Folder C:\ProgramData Missing!

[eZAK]

Hello again,

I have seemed to have misplaced the hidden folder Program Data.

I was moving files in and out then it disappeared.

Other hidden files are there!
I tried searching, looking in list pane, detail pane.......
It does however appear in the registry.

Would someone mind pointing me in the right direction?

 

[FliGi7]

If you didn't delete it, doing a file search on the root C: directory should find it. Do you have any other drives/partitions that it could have accidentally been moved to?

 

[eZAK]

See answers below in RED!

If you didn't delete it,
Don't know! But I don't see it in the recycle bin.
doing a file search on the root C: directory should find it. How?
Do you have any other drives/partitions that it could have accidentally been moved to? I have other drives but I don't see it ther either.

 

[FliGi7]

Just navigate to the root of the C: drive in an explorer window and do a search for it via the search box in the top right corner. The same should be done at the root of the other drives as well. Do you have the Recycle Bin bypassed when you delete files?

 

[eZAK]

Results;

"No Items Match Your Search"

Recycle bin Not bypassed.

 

[FliGi7]

Try doing a system restore to a time previous to this happening where the files disappeared. It might undo some of your work but it's probably better than losing that whole folder.

 

[Jacee]

See if it accidently got hidden ...
Dounload Unhide.exe (http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/grinler/unhide.exe) (by Grinler)
Once the program has been downloaded, double-click on the Unhide.exe icon on your desktop and allow the program to run. This program will remove the +H, or hidden, attribute from all the files on your hard drives. If there are any files that were purposely hidden by you, you will need to hide them again after this tool is run."

 

[FliGi7]

The OP says "other hidden files are there" so I'm assuming he would be seeing that folder if it's hidden as well.

 

[Jacee]

This is a bit different than just unhidding 'hidden files and folders'

 

[FliGi7]

It is rather different. Right now, the OP has the viewing of hidden files and folders enabled, so he can already see them all. Going this route allows the OP the ability to revert back and hide them again, in contrast to using the Unhide tool after which he will have to perform a manual process of going back and adding a hidden attribute to all of the previously hidden files/folders, which will be a royal PITA if he has nothing to tell him what folders and files should still be hidden. That sounds like it would create a ton of unnecessary work when he already has access to seeing hidden files/folders, unless I'm missing something.

 

[eZAK]

Try doing a system restore to a time previous to this happening where the files disappeared. It might undo some of your work but it's probably better than losing that whole folder.

No previous restore points.


I tried the hidden files thing to no avail.
Still can not find it!

But, here is the strange thing;
If I enter ' cd \programdata ' in the command prompt the file shows........
I can then also enter ' dir ' and it will show all contents........

SOOOOOO......... Where the heck is it hiding???????????

 

[Infinite]

Try Recuva:

Recuva - Undelete, Unerase, File and Disk Recovery - Free Download

And search for "ProgramData".

If it was deleted, I can't imaging how the OS is still functioning.

You could also try searching for it using "Everything".

 

[eZAK]

Tried Recuva

WOW! That's a lot of files to go through!

But there is nothing that is just C:\ProgramData
There are some old files from that folder though.

 

[FliGi7]

You clearly have the files and data there if a "dir" command is showing them. Now, as to why explorer is hiding them, I'm not sure. Are you currently running an antivirus solution? If so, have you done a scan recently?

 

[Infinite]

Try running a Malwarebytes Scan.

 

[kach474]

I am having a very similar issue. On the left side of the window explorer i also have lost the Program data folder, along with the main Users folder. I have been working at it for weeks now. I first tried to show hidden folders which at that time made the missing folders appear.... fixed right??? no.... they disappeared after a restart. Tried the folder option again no luck this time. I can access these folders by typing c:\users in the top explorer bar. If i do that the window pops up with the other folders in the users folder and i can access all those files. Same with the Program data folder. They are there but not listed on the left side. Now I have been battling some maleware (widgi toolbar, application updater, and some others) I scanned and scanned and uninstalled numerous programs, and files. Until it was all gone except the youtube downloader folder that had the last widgi file in it. I deleted and uninstalled any related programs and whala users and all other missing folders reappeared. Yah fixed it........... not. after restart they went missing again. All files i had deleted and programs uninstalled were still gone nothing reemerged. but the folders are still missing. I am also having an issue with the credential manager. while logged in as admin it wont open states its not responding and restarts. works ok on a none admn login. Restarted in safe mode no networking same problem. I was about ready to reinstall but found this thread. Maybe there is a fix. Sorry for the lengthy post but wanted to give all the details and hopefully this fills in some gaps and maybe someone can help.


Thanks

Matt


P.S. software used so far
malewarebytes
avast
spybot SD
spyhunter
ESET online scanner

 

[eZAK]

I have Norton 360 running and have a copy of Malwarebytes.

I ran scans with both, they turned up some stuff,

But still no programdata!

 

[FliGi7]

I have Norton 360 running and have a copy of Malwarebytes.

I ran scans with both, they turned up some stuff,

But still no programdata!

What "stuff" did they turn up? Can we get some more specifics? Did you scan in safe mode? If not, you should.

 

[Infinite]

If I was you I would replace Norton with MSE or avast.