Windows 7: Documents reappearing using Seagate External

Et al,



I utilize Windows7 Home Premium 32-bit and a 500gb SeaGate FreeAgent external. Similarly, I have on numerous occassion deleted files and done some cleaning-up (primarily 'My Documents') to no real success because they all come back after having attached my external.

NOTE: I do not perform a Back-up /or/ Sync anything. I simply connect my external via USB in order to locate a saved document already on the external from previous. This is all I do and at some point (not sure if it is after the next reboot or when exactly) but, all deleted docs reappear.

I wanted to let this be known to all of you as previous posts had mentioned back-up and/or syncing, however, I wanted to clarify that I do not do EITHER of these and have the same problem. STILL NO SOLUTION

I would try a backup software other than Seagate's. Unfortunately, Windows Backup and Restore is only available in Windows 7 Pro and above. There are free versions of most backup/imaging software, but I don't know of any that will back up files (they will back up entire partitions). Their paid versions, however, do.

Backing up the entire partition is a great way to backup, IMO if you have the disk space (an external drive is perfect). Here is a free version of an oft recommended imaging program:

Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download

If you wish to back up at the file level, you will need to pay for a full version of Macrium or another software. I use and am happy with Acronis True Image 2011.

Easy solution. Use CCleaner to securely overwrite the recycle bin, and as stated make sure you are deleting the actual file, not a pointer to them. CCleaner link in my sig.

After doing this if the files reappear, then you didn't delete the file.

I have 2 Seagate freeagent goflex drives. They come with Memo backup software preinstalled that automatically syncs the drive. It is the worse program I have ever seen. I reformatted both drives to remove it. I use Microsoft Synctoy to backup user folders, and it works well. I use Free Macrium to image.