File Recovery Possible After Using Disk Cleanup?

[mitchell]

Is it possible to recover files in Vista Home Premium after using Disk Cleanup?
After IT guy re-installed OS & drivers due to virus infection my admin. gal used Disk Cleanup to get everything clean. Unfortunately there were 66 GB of files put into a separate Windows folder to be put into the new Documents and assorted folders.

Any recommendations on how to get them back? Thank You/ Mitch

[EzyStvy]

Idealy, you would have wanted to STOP using the pc to increase your odds before trying the following.....Considering the amount of data odds are you won't be successful.

Recuva (pronounced "recover") is a freeware Windows utility to restore files that have been accidentally deleted from your computer. This includes files emptied from the Recycle bin as well as images and other files that have been deleted by user error from digital camera memory cards or MP3 players. It will even bring back files that have been deleted by bugs, crashes and viruses! http://www.recuva.com/

Now would be a goood time to start a backup program.

[mitchell]

Thank you EzyStvy for the "recuva" recommendation. Will try it toots sweet. Have mangaed to recover some important Word docs., still can't get back important pdf. docs yet. Of course having appropriate back-up is essential. My staff however has the "Let George Do It" attitude and did not back up this particular PC. Thank you again. Mitchell

[XenaWP]

I once reformatted and installed Windows over top of my irreplaceable photos. Long story. Anyway, I sprung for File Scavenger, about $40 I think. I recovered almost everything, except what actually was overwritten by the OS installation. I think the recovery algorithms get better as you pay for the software.