Windows 7: System Crash

System crashed, I did a "restore computer to it's original settings" from the escape menu.

I clicked to save all my personal files, (videos, documents, etc.) on to my thumb drive. Now that the system is restored, I click to restore the files from the thumb drive and they are no where to be found. I have a "shortcut to system recovery" on my desktop but that shows no personal files I had. It only gives me the basic windows images and such that came with the computer.

Help... My wife had a manuscript on there and I dont want to be dogmeat.

*update*

2 hour on phone with HP support, including remote access to get "Sir, we cannot help you. You must use our paid service "Smart friend" (computer still under warranty). 1 hour on hold with Smart friend 3 minutes of "Sir, sorry nothing I can do for you." and $60.00 later I'm till looking for help.

Sorry you are going through this. We could have helped you copy out your files from unbootable Windows 7 using this method: Copy & Paste - in Windows Recovery Console - Windows 7 Forums

There is really no way to recover your files now that full factory Recovery has been done. You can try a free file recovery scan using Recuva but it may not be intact.

Please check in here with us first next time as we can often help you repair the installation, do the factory recovery or even clean Reinstall Windows 7 - Windows 7 Forums