No previous restore points.
I tried the hidden files thing to no avail.
Still can not find it!
But, here is the strange thing;
If I enter ' cd \programdata ' in the command prompt the file shows........
I can then also enter ' dir ' and it will show all contents........
SOOOOOO......... Where the heck is it hiding???????????
Try Recuva:
Recuva - Undelete, Unerase, File and Disk Recovery - Free Download
And search for "ProgramData".
If it was deleted, I can't imaging how the OS is still functioning.
You could also try searching for it using "Everything".
Tried Recuva
WOW! That's a lot of files to go through!
But there is nothing that is just C:\ProgramData
There are some old files from that folder though.
You clearly have the files and data there if a "dir" command is showing them. Now, as to why explorer is hiding them, I'm not sure. Are you currently running an antivirus solution? If so, have you done a scan recently?
I am having a very similar issue. On the left side of the window explorer i also have lost the Program data folder, along with the main Users folder. I have been working at it for weeks now. I first tried to show hidden folders which at that time made the missing folders appear.... fixed right??? no.... they disappeared after a restart. Tried the folder option again no luck this time. I can access these folders by typing c:\users in the top explorer bar. If i do that the window pops up with the other folders in the users folder and i can access all those files. Same with the Program data folder. They are there but not listed on the left side. Now I have been battling some maleware (widgi toolbar, application updater, and some others) I scanned and scanned and uninstalled numerous programs, and files. Until it was all gone except the youtube downloader folder that had the last widgi file in it. I deleted and uninstalled any related programs and whala users and all other missing folders reappeared. Yah fixed it........... not. after restart they went missing again. All files i had deleted and programs uninstalled were still gone nothing reemerged. but the folders are still missing. I am also having an issue with the credential manager. while logged in as admin it wont open states its not responding and restarts. works ok on a none admn login. Restarted in safe mode no networking same problem. I was about ready to reinstall but found this thread. Maybe there is a fix. Sorry for the lengthy post but wanted to give all the details and hopefully this fills in some gaps and maybe someone can help.
Thanks
Matt
P.S. software used so far
malewarebytes
avast
spybot SD
spyhunter
ESET online scanner
Last edited by kach474; 03 Feb 2012 at 06:50. Reason: additional info
I have Norton 360 running and have a copy of Malwarebytes.
I ran scans with both, they turned up some stuff,
But still no programdata!
If I was you I would replace Norton with MSE or avast.
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