System restore

JaidynM · 26 Sep 2011

Well, avast! has had quite a few problems as of late so I recommend switching to something like Malwarebytes used in conjunction with something like Microsoft Security Essentials. MSE offers real-time protection while Malwarebytes is simply for schedueled virus scans and malware removal.

Once again, I recommend against using System Restore as it will do nothing to retrieve your deleted file. Could you also please recount exactly how you deleted the file? Files don't just disappear so I'm curious to know what really happened to it.

PattiChati · 26 Sep 2011

I do have malwarebytes, cCleaner and Avast.
I was trying to fix my toolbar on the right hand side because it was showing everything like computer, network, pictures, all this stuff that wasn't on my desktop. I just wanted what was on my desktop. Someone on here told me how to separate it out so I got just what I wanted. All I can think of is during that process I accidently put it in the trash and then emptied the trash, and somehow all I have left is the shortcut.

PattiChati · 26 Sep 2011

I also notice that I never find Microsoft Office Excel under the Microsoft Office programs. I always have to type it in to find it.

MilesAhead · 26 Sep 2011

PattiChati said:

it is not in the recycle bin and I tried recuva - found the file, but there was nothing in it. It was an excel spreadsheet that I had written to for 4 years and it is gone. I found a blank spreadsheet.

Try this free program:
ShadowExplorer.com - About

If you have Home Premium or better and the file is in a restore point, you can dig it out with that utility without having to do a system restore.

(Of course you'll lose whatever changes you made since that restore point. But it may be something to start with.)

PattiChati · 26 Sep 2011

I am not even sure what I am looking for - should I be looking for the name of the file, because Excel does not show up. I wish they had a "search" button. Thanks for the help, I will continue to work on it. Thanks.

JaidynM · 26 Sep 2011

Try opening Excel navigating to:
File ---> Recent

See if the file you're looking for is in there.

PattiChati · 26 Sep 2011

I FOUND IT............I FOUND IT...................I FOUND IT. OMG milesaheadm, you have no idea the work you have saved me. You are a godsend, thank you so very very much. Oh it is going to be nice to sleep tonight. I have ordered an external hard drive today and I WILL do backups. Oh, thank you so much, this is unbelievable. Thanks.

PattiChati · 26 Sep 2011

Jaidyn - I couldn't see where there was file>recent in Excel. But thank you for ALL your work and help and being so kind to me. You guys are just the greatest. You saved me!

JaidynM · 26 Sep 2011

I'm glad you found it. Remember to backup regularly, just schedule Windows to do it for you.

pincushion · 27 Sep 2011

Glad you managed to find your file, I felt as if I should have had some fingers chopped off for suggesting installing some software which might have over-written any deleted files. One reason to keep your data and OS/Programs completely separate is that this never happens.

If you haven't already uninstalled DS be careful with it as the Wipe button as you might think WILL completely wipe any selected file(s) and the Purge button willl remove the filename from the MFT for any selected deleted file (there are warnings though).

:):)