Hi everyone! I made a huge mistake while trying to shrink my C: partition on my laptop SSD using a tool, and now my Windows is stuck in recovery mode. I followed some online suggestions and ran 'chkdsk,' but now I'm left with a jumbled 'found.000' folder and I can't find my Windows or user folders.
I've tried using data and partition recovery tools, but they didn't work. Should I attempt other recovery solutions, or is it worth it to try DISM and perform a clean Windows install while keeping my data? I still have the actual files in the 'found.000' folder, just not the right folder structure. Also, I should mention I don't have enough space for backups or system images. Before I give up and start reinstalling all my apps, I'd really like to recover what I can. Thanks for your help!
4 Answers
It's tough to advise on this without knowing more, but trying to recover data without experience can sometimes make things worse. Ideally, you should have created an image of your drive before trying recovery. If your data is vital, consider consulting a professional recovery service.
You learned the hard way not to blindly follow AI advice! At least you still have the actual files, even if the structure is messed up. Keep looking into recovery options, but I wouldn’t expect too much.
You might need to bite the bullet and reformat your drive, then reinstall Windows using a USB. After that, just restore whatever you can from your backups if you have any. Seriously, be careful next time with tools if you're not sure what you're doing!
Haha, right?
I’m sorry, but it might be too late for a recovery. That’s why it's essential to back up important files before messing with partitions. You could check for some recovery software recommendations online, but don't get your hopes too high.
Thanks for the heads up!
Yeah, I get that AI can be hit or miss! But it does have its moments for some tasks.