How do I get my files back after system recovery?

[seanmadd]

Last week my computer suddenly got a load of infections and threats, because my AVG resident shield kept popping up and more and more were appearing on the list. After doing a malware scan, and an AVG scan, it told me to restart my computer. I did so and then it just kept restarting over and over and over again.. My mother then had the smart idea to do a system recovery(she pressed F10 when the computer was starting up). I thought it would delete everything, but all my desktop icons from before are still there(although they're not working because it says their not there, unable to boot), so I'm HOPING that all my other important files and photos are still there. I went to the hard disk C and did a bit of browsing and found some photo folders, some with photos and some weren't there. I was told it was a non-destructive recovery, so I'm parying that there is a way to get all my important files back, also my AVG which we paid for. I don't have them backed-up on a CD or anything, so no point mentioning that..

Manufacturer: HP Pavilion 061
Model: DY141A-ABU a510.uk

[TheOldMan]

IF it was a non-destructive recovery, the files should be there.  They may have been moved to a folder for safe keeping. Look for a new folder on the C: drive or look here: http://www.computing.net/answers/windows-xp/hp-non-destructive-recovery/181681.html

[seanmadd]

Okay, well I downloaded ZAR and did everything necessary, and got some pictures to show up in my pictures. There are folders with nothing in them, though, and some won't display the pictures. What's happening?

Also, do I need to re-install all my programs such as skype, google chrome, etc. again?

[TheOldMan]

From the comments, I would have to say the programs are gone and will need to be reinstalled.  Anything that can be recovered, should be done before installing anything, however.

[Abeyu]

Now days so many data recovery companies provides data recovery software. You should compare the rate and choose a best one according to your requirements.
You can check the a good data recovery software at: http://www.any-data-recovery.com/product/datarecoveryprofessional.htm

[TheOldMan]

Data Recovery on a system that has been written to after formatting is sketchy and costly, but it does not matter if the stuff you lost is worth a fortune.  Of course that data recovery people know that and expect a large amount to recover it, if possible.