Windows 7: Lost data on WD external hard drive

I was using an western digital external hard drive to store (not back up process) images, video, music etc from a windows XP machine. I upgraded to windows 7 machine and could see the files on the wd external hard drive. I then used windows 7 back up facility and now can't see my old files although the memory size indicates they are still there. I've tried Recuva but it just sees the windows 7 back up files and ignores the files I want. I've tried plugging the wd into an xp machine but that only sees the windows 7 back up files. Any suggestions as to how I can see the old files or recover them without paying too much?

Hi and welcome to the forums.

There is a small chance that your files and folders have just hidden themselves. To view hidden folders follow the tutorial at Hidden Files and Folders - Show or Hide.

At the very least this is a good place to start.

If you have any questions feel free to ask; post back with any results.

Oli

Thanks for your prompt help.
I've tried the folder options without success- not sure about using the reg download just in case I get problems with registry- I'm not that confident I'm afraid.

Will this change the registry in any way?
There must a simple way of seeing these files
Thanks

As long as you have a system restore point in place that you've made recently, changing some registry values can't hurt your computer even if you accidentally delete everything.

I would try the registry method and see if it works.

Oli

My guess would be that there is a problem with your MFT - especially since Recuva cannot see the files. They comb thru the MFT to locate e.g. deleted files. You can try TestDisk to fix it.

Thanks guys I'm still looking at any options you can provide, others are saying that windows 7 must have created a partition and so its just getting around this. Recuva for some reason doesn't go into the partition with my files just ignoring them and it does state that. I've tried basic disk management to try and manage partition but didn't work unless there are advanced methods.
Open for any suggestions still and I'll try TestDisk.
Thanks
Trevor

Dear ydoby,

have you check your files are already in your ext hD before you upgrade?

astrajingga

In the property can you check the driver size

Try use searching box,

astrajingga

I'm wary of formatting a drive when the files are there somewhere as I may loose them for good. Thanks for the suggestion and if all else fails then I will try this. I'm trying to find some time to try the other suggestions but will get back- still open for suggestions to add to list. Thanks to all.