W7 - new computer change over

[Lamb Chop]

When I changed over to W7 on the old 32 bit computer, everything went well, and all my files and photos were kept.

Now with this change to brand new 64 bit one I checked all the files I am sure and 100% my personal photos as only ones I had and kept 2 lots of back up copies on my external drive away from XP. All were there. then. only a couple of weeks back but now gone.

today when going back to data file, noticed only had files in all of them not the actual article. And so checked back on external drive to get the data thinking fine, can bring them over, but same there. What I dont understand is that I dont always download the actual article so comes with files - as use cut and paste to word pad so dont have 'those files' that come with using IE or Firefox headings etc kept separate. But not there either. I had been having problems since as up comes this window annoying with how to auto play or use the Ext HD or back up etc. And had done back ups but they are gone too.

Then checked picture from camera all years of them and not there either - and this is what is new - they come up in a program called Photo Gallery which was not on Windows Home Premium 32 bit but is on 64 bit. In the photo gallery it comes up with my pics which are fine and wouldnt mind having lost them as off the internet used for desk top mainly, but then it goes down listing the personal years and dates of camera shots family occasions and just same icon pic a blue blob.

What on earth has happened? Is it this picture gallery but that only accounts for pics, what has happened to the original on the external drive, I had to force it off the other day as couldnt get it off as kept saying in use, but when I connected it today, there same thing everything on it all the 2 extra copies of files and photo plus my pictures all gone over and cant be raised say no path to find them.

What can I do? Anything? Have I lost the lot forever? Photo's are worst, data well can live with that.

[Lamb Chop]

Panic over -dont ask but somehow got them back on the external HD. It ewasnt showing up when I went back after posting above and then realised had not pu ton Camera and its bits of programs. So first did the installation of Cannon digital camera and Zoom thinking it would maybe read the files but no nothing but my pictures which are things like cartoons, and icons etc. Not photos.

So then went to go back to external not there - so pulled it out of one and placed it into next USB port, and it came up as being there.

Then looked at photos on it and there they are. Phew!

Madness I still have not got a clue something to do with that window that comes up when you connect I think I clicked different like this time on files and that brought it back.

Anyway maybe some time someone else will go through same panic read this jumble of panicked thoughts and think OK I can try that and voila! :D

I must mention that the disc of the 64 bit is a lot different than the disc of the 32 bit - things are not the same at all its as if a different OS