How can I recover a lost file?

Question

Recently my computer ran an automatic file cleanup. I'll explain: I force shut down my computer, and when I started it up, Windows went to a black screen and began to clean out "unnecessary" files. But when it did this, I'm pretty sure it deleted an extremely important picture I had been working on using Photoshop. I know for a fact that I saved the picture, so that's not the problem. What I need to know is how I can find this document. I know there is a way to "go back in time" with the computer, but how? Are there any other ways? Please help. It's extremely important that I get this back.

Also, I'm using a Windows XP, if that has any significance. I've searched the recycling bin and run a file search with my computer, but it didn't work.

Answer 1

You can try a RESTORE to see if your file reappears.

Click on Programs

Click on Accessories

Click on System Tools

Click on System Restore

Answer 2

Sorry to hear that.

Before use System Restore, SEARCH your whole computer first! The computer might relocated it somehow. Start Menu --> Search

If no result, use Recuva to recover the lost file. It's a easy to use File Recovery Utility - http://www.recuva.com

If they doesn't work, then use system restore.

Hope you recover your file.

Answer 3

Go to start, programs, accessories, system tools, and then system restore. From there you can select restore and choose a earlier date before the file was lost.