Accidentally deleted Downloads Folder, can't find new downloaded files

007Neon · 10 Oct 2011

Hello

I recently sent my laptop to HP for a fan repair and before I sent it off I accidentally deleted my Downloads folder and then cleared out my recycling bin. Well, I got my laptop back today and went to download a few files. After doing so, I realized that I can't find those downloaded files.

I have no idea where those files went. They were .rar and ZIP files and I can't seem to locate them. Does anybody know how I can find those downloaded files (where they might have ended up with the Downloads folder gone) and how I can restore my Downloads folder?

Thanks

Jacee · 10 Oct 2011

Have you looked in C:\Downloads ?

Also, look here User Folders - Restore Default Location

007Neon · 10 Oct 2011

Jacee said:

Have you looked in C:\Downloads ?

Also, look here User Folders - Restore Default Location

Thanks for the help. I couldn't find the files in C:/Downloads, but simply creating a new "Downloads" file, restarting my laptop and downloading those files again seemed to be working. Judging from my free space in C: the files seem to have just disappeared.

Corazon · 10 Oct 2011

You did say that you accidentally deleted the folder and then emptied your Recycle Bin...I'm not really sure why you're so surprised it's gone?
But I'm glad nothing was lost forever and you're back in business. :)

SundRance · 10 Oct 2011

Usually, the download folder is under your USER NAME: C:\Users\USER NAME\Downloads. If you select the parent folder, your user name folder, right-click and select Properties and see if any previous versions are available. chances are there is a shadow copy available. You can restore the parent folder without restoring the whole system.

Another option is Piriform's 'Recuva'. Glad you got everything back and you're all set, I offer these solutions for future reference.

Piriform - Products

Best Wishes,
Rªnce

karlsnooks · 10 Oct 2011

007,
Every user has their own Downloads location.

True, one could create a C:\Downloads folder and then make that the default location for your own downloads. This is NOT recommended.

On the start meu, the right-side thereof, directly below your icon, there is probably an entry showing the name of your account.

Right-click on that name and choose Open.

You will see a list of your user folders and one to them will be Downloads.

I more suspect that the problem is that you told some program or browser to download files but specified an unusual location for the downloads.

MilesAhead · 10 Oct 2011

If you have any restore points you can look with this program:

ShadowExplorer.com - About

It's free. If you don't find your downloads then you may have to download again. It's a good idea to get some external drive or docking station with Sata drive so you can easily make backup copies. Also now and then I burn a DVD with downloads over a certain age, then delete them. If you have something rare you can't replace then make a copy to a separate folder. But most stuff, if you can download it you can probably find it again. If the software is obsolete but works well for you search around. Many times you can find favorite old applications on public college FTP servers.

Another good source is
Download Old Versions of Windows Software

kamransr · 05 Nov 2012

I used the option one and it worked for me.Thank you very much , you are a life saver :)

neil89 · 03 Nov 2018

There are many software available out there. But you can restore it first then go for the next step. well it's nice that you are back.