Disappearing folders

[PL_Kuba]

hi,
I have a windows xp on my home computer and connected hd from another computer to back up files- this pc has vista installed and is hooked up via sata to usb converter. Wnen I was navigating through all files trying to decide what to transfer on my home computer I noticed many folders just vanished! The ones I remember are only "my pictures" , and "users" together with all their subfolders.

Strange thing is when I used windows back up utility and it asks me to choose files to back up I can see a complete tree with all the folders and subfolders. I can even back them up but when I restore that backup to my home comp It is empty even though it shows me 5GB of data in properties.

The only thing that works to bring those files up is the restore software. I just don't want to do that because I have no clue if it is going to pick up all of my files including pictures, videos docs. Is the hard drive corrupted?

Any input much appriciated

[glc]

You probably haven't enabled display of hidden and system files and folders.

[PL_Kuba]

they are enabled

[MikeMoss]

Hi

You are probably not seeing the folders because you are viewing the disk as a different user.

Look under C:\Users and see if you can find your old ID there.
If you do then the folder may be available below that user ID.

Like things on the desktop some of these folders are linked to the User ID.

Mike