Random missing folder??

[Vash.]

Hey all,

 

Just noticed I'm a missing folder that I use regularly on my desktop but it was never deleted!! 

 

No it's not hidden, moved or any other user has had access to the system.

 

Is there any system logs I could access to see if it was removed and when?

 

I have a funny feeling something odd is going on with my system but can't figure out why as I haven't changed my using/browsing habbits.

 

also...

 

Just noticed this now when searching for a file that didn't pop up in one window but is visible again when I open up a new window. Could this be a possible ransomware attack going on??

[homeap5]

@Vash.: I don't think it's any virus. Is probably visible in second window, because you have not enough patience for wait for results in first window (or because of typo).

Missing folder is probably moved somewhere - it happens when people accidentally click mouse button and move mouse in the same time on folder.

Use any filemanager (better than Windows Explorer) with search function and search again. It's lot of them - Explorer is not the only one.

 

It may be also search database broken and need to be rebuild. https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/rebuilding-the-search-index-in-windows-vista/

(it's Vista, but it should be the same)

 

You can use somethnig like AdwCleaner just for be sure.

 

[Vash.]

6 minutes ago, homeap5 said:

@Vash.: I don't think it's any virus. Is probably visible in second window, because you have not enough patience for wait for results in first window (or because of typo).

Missing folder is probably moved somewhere - it happens when people accidentally click mouse button and move mouse in the same time on folder.

Use any filemanager (better than Windows Explorer) with search function and search again. It's lot of them - Explorer is not the only one.

 

It may be also search database broken and need to be rebuild. https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/rebuilding-the-search-index-in-windows-vista/

(it's Vista, but it should be the same)

 

You can use somethnig like AdwCleaner just for be sure.

 

Agree, it does not feel like a virus but it's very odd.I build and use PC for decades so I know this stuff doesn't just happen. My biggest concern is that another application has deleted it for some reason or some sort of corruption has happened.

 

What didn't make any sense is when I noticed the folder was missing I had ~34.6gb of space left on C drive. If my folder was deleted I would expect to have 5gb more space as it was the size of the missing folder. Thinking it was a system based error I ran the following tests.

1. Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool (had to be done 1st before I could use the next tool)
2. System File Checker tool (SFC.exe) (found some errors but said it was fixed) 
3. Check disk (twice).

But now system space is at 39.9gb, I have 5gb of extra space on my disk for some reason without deleting a single file/folder or emptying the trash or running disk clean. That's why I'm so confused and worried something odd is going on.

 

 

[homeap5]

That differences may be caused by disk checking (fixing partition information) or dism. But strange anyway.

 

You definitely should use any filemanager with logging option, so if next time something is missing - you'll know that is your fault or not.

 

I will start with Autoruns and check what is starting with my system. I also never recommend sfc, reinstalling etc. because imo even if it may help, it's not a solution, since we don't know cause of problem.

 

Some programs has some problems. For example - I trying last month some video converter. It was not so nice, so I decided to use uninstaller from inside program directory. Path to this program was "c:\progs" junction (and that junction points to "C:\Program Files" directory). And uninstaller removes my junction after removing program! Don't even check if something left inside. Good that deleting junction doesn't delete anything inside.

 

BTW. I learn years ago that using any system folders (like desktop) is mostly bad idea. Too many programs and tools wants to optimize, change, clean etc. that places so is not worth to use them.

[Vash.]

5 minutes ago, homeap5 said:

That differences may be caused by disk checking (fixing partition information) or dism. But strange anyway.

 

You definitely should use any filemanager with logging option, so if next time something is missing - you'll know that is your fault or not.

 

I will start with Autoruns and check what is starting with my system. I also never recommend sfc, reinstalling etc. because imo even if it may help, it's not a solution, since we don't know cause of problem.

 

Some programs has some problems. For example - I trying last month some video converter. It was not so nice, so I decided to use uninstaller from inside program directory. Path to this program was "c:\progs" junction (and that junction points to "C:\Program Files" directory). And uninstaller removes my junction after removing program! Don't even check if something left inside. Good that deleting junction doesn't delete anything inside.

 

BTW. I learn years ago that using any system folders (like desktop) is mostly bad idea. Too many programs and tools wants to optimize, change, clean etc. that places so is not worth to use them.

Glad to see you find it strange as well, its heaps of room just out of nowhere!! I appreciate the tips mate

 

Do you recommend any good data recovery tools from experience??

 

[homeap5]

I made system images using Macrium Reflect and second OS (because I don't trust making images when system is working and prefer to made image of system when is offline) or using USB rescue media created by Macrium Reflect. This way I can mount old copy of system as new drive and recover whatever I want.

 

But if you need any real recovery tool - no, I don't remember when last time I need something like that. I have backup(s) of system(s), backups of most important data on external sata drives (I mean normal hdd, not some usb toys that becomes faulty right after warranty) but I have no need to restore anything for years.