Is it Possible to Recover Files from Windows 8->8->10?

[diana139]

Hi,

My boyfriend was running a bootlegged version of Windows 8. I reinstalled his Windows to a legitimate version of Windows 8 so that he could get the free upgrade upgrade to Windows 10.

When we went from Windows 8-->Windows 8, the only option the installer gave us was "Keep Nothing", so we backuped files onto an external harddrive (or so we thought), before the wipe. He had a bunch of important files on his Desktop but it turns out they were copied as shortcuts on the external harddrive and so he can't access any of these files. We didn't know this until we were already running Windows 10. So basically, we installed Windows twice on the same day, which was today.

He's extremely upset about these files he lost. They were a reflection of his undergraduate career. Is there any way to get them back? He's tried opening the windows.old folder but there's nothing there. If he were to restore to the Windows 8 that he had previously, is there any chance? Is there anything that can be done?

Experts, please help. Much, much, much appreciated.

 

[clifford_cooley]

He's tried opening the windows.old folder but there's nothing there. If he were to restore to the Windows 8 that he had previously

If there is nothing in Windows.old there is not restore to go back to.

 

[Trouble]

Depending on how much of the hard disk has been over-written you may still be able to get some of the files back.
I've used a commercial software called GetDataBack and it has always done a good job for me, or at least as good a job as possible.
It's not free but it is definitely something I trust. http://www.runtime.org/data-recovery-products.htm
Other free options which may or may not help include something like Recuva https://www.piriform.com/recuva

 

[trimful]

I'd say that they are gone, because they are overwritten by the installs of Windows.
Try some data recvoery software like Eecuva or EaseUS, maybe help.

 

[Mubasshir]

Yes. It is possible. When upgrading to one version to another it sometimes happens of data lost. You can use the windows version of Disk Drill from http://www.cleverfiles.com/
I solved the same type problem with this software.