a Mac version of the program available.
 
Originally posted by Eddy
Early versions of Windows, yes. But Windows 2000 and XP handle their resources a lot better. The only problem I've had with my XP computer is my harddrive failed and thus, the computer wouldn't boot - but I don't think you can blame Windows for that.

And what I meant by support, I meant the majority of programs nowadays are written for Windows and there isn't always a Mac version of the program available.
Click to expand...
Luckyu, I'm having to do an sys restore on a bi monthly basis
 
I just use Win cuz ya gotta gave it/operating sys to gain acess to the net. Other than that its useless, to me anyways. An it came loaded on the puter, I cant see spending $100 for an operating sys that bites. Rather spend that money on GT4, when an if
 
I never said I didn't like Os X. I have used it briefly and if I had the cash to spend, I'd buy a brand new Power Mac. I grew up on macs, and will always be a mac user. The only reason I am on a pc is because they are simply more affordable and there is a bigger development community.
 

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