Windows 7: Upgraded from Vista to Windows 7 - Files are gone!

I've installed the Windows 7 upgrade from Vista onto my C drive - I was careful about making sure I didn't do a custom installation because I wanted to keep my files and programs. After the installation - my programs are still installed, the file folders are still there, but the folders on my D drive are empty. My music, photo, video, and document libraries are completely empty.

Other threads have said to look in the Windows.old folder but there is no Windows.old folder on my computer. I had a few folders with documents on the desktop that are intact - so why would it delete some files but not others? Is there anyway to get my files back?

Use Recuva to recover files http://www.piriform.com/recuva

Welcome to SevenForums, even if the circumstances could be better.

Following will help us:
WIN | type DISKMGMT.MSC | ENTER
WIN is the key with the flag on it.
This will run the Disk Management program and display info re your disks.

ALT SPACEBAR combo | X key
This will maximize the Disk Management display.

WIN | type SNIPPING | ENTER
This will run the "Snipping Tool" whcih allows you to take a picture of part or all of the screen.

Attach the "snip" to your next post.
Screenshot - How to post

Hello jcooke1369, welcome to Seven Forums!





Are you saying that files in another, separate from the C: partition ("on my D drive") are empty?

Files in another partition, separate from the installation partition are not bothered by the install and (I don't use Librarys) I don't believe that Windows 7 will automatically impost 'things' into the Library folders.

Thanks to everyone for helping out!

I'll post some screen shots when I get home later today to help explain...

Bare Food Kid - that's what I'm saying. I had various files spread out on the C & D partitions. Windows 7 was installed on the C:\, the files previously on the C:\ are still there, but the files on the D:\ are not there (the folders are all there, but they are empty).

That makes no sense at all (not pointing a finger) that's not supposed to happen at all.

Run Recuva on D.

Did you touch D during install to C?

Which folders are empty? If you are navigating to your Documents or Music by going to the windows 7 Libraries or start menu they will be empty. By default they look at the documents folder on your C: drive. Go to your start menu and click "Computer", then click your D drive and look in the folders, are your files there? If they are all you have to do is add those folders to your respective libraries or do what i did and move the default folders to your D drive.

Files have been found & restored! Thank you everyone for your help.

It turns out that the files were hiding in a hidden folder located at D:\$INPLACE.~TR

Recuva did not find them (even after a deep scan) but a different program called SalvageData Recovery did find it.

That's good news and thanks for update
welcome to seven forums