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Stray Dog Joined: 25 Nov 2000 Posts: 16 Location: USA

Hi everyone, first post here, and I'm already begging for help. Get used to it Smile

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A friend of mine recently tried a new app called CD Catalogue (or something like that), and when he installed it, he changed the default install folder to the 'Program folder'(please don't ask me why he did this). After checking it out, he decided that he didn't want the program anyway and used the APP'S UNINSTALLER(!) to get rid of it. Anyway, he uninstalled it all right, along with his programs folder.

I tried to get the program folder back using Norton Systemworks, but no luck. I think that the reason for this is that the uninstall program skips the recycle bin, and Norton can only recover items deleted from the recycle bin. I don't know this for sure.

The question is this: Do any of you fine fellows know of a way of retrieving the data? Either a DOS option, or third party app of some kind? (the folder is over 1Gb in size BTW)

I know this is a long shot, and I have already told my friend so. IMO, the best way would be to reformat and start again (he has recent backups), but I am open to any suggestions.

Any help would be much appreciated guys, thanks.

edit: I should probably mention that this is a Win98 setup, DOH!

WTF?... It's not supposed to do that!

Edited by - bginer on 11/25/2000 14:26:51

Posted: Sat Nov 25, 2000 2:50 pm Post subject:

It removed his entire Program Files directory? Ouch! If Norton can't get it back, then I would suspect he's out of luck. I can't think of any other way that would even be worth your time (or his) to try. Especially since he has recent backups. Besides, even if you could get it back, I personally wouldn't trust the system (if you know what I mean).

I'd reload that badboy. Sad Smile

Actually I'm surprised he had backups.... I wish I did that to my system. [ Wink

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Quote:
WTF?... It's not supposed to do that!

Not supposed to do what?

- Spot
Spot@LittleWhiteDog.com

"AssPunching is not allowed!"

Big Dog Joined: 20 Oct 2000 Posts: 3689 Location: USA

personally... I'd reformat (you already screwed the pooch you might as well buy it dinner now)

BUT if you are intent on trying to recover it instead, you might want to head over to www.ontrack.com

they have an app called Easy Recovery that might do the trick for you

they also have something called System Suite 3.0 which is basically single user versions all of their products rolled into one suite. I have never used it's data recovery applet, but I DO know that it's in there, and you get everything else as part of the bundle

There is NO spoon !
-Brain

Stray Dog Joined: 25 Nov 2000 Posts: 16 Location: USA

Ok guys, you have confirmed my own suspicions. I'll give Easy Recovery a try but I'm not hopeful. Thanks for the advice though I appreciate it.

Spot, The WTF is what my buddy said he exclaimed when he realized what was going on Smile

Posted: Sun Nov 26, 2000 9:39 am Post subject:

Ahh...I kind of figured that might be what it was about. I think I would have had some choice words myself.

- Spot
Spot@LittleWhiteDog.com

"AssPunching is not allowed!"

Cat Chaser Joined: 24 Oct 2000 Posts: 951 Location: USA

bginer -

first, Welcome to LWD!

in general when you install programs, its ok to change it to the "program file" folder. After all, its for programs. It keeps all your program files in one place. I absolutly hate it when someone installs programs in random directories. grrr i can't find anything. It makes navigation faster too.

but you can't change the directory to the "c:\program files" folder. If you do this, it will install the program to that folder. you need to specify a folder within the "program files" folder. ie "c:\program files\cd catalouge".

and finally, when some uninstall programs run, it deletes the folder where the program was installed. in your friend's case, the "program files" folder. As a rule of thumb..always install programs to their own folders.

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Booyah grandma. Booyhah.

Cat Chaser Joined: 24 Oct 2000 Posts: 951 Location: USA

sorry about the tripple post. out network was a bit slow so i kept hitting submit. I have no patience Evil Smile

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Booyah grandma. Booyhah.

Posted: Mon Nov 27, 2000 12:33 pm Post subject:

Starsky has got it right. I always install things to a folder in my Program Files folder. It is way easier to find things, and makes the root directory a lot simpler to look at. I also agree with all recomendations to reformat and reinstall. Not only will everything work again, but it will be nice and squeaky clean like only a reformat/reinstall can give you. Cheers.

"Environment is everything - The Lion may be king of the jungle, but you airlift him to Antarctica and he is just some Penguin's Bitch" - Dennis Miller

Big Dog Joined: 20 Oct 2000 Posts: 3689 Location: USA

Quote:

sorry about the tripple post. out network was a bit slow so i kept hitting submit. I have no patience

I got it squeegee'd up for ya !

There is NO spoon !
-Brain

Cat Chaser Joined: 24 Oct 2000 Posts: 951 Location: USA

DOH!! i totally forgot that I can delete my posts.

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Booyah grandma. Booyhah.

Stray Dog Joined: 25 Nov 2000 Posts: 16 Location: USA

UPDATE!

OK fellas, thanks for all the comments. Unfotunately, there was no hope. The drive died last night with Adam's (my buddy) WHOLE! contacts folder from Outlook. Needless to say, he was not pleased, especially with me mocking him unmercifully for his initial actions Very Happy

. BTW, his contacts folder was over 2Mb in size, bummer hey Smile

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Anyway, a complete format and reinstall has been completed which leads me to another question. We tried to set up Win98 with the swap file on a seperate partition (same drive), but the OS does not want to play. The damn thing defaults to the 'let Windows manage my memory' radio button every time. Anybody got any ideas?

Also, sorry for not getting back to you all before, but a combination of getting out of the Army, finding an apartment, having Mindspring as an ISP and a Barracks phone service, has been seriously cramping my Internet style Very Happy

. I will be completing my move shortly, and the apartment I will be moving to has access to cable, so life will be good Smile

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BTW: Starsky, Thank you very much for the welcome. I have sent your post by e-mail to my friend, I think he will 'enjoy' reading it Very Happy

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