I keep deleting folders by accident!

[Axel Slingland]

Me again... I have a serious problem. I have poor vision and I have deleted folders containing important files because I think I have the filename highlighted in the right pane of Windows Explorer, but it's the folder the file is in on the left pane, and it deletes the entire folder. I did this today and deleted my "MP3" folder, which had all of my MP3 files, some movies, assorted images, etc. in it, to the tune of about 70Gb of files. I used the "Previous Versions" option and went back 3 days, but I lost a lot of files that were created in those 3 days.

This kind of thing never happened in previous version of Windows. Is there anything I can do to prevent this, or is this yet another one of those things I am going to have to learn to live with? If I can't prevent the folder from being deleted, is it possible to change the restore point thing to be created daily?

I thank you in advance for any assistance anyone might have...

 

[Barman58]

The first thing I have to suggest is get yourself some form of backup - I know I could delete my whole data drive today and have the complete contents back within an hour or so, (technically i may lose some files as it was last backed up on Thursday)

These days an external hard drive is not a major outlay and with something like Macrium Reflect free it's simple to create a regular image of everything you need to keep safe.

We may not be able to cure Our actual issues but we can lessen the problems caused by them

Edit

There are a few clones of Apple's Time Machine software where every change you make to a file is backed up to an external drive this is seamless and automatic so may be an option for you to mitigate your issues one such is ...

Genie9 (Formerly Genie-soft) | Backup, Restore & Disaster Recovery Solutions for Windows

which advertises a free version for home users, I've not used the software and am not suggesting that this is the only way to go but just as a possible solution

 

[mitchell65]

Have a look and see if your deleted folder is in your Recycle Bin. If so you can just highlight the folder and click "Restore".

 

[Callender]

In addition you can turn the navigation pane off.

How to Turn the Navigation Pane On or Off in Windows 7

It is also possible to add a button to toggle the navigation pane on/ off using third party software but I have not provided details here.

Navigation Pane Off:

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Note: You can use drop down arrows (see green arrows in screenshot) in explorer address bar to navigate folders.

Navigation Pane On:

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Also you should be seeing a confirmation dialog box when deleting files or folders:

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If you are not seeing it - right click Recycle Bin on desktop and choose "Properties"

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[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Do you use check boxes to select items ?
It might be the simplest thing to try :/
Select Items with Check Boxes

 

[Layback Bear]

Hi,
Do you use check boxes to select items ?
It might be the simplest thing to try :/
Select Items with Check Boxes

Worth a try in my opinion.

Jack

 

[Axel Slingland]

Well, I managed to botch my reply... I forgot I open the link and was on a different page, and I accidentally posted my reply Here by mistake. The joke was about something Brink said, but this part was supposed to go here.

So many new things to learn in Windows 7! Thanks guys. I'll let you what if any of this helps...