XP deleted briefcase?

Hello - All,
I was updating my briefcase today and noticed most files asked for an update, so I did!!! MISTAKE!! I guess. I'm on windows XP home.

All my files stored there for years are gone!! What happened? What did windows do with them? Why updating the orphaned links - clicking on the "needs updating" link destroyed them???
I'm assuming this was a windows task not netscape.

Most files were in txt format - I've searched *.txt but nothing appears. Nothing in the briefcase at all.
Thanks for any help/suggestions.
John in Dallas.

 

Briefcase is normally used to keep files on multiple PCs in synch.

So you still have access to the other copies?

 

John,

The Briefcase is not a good place to store things unless you need the functions that it performs. If so, then you had better get real familiar with how it operates or you'll be badly hurt. It is very powerful! Many users have lost data by using it improperly.

As you have just witnessed, if the file is no longer on your hard drive and you affirm the "Update All" request, it deletes the Briefcase files so it matches your hard drive. Poof! Gone forever - no Recycle Bin involved.