system restore deleting data files?

[matt_richards]

Has anyone noticed how certain recently created folders and files on the desktop disappear after a system restore?

Does anyone know why this happens, where they go, and which ones disappear?

thanks in advance,

Matt

[HAL9000]

I never had a problem with data missing from a system restore. The only things that I found that may go missing are programs that were installed after the date that you restored to, or programs that you have downloaded. To be on the safe side, it's always best to make a backup of data before doing a system restore.

[not important]

I think Matt might be referring to the icons for the files and folders on the desktop

[doctorgonzo]

I have never lost data from a System Restore either, though backing up your data files should be part of your routine whether you use System Restore or not.

[matt_richards]

I guess the problem isn't losing data per se, but rather recently created folders disappearing off the desktop. I did a system restore a couple of hours ago then two folders I created today (but not in that windows session) had vanished. When I undid the restore they both reappeared with all contents intact.

Unfortunately I did not run a file search to see if they where residing else where on my computer - but as they originated on the desktop, I can't see where they could have been shifted to.

I have noticed this same thing on a number of different machines - I wondered if it was a recognised quirk.

[Tuf]

It's not a quirk. When you restored your computer it evidently it was to time before those folders were created. The folders were still on your computer just not accessible from your desktop.

Although I do it sometimes also your desktop is not a good place for folders. It would be smarter to put the folders in a directory and make a shortcut for your desktop.

[matt_richards]

I know what you're saying about the desktop storage but for convenience I do keep stuff I am working on there.

Thing is, the folders were created on my desktop - so if system restore rolled back the desktop state and removed any recently created folders, how could they still be on my computer. Surely this would be data loss and system restore isn't meant to do that.

Also it doesn't completely restore the desktop state to the restore point. Previously, I have taken it back to a state days or even weeks earlier. In these cases, many folders which had been created since the restore point survived, but for some reason some of the most recent ones did not.

This has me baffled...