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Deleted Windows

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The Windows directory (Win98SE) has been deleted by a customer in error! Normally I would simply reformat and reinstall but this customer paid a large sum of money(?586)only 6 months ago to recover data via a data recovery clinic and still has not understood the importance of backups.
Is it possible to restore from the recycle bin in Dos and if so what is the best way of doing this bearing in mind that the recycle bin is normally hidden? I have not actually had chance to visit this system (appt for Wednesday).
Look forward to best help.

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Deleted Windows

In reply to Deleted Windows

http://download.com.com/3120-20-0.html?qt=dos+recover&tg=dl-2001

if the above link does not work go to http://www.download.com and look for “Dos recover”

there were plenty progs, presume if you look there will be at least one that satisfies your needs,

Phill

Deleted Windows

In reply to Deleted Windows

No I do not want info on a Recovery program. All I want to know is whether it is possible to restore files from the Recycle Bin via Dos.

Deleted Windows

In reply to Deleted Windows

It is also possible to just reload the Win98SE without doing a format, just load as if a new install.

Deleted Windows

In reply to Deleted Windows

I certainly could do this but can I restore the “Recycle Bin” via dos?

Deleted Windows

In reply to Deleted Windows

I would mount the drive in another PC, and recover the files from the recycle bin that way.

I use a hot swap bay just for such emergencies.

Keep in mind, that the deletion may have been too large for the recycle bin to hold.

You may need touse a file recovery utility to restore the files.

If you can at least recover the primary system files
User.dat
system.dat
win.ini
system.ini

You should be able to maintain most of there settings when you re-install Windows.

You will still need to go back, and re-install most drivers and applications, as they will need dll files that will no longer be there.

Chas

Deleted Windows

In reply to Deleted Windows

Yes, I think that this is going to be the easiest solution. Provided that the customer’s data is saved then the rest can be reinstalled from scratch.

Deleted Windows

In reply to Deleted Windows

The answer I left before was programs that will restore files in dos, at least half will fit on a floppy disk, so yes, using one of those files you can restore the files in DOS, undelete will not work as all of the filenames are sotred in a vfat file, the vfat file contains all of the long filename information, restoring using an 8.3 restorer will make the restoration process VERY arduous, hope this helps.

Phill

Deleted Windows

In reply to Deleted Windows

I made enquiries to the publisher of one of the progs listed and they feel that the safest way is to reinstall Windows because of the possible fragmentation of the deleted files. There does not seem much point in ordering a recovery package if it will not do exactly what I want it to do!

Deleted Windows

In reply to Deleted Windows

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