Before returning to factory settings I had the local ENGINEER try to get all my files off the drive. He copied the whole drive and cannot see any of my files.

I heard that they may have become hidden. Does anyone know how I can get to these files so I can COPY them off the drive copy and put back ONTO my machine.

Thanks!I don't know your level of expertise with PCs, so I'll shoot for the LOWEST COMMON denominator. The method requiring the least expertise (in my mind) would be to put the hard drive into an external USB enclosure and connect it to another PC, making it easier to work with. Assuming the other PC has Windows XP, viewing hidden files should be easy. My Computer -> Tools -> Folder Options -> Show Hidden files and Folders.

I must admit that I've never heard of an entire drive's contents becoming hidden. I'm more inclined to believe that your engineer goofed. You right, I am not that savvy. He has said that all the document folders have gove as if the machine had been returned to factory settings, but, that has not been done yet. Can these folders be hidden deep or has he really goofed?tonylyvle, As EgODeath has made a suggestion involving an "external case" to enclose your internal HD and then attempt a transfer i am experiencing some problems with external cases that remains unresolved. I have learned from the manufacturer of my cases that it is important to set the jumper cables on the internal hd drive correctly.It seems that a "correct setting" is either master or none at all and both may need to be tried to determine which works.I cannot say from experience which is likely to work as none of mine are working yet. But i mention this in case you try that route and run into a problem. good luck,truenorthLet's get back to basics... how did he do what he said he did ? ?