System restore

[JaidynM]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

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

 

[PattiChati]

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]

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]

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

 

[pincushion]

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).

 

[PattiChati]

As long as I have the backup hard drive plugged in, I can set windows to do an automatic backup without me having to start it?

 

[boohbah]

yes you can set up a shedule for backing up.

now then patty, i hope you are considering backing up the tax folder to, your skydrive . immediately!

 

[PattiChati]

Can't I back it up on the hard drive??

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Can't I back it up on the hard drive??

Yes you can.

You have previously emphasized wanting "simple".

You likely will not find the built-in Windows backup capabilities to be "simple".

There are other free programs that are "simpler". None are "simple". You will have to do some homework and experimentation until you have some confidence and understanding.

I'd suggest that your first task when you get your new external drive installed would be to copy your User folder (from C:\Users) to it with the mouse. That truly is "simple". You might do it once a week. As far as I know, that is where your personal data is.

After that is done, then you can begin to investigate software that can help you with backups--whether that is the built-in Windows tool or something else.

But do the copy with the mouse first--to immediately prevent another catastrophe like you just went through with that Excel file.

 

[PattiChati]

Why do I need software to backup. I noticed on windows there was an automatic backup you could set to do once a week or whatever you wanted? I can't find it, but I have seen it before. Do you know how to do it?

 

[PattiChati]

I found where you go to backup, but there is a big red line saying backup disconnected??? Never saw that before. Should I just wait and see what happens to it when I get my hard drive? I had an usb plugged in trying to save on that and took it out, could that be it?

 

[seavixen32]

The most reliable backup I know of is a simple copy and paste of the personal data files that you choose. Agreed you have to spend a bit of time doing it, but it's virtually foolproof.

Automatic backups of your personal data can and do go wrong.

 

[PattiChati]

So I just drag my user folder to the hard drive - that is all???

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Why do I need software to backup. I noticed on windows there was an automatic backup you could set to do once a week or whatever you wanted? I can't find it, but I have seen it before. Do you know how to do it?

To repeat:

You do NOT need software to back up. You can simply copy stuff to the backup drive with your mouse.

As I previously said, Windows "automatic" backup is not particularly simple to use. It works, but it isn't simple.

Other applications are simpler.

But you don't need any of them. You can just do a manual copy from time to time.

If you want to later use software, OK. But there is a learning curve that you may not want to climb since you want "simple".

Seavixen is right. So-called "automated" backups using software can and do go wrong and take some time to understand.

Do a simple mouse copy for now. Virtually foolproof.

You just have to locate what you need to backup---pictures, bookmarks, Excel files, Word files, video, email, etc.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

So I just drag my user folder to the hard drive - that is all???

That is all unless you have stuff you want to back up that is NOT in your user folder.

Your new external drive will show up in Windows Explorer as D or maybe E and you can drag to it just like it was any other folder. You'll probably have to format it when it arrives.

If you were going to back up on October 5, I would make a folder on the new drive called "Patti backup 100511" or something like that that tells you the date it was done.

And then just drag to it.

Make sure you are copying not moving when you drag.