Disaster - getting files back after deleting from trash can?

Savvy_Sue

I guess this question may have been asked before, but as you can imagine I'm in a bit of a panic and can't see it having been asked very recently.

So, what happened - I think - was this. I backed up the shared drive at work onto a DVD. Then, to test that it had worked, I looked at what was on the DVD, and dragged the first folder back onto the desktop and opened a file. All hunky dory so far.

Then I deleted the folder from the desktop. THEN - and yes, this is the really stupid bit - I deleted it (and lots of other files) from the trash can as well, because my intention next was to do a big clearout of the original shared drive.

Unfortunately, the folder is now missing from BOTH the DVD and the main drive.

And yes, I do have a previous backup which seems OK, but some of the files in this folder I've managed to delete are updated on an almost daily basis, and I may not have a paper trail.

So, is there a way of getting the folder and its contents back from wherever it's hiding after I deleted it from the trash can? I suspect I am going to cry if there isn't ... or offer my resignation, but regrettably I don't think it will be accepted!

solly_2

Hi Sue,

Is the DVD disc ReWritable? I cannot understand how the folder has been deleted from DVD?

irnbru_2

What about this?

Savvy_Sue

Well thanks peeps, I think I have worked out what's gone wrong. I think that somehow, instead of copying the files, I have been copying a shortcut to the shared drive. AAAAARGH!

Off to try pcinspector ...

Savvy_Sue

Well, no joy so far with pcinspector. Getting the message

An unexpected error has occurred. The software will abort.

Error Code 70.

Error description: permission denied.

Error source: SMR2.

If this persists, etc etc etc.



Any other bright ideas?

intel

Did you install the software as a Administrator on the PC? or have you a limited account...

Savvy_Sue

Ah, could be that. But I'm not sure how to be administrator on the machine that has the shared drive on. I'll have to experiment!

It did retrieve some photos on one attempt, but that's not what I wanted. I might have been using the wrong bit of it at that point. As you can tell, I'm not very technical ...

Savvy_Sue

OK, I AM the administrator on that machine and still no joy ...

Savvy_Sue

This pcinspector thing seems to be looking for stuff on an external drive rather than on the pc itself, although I swear I've downloaded the file recovery program rather than the smart recovery program (for pictures you accidentally delete from your camera).

Getting rather depressed now ...

intel

You have to select the correct Hard Drive to scan first, i.e rescan drives then
highlight the one you want c:\ then click green tick and then next green tick then it will scan.. just make sure you have the correct drive selected..

Its a good tool but a rubbish explanation not very easy to use for a firstimer.

Savvy_Sue

I think I've been downloading the wrong program - you can tell I'm stressed! Fingers crossed ...