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Resolved My Folder has gone

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by Dingus, 2013/08/07.

  1. 2013/08/07
    Dingus

    Dingus Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Hi folks.
    I was recently tried to change my settings to get rid of Drive 'A', which shows up in Windows Explorer, even when I don't have a drive 'A'.

    In trying to do this I made a change to my registry.
    I used Microsoft's instructions. DOH, wrong.
    It didn't get rid of drive 'A', but it did get rid of ALL my photos. Not only on my 'C' drive, but also on my backup drive 'E'.
    It ONLY got rid of the folder with my photos and nothing else.

    The link to Microsoft instructions:
    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555438

    Can anyone shed some light :(
     
    Dingus,
    #1
  2. 2013/08/07
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Hi Dingus. Have you tried running System Restore to restore your computer to an earlier time before you made changes to the registry?
     
    Evan Omo,
    #2


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  4. 2013/08/07
    Dingus

    Dingus Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    I have Evan. I tried going back as far as I could. Unfortunately there was none back far enough.
    Don't know why so few restore points. Only two.
     
    Dingus,
    #3
  5. 2013/08/07
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Did you try removing the NoDrives registry value from HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer and rebooting the computer?
     
    Evan Omo,
    #4
  6. 2013/08/07
    retiredlearner

    retiredlearner SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    Hi Dingus, I note you Posted in XP Forum but you don't state what XP version you're running???

    In your link to MS procedure, there is a caution regarding running that Registry change if you are using XP Pro.

    You don't show your System Details which always helps us to help you.

    Evan, am I correct in assuming that Drive "A" usually means Floppy Drive is installed?
    I've checked with my comp running XP Pro, and Drive "A" shows along with CD/DVD Drives in Devices with Removable Storage when Right click > My Computer > Open.
    When I look in Explorer - it shows when I expand + Computer + 3½ Floppy.
    When there is no Floppy Drive installed - there is no Drive "A ". Not even in Device Manager.

    My Question would have been "Where did it come from "? Neil.
     
    retiredlearner,
    #5
  7. 2013/08/07
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Yes. In Windows, drive A is almost always designated as the floppy drive.

    I believe the OP was trying to hide the A drive that is shown in Windows Explorer if I am not mistaken. See the picture below.

    Dingus, do you have a floppy drive installed in your computer?
     
    Evan Omo,
    #6
  8. 2013/08/07
    retiredlearner

    retiredlearner SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    [I was recently tried to change my settings to get rid of Drive 'A', which shows up in Windows Explorer, even when I don't have a drive 'A'.]

    As I said Evan, in my XP Pro:
    [When I look in Explorer - it shows when I expand + Computer + 3½ Floppy]

    Windows Explorer: > All Programs > Accessories > Windows Explorer > +Computer > +3½ floppy (A)

    Where did it come from? :confused: Neil.
     
    retiredlearner,
    #7
  9. 2013/08/07
    retiredlearner

    retiredlearner SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    A possible answer. Have a look in BIOS in BOOT order. Disable Floppy drive should fix? Neil.
     
    retiredlearner,
    #8
  10. 2013/08/07
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    I am not sure where it came from. The A drive should only appear in My Computer if Dingus has a floppy drive installed or is using the A drive for some other device. I do agree that if there is no floppy drive in the machine then it should be disabled in the BIOS.
     
    Evan Omo,
    #9
  11. 2013/08/08
    Dingus

    Dingus Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Looks like I've started a debate. Excellent.

    Yes Evan I did change the registry and later undid the change.
    I've also used a file recovery program, but it doesn't fine any deleted files. My conclusion has to be that my photo files are still there, but Explorer jst isn't showing them.

    RL. 'A' is refering to my floppy, which like you I don't have.
    I have XP Pro SP3.
    RL if you need any info on my PC let me know which and I'll post it for you.
    The drive 'A' constantly showing isn't the real problem now, it's just an irritation.
    My problem now is W.E. not showing the folder where my photos are. Years worth.

    Thanks for help guys
     
    Dingus,
    #10
  12. 2013/08/08
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Try this. Click Start< My Computer< at the top of the window click Tools< Folder Options< View tab. Scroll down and select the option that says Show Hidden Files and Folders and then uncheck the checkbox that says Hide protected Operating System Files and click Yes when prompted by Windows XP to perform this action. Then click on Apply and Ok to close the Folder Options window.

    Do the pictures show up now?
     
    Evan Omo,
    #11
  13. 2013/08/08
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Just follow the instructions posted here .....

    http://www.windowsbbs.com/adding_system_specifications.html


    and don't omit the final step :)
    While I sympathize with your predicament your current experience highlights the need to back up all irreplaceable data to independent media - DVD/CD, external drive, etc.

    Have you made a search for *.jpg (or whatever extension your photos have) - all files & folders ?
     
    PeteC,
    #12
  14. 2013/08/08
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff

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    There's no chance that if you applied the NoDrives registry key you 'lost' anything.

    Also, note these are not Microsoft's instructions:


    I've used the same 'trick' for all those years in my Software product with ZERO faults/side effects.
     
    Arie,
    #13
  15. 2013/08/10
    Dingus

    Dingus Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Pete, I've done your instructions. Not quite external, but I do backup all my data onto a second drive that I never access unless I lose something, and it's the only forder to go a miss from this drive too. This is why I find this so strange. The only folder I've lost is my photos one, one my 'C' drive and my backup drive.
    I have done a search for my fotos. As far as I can remember they are all .jpg.

    Arie. Thanks. It must have been a coincidence that it happened at the same time. At least the 'NoDrive' is out of the equation.
    I'm guily of not reading 'Term and Conditions', but who does.
     
    Dingus,
    #14
  16. 2013/08/10
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    This is very strange - see if TreeSize throws up anything for you.

    Another thought - if it is possible can you hook up the backup drive to another computer and check the contents there?
     
    PeteC,
    #15
  17. 2013/08/10
    Dingus

    Dingus Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Pete I down loaded TreeSize, but it shows the same info.
    As it's an internal drive I'll need to take it out an install it in another PC. This may take a while to do.
    I'll post back when done.
     
    Dingus,
    #16
  18. 2013/08/20
    Dingus

    Dingus Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Hi guys.
    Back to give you an update.
    I did as suggested and removed my drive to try in another PC.

    My 3T drive was too big for the PC I got access to. An XP machine. However, managed to get a PC that would look at my 3T drive. Unfortunately there was no sign of my photos.

    Long story cut short. When I reinstalled my drive back into my own PC, I tried something (Don't know where the idea came from). I did a search in system folders. Ye ha. There they were.
    What I think has happened.
    I had purchased a new TV for myself. One of the things you can do from this telly, is stream your music and photos. The program is called Plex Media.
    I maybe wrong, but I think this program re-arranged all of my media into it's own files sytem. Why this program would make the store directory 'System' folders beats me.

    Anyway I have them, or at least most of them, back now.
    Again. Thanks for your help.
     
    Dingus,
    #17
  19. 2013/08/20
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    So glad to hear that you recovered most of your images - now back them up to independent media (external HD, DVD, etc.) and sleep soundly :)
     
    PeteC,
    #18
  20. 2013/08/20
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Thanks for letting us know that you were able to find most of the photos. :)
     
    Evan Omo,
    #19

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