Lost folders after reformatting.

[gbjoce]

I recently had to reformatt my computer. I use XP home. I had backed up everything a couple on months ago so that seemed ok.I have noticed that some of my files/folders in my documents that should have been there are missing. I have tried 'searching' but nothing turns up. I noticed in the advanced search option something that said 'search tape back up' What does this mean?? Does it mean I can search my backup discs for the missing items? If this is so, why does it say tapes? Can anyone explain what this means?

[y2khardtop]

I think the "search tape" option is just for older systems....as a tape backup can't be searched instantly, it has to be searched bit-by-bit. In other words, it doesn't have a table of contents at the beginning like a CD or Hard drive does. Searching would literally be like fast-forwarding your way through a VHS tape instead of skipping chapters like on a DVD.

Anyway, sounds like your backup wasn't full. It is pretty easy to copy your entire user "my documents" and overlook things if you aren't carefull. For instance, some photo software puts photos into the "shared documents" folder instead of your real "my documents" folder, and unless you copied the entire "my documents" folder from your root C drive, there were possibly other folders you missed.

Anyway, if the drive isn't damaged and you can't find them, they likely were never there. There are free programs like this one that can search for deleted files, but it sounds like they were never backed up to begni with http://www.pcinspector.de/Sites/file_recov....htm?language=1

Good luck!

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

Can't you just look in your backup if the missing folders / files are there?