Tech Is Anyone Here A Windows Whiz? - GoFuckYourself.com

HairyChick · 08-12-2017, 06:42 PM

This is lengthy but background information is needed to help figure this out.

My Dell Inspiron laptop came with Windows 7. I upgraded to 8, then 10. Everything was fine. My right arm is not steady. Last week I installed a new printer. I forgot to uninstall the old ones.

I needed to ftp some txt files and could not find them. I went into Program Files and not Program Files (x86). I saw Brother, my old printer software, listed. I have amnesia so I didn't think to use the Uninstall feature.

I highlighted Brother and right clicked "delete". But I didn't realize I also had Program Files highlighted. Oh yeah, it began deleting files from the first folder. It said 1,400 files or something. I hit cancel immediately. I shut down the laptop and haven't touched it since.

I spent the whole night thinking how to fix this. After much thought, I knew reinstalling Windows would overwrite files. Plus my CDs are packed as I'm moving in two weeks.

So ... what I need is the files I deleted. I don't remember the first program listing but less than a hundred files were deleted. I'm afraid to turn the laptop on in case I deleted vital files that will break Windows. What I believe I need is:

A. Copies of files I deleted, meaning the first folder in Program Files

B. Advice on whether or not I can safely turn on my laptop

C. If it won't load, how do I get into the Home Screen to replace the files?

D. If someone here emails the folder to me (pretty please), how can I get the files to my C Drive/Program Files? That's IF Windows loads .... but if not, how?

E. If someone is willing to ftp the files to my host, I could ftp them to my laptop. But, that works IF I can load Windows and my ftp program.

I'm trying to be explanatory and clear but am extremely upset, obviously.

Please help. And no, no backup. I've begun looking into backup software to backup to a flash drive. Oddly, I can't find a new flash drive that will backup Windows 10. So far all only do up to Windows 8. I'm not sure why that is. Does the USB port handle different versions of Windows, well, differently?

sarettah · 08-12-2017, 07:51 PM

If what you outlined is actually all that you have done then your files should be available in your recycle bin I would think.

There should be nothing in the programs folder that would stop your computer from booting up in safe mode.

So, boot up in safe mode. Go to the recycle bin. Highlight the program folder and any other files you want to restore and then pick restore the selected items and voila, they should be back in place. Then just reboot in normal mode and go on your merry way.

If you do not know how to boot Win 10 in safe mode then go here: 7 ways to boot into Safe Mode in Windows 10 | Digital Citizen and it tells you various ways to get into safe mode.

If you cannot find the recycle bin then go here: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...9414489?auth=1

It tells how to make the recycle bin show up.

Quote:

Right-click desktop and personalize, choose Themes, then Desktop Icon Settings, and check the "recycle bin" box to turn it on (this works in all versions of Windows, not just 10).

If you already did that, but you still don't see the icon, it may mean you're in tablet mode. Tablet mode must be OFF to reach your desktop. That's because when your tablet mode is on, it works like a tablet and shows your Start homepage instead of the desktop.

Finally, if you are sure your tablet mode is already off and the icon should show, make sure your desktop icons aren't hidden. Right-click your desktop wallpaper, go to View, then "Show Desktop Icons" to show them.

Hope it helps.

.

TheDynasty · 08-12-2017, 07:52 PM

if you have system restore points you could also do a restore to a different day.

docputer · 08-12-2017, 07:55 PM

Okay, Looks like while I was typing a response, Sarettah and TheDynasty gave you detailed answers that should fix things.
Anyway, good luck, and good to see you back around.

HairyChick · 08-12-2017, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarettah

If what you outlined is actually all that you have done then your files should be available in your recycle bin I would think.

There should be nothing in the programs folder that would stop your computer from booting up in safe mode.

So, boot up in safe mode. Go to the recycle bin. Highlight the program folder and any other files you want to restore and then pick restore the selected items and voila, they should be back in place. Then just reboot in normal mode and go on your merry way.

If you do not know how to boot Win 10 in safe mode then go here: 7 ways to boot into Safe Mode in Windows 10 | Digital Citizen and it tells you various ways to get into safe mode.

If you cannot find the recycle bin then go here: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...9414489?auth=1

It tells how to make the recycle bin show up.

Hope it helps.

.

Thank you very, very, very much! I'm about to go to sleep but decided to check email. This sounds easy to fix and I'll attempt tomorrow afternoon. I will certainly sleep better knowing this is doable. I thought about the recycle bin but didn't want to corrupt Windows by booting it up.

