my dad :@ deleted my documents folder, i have some files left but they are squares with a windows signh with a folded corner on the upper right and an arrow on the lower left, they are important GCSE stuff and word files, how do i get them back? shift and right clicking and open with just brings up a torchlight search box.
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The files you have left are just links, they tell windows where to go to find the real file. Unfortunately, with the real files gone they are worthless.

If your lucky though, you should be able to find the files in the recycle bin - but check it now, because a lot of people empty the recycle bin after deleting stuff.

In future, take backups on floppy and keep them secure.

Even if you have deleted them and cleared the recycle bin, it might be posssible to recover some of them via a third party "undelete" type programme. Norton Utilities has one IIRC.

Best of luck.

To keep your Dad or any one else from deleting your files again do the following

double click on My Computer,
double click on (C:),
then left click File at top of screen,
then click New,
then click Folder.
this will create a New Folder,
right click on the words under the folder.
this will bring up a small window,
find rename and right click on it,
then type "Barb School" or what ever you wish to name it and then hit Enter.
when ever you have a document folder to add just put it in here.
you just have to tell (ask) Dad to keep his delete finger off of your file.
Most important is remember what you name it!

<font color="lightblue">You don`t need a thirdparty program, you can do it through MS DOS... *if* nothing else has been saved to that drive yet, you can probably get it all back.
Start -> Run -> Command
Type:</font>
UNDELETE C:/ALL

<font color="lightblue">If i`ve got the right syntax, and it still works, then you should be able to get atleast some of it back... but, this isn`t something to rely on. In future, make *SURE* your work is backed up, say, once a week. That way, you have another copy and you`re no more than a week behind. </font>

Its possible to undelete things if the computer hasnt been restarted since the files were lost. Start/programs/accessories/Command Prompt. Type: undelete *.*

This is if you dont already have Norton Utilities installed. I'm pretty sure that if you dont already have Norton installed prior to file loss Norton wont be able to hlep you after the fact, because Nortons installation requires a restart......

Undelete dosent work any more.

It was removed after DOS 6 IIRC.

Assuming its your own computer, go into BIOS and set a password. Your dad cant delete what he cant access. (If its his computer or he has his own files on it, best not to do this)