Fingers crossed 👍

HairyChick · 08-12-2017, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by docputer

Okay,
The program files folder is different for most people depending on what programs that they have installed.
One pc I have the first folder would be common files, but one my other 2 pcs they are different depending on the software load.
I doubt you will hurt anything by booting up the pc. Once you startup, go in the recycle bin and restore what you deleted.

Thank you. Not much installed but the first folder wasn't a program afaik. Tomorrow afternoon I'll do my best, slowly, and will post as soon as I finish -- once I stop celebrating!

RyuLion · 08-12-2017, 08:15 PM

Good luck with the fix!

HairyChick · 08-13-2017, 05:53 PM

Thanks! Booted, Windows loaded fine. Recycle Bin didn't have the deleted files from what I saw. I'm thinking the program files deleted weren't OS files but just a program I installed. Once I move and can use the laptop daily, I'll launch each program to see what I broke.

I left the Recycle Bin files alone in case I need to recover any of them.

I found the Uninstall option for future use.

Thanks again to all.

bronco67 · 08-13-2017, 08:28 PM

Sometimes I want to whiz on Windows. Does that count?

08-12-2017, 06:42 PM	#1
HairyChick Slowly dying Industry Role: Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Padanaram Posts: 3,091	Is Anyone Here A Windows Whiz? This is lengthy but background information is needed to help figure this out. My Dell Inspiron laptop came with Windows 7. I upgraded to 8, then 10. Everything was fine. My right arm is not steady. Last week I installed a new printer. I forgot to uninstall the old ones. I needed to ftp some txt files and could not find them. I went into Program Files and not Program Files (x86). I saw Brother, my old printer software, listed. I have amnesia so I didn't think to use the Uninstall feature. I highlighted Brother and right clicked "delete". But I didn't realize I also had Program Files highlighted. Oh yeah, it began deleting files from the first folder. It said 1,400 files or something. I hit cancel immediately. I shut down the laptop and haven't touched it since. I spent the whole night thinking how to fix this. After much thought, I knew reinstalling Windows would overwrite files. Plus my CDs are packed as I'm moving in two weeks. So ... what I need is the files I deleted. I don't remember the first program listing but less than a hundred files were deleted. I'm afraid to turn the laptop on in case I deleted vital files that will break Windows. What I believe I need is: A. Copies of files I deleted, meaning the first folder in Program Files B. Advice on whether or not I can safely turn on my laptop C. If it won't load, how do I get into the Home Screen to replace the files? D. If someone here emails the folder to me (pretty please), how can I get the files to my C Drive/Program Files? That's IF Windows loads .... but if not, how? E. If someone is willing to ftp the files to my host, I could ftp them to my laptop. But, that works IF I can load Windows and my ftp program. I'm trying to be explanatory and clear but am extremely upset, obviously. Please help. And no, no backup. I've begun looking into backup software to backup to a flash drive. Oddly, I can't find a new flash drive that will backup Windows 10. So far all only do up to Windows 8. I'm not sure why that is. Does the USB port handle different versions of Windows, well, differently? __________________ ***************************************** Anti-Semites have Small Penis Syndrome. The only known treatment is electroshock therapy combined with cerebellum removal. Fortunately, it’s a tiny procedure. *****************************************

08-12-2017, 07:52 PM	#3
TheDynasty See Signature Industry Role: Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: noneya Posts: 5,882	if you have system restore points you could also do a restore to a different day. __________________ Try out WP-SCRIPT The Best Tube Script

08-12-2017, 08:15 PM	#7
RyuLion ClubDomCash.com Industry Role: Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Diego Posts: 32,052	Good luck with the fix! __________________ Promote Clubdom.com (since 1997) - Adult Biz Consultant

08-13-2017, 05:53 PM	#8
HairyChick Slowly dying Industry Role: Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Padanaram Posts: 3,091	Thanks! Booted, Windows loaded fine. Recycle Bin didn't have the deleted files from what I saw. I'm thinking the program files deleted weren't OS files but just a program I installed. Once I move and can use the laptop daily, I'll launch each program to see what I broke. I left the Recycle Bin files alone in case I need to recover any of them. I found the Uninstall option for future use. Thanks again to all. __________________ ***************************************** Anti-Semites have Small Penis Syndrome. The only known treatment is electroshock therapy combined with cerebellum removal. Fortunately, it’s a tiny procedure. *****************************************

08-13-2017, 08:28 PM	#9
bronco67 Too lazy to set a custom title Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 29,035	Sometimes I want to whiz on Windows. Does that count? __________________

08-12-2017, 07:55 PM	#4
docputer Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,103	Okay, Looks like while I was typing a response, Sarettah and TheDynasty gave you detailed answers that should fix things. Anyway, good luck, and good to see you back around.