Users folder deleted

[CapnSham]

Accidentally deleted my Users folder while transferring files from C Drive. Now my computer won’t start up past the HP logo. Is there any way to fix this? 

[itsmyname]

@CapnSham -- while transferring files from C Drive

Was that transfer successful?  If so, you have a copy of that folder.

Your easiest recovery could be:

1. open up the computer
2. remove the "C:" disk-drive
3. remove/disconnect the "target" of the file-transfer
4. disconnect your computer from the Internet (disconnect the Ethernet cable)
5. purchase a new disk-drive
6. connect it to your computer
7. reinstall Windows, to create a new "users" folder
8. temporarily connect the disk-drive that contains the copy of the "users" folder
9. copy your personal files from the sub-folder in that "users" folder into a folder on your new disk-drive
10. run Windows Update, maybe a few times, to update your "fresh" installation of Windows

[Prométhée]

hi

maybe no need to go so far
if it's not too bad, and you have a restore point, this might work

Using Microsoft System Restore

[itsmyname]

@CapnSham -- Note that the Windows "System Restore" tool will restore files into the "C:\Windows" directory, and its sub-directories, but any "checkpoint" file that was earlier created will NOT have a copy of the "C:\Users\[logon-name]" folder.  Imagine a user with many tens of gigabytes of "Documents" and "Music" files.  There is no way that a checkpoint will contain a copy of "everything".

[Prométhée]

Yes, sorry @itsmyname  I did not specify, since the user indicated to have deleted everything, little chance of recovering this, but just to try to restart the computer, since, that is the problem.

"deleted my Users folder while transferring files from C Drive. Now my computer won’t start up "
This may of course not work, but it seems easier to me to test, first, to open the computer, to remove the disc?
Then buy a new disk, just to reinstall windows?

[itsmyname]

@Prométhée --   since the user indicated to have deleted everything, little chance of recovering this,

I agree, but the user indicated that a "file-transfer" either was in progress, or completed, before the deletion of the "User" folder.  So, there is some hope that there exists, on the "target", a valid copy of what has been deleted from the "source" disk-drive.

but just to try to restart the computer, since, that is the problem.

I agree. That is what the user stated.

This may of course not work, but it seems easier to me to test, first, to open the computer, to remove the disc? Then buy a new disk, just to reinstall windows?

That is what I recommended.  I am glad that you agree with me.

Then, attempt to retrieve from that "backup" device, writing onto the new disk-drive.

[Prométhée]

No, sorry, I misspoke probably, problem with the translation.
I don't think on the contrary, that user have to buy another hard drive because of it, just to try this manipulation
The one that I indicated, I am aware, that it may not work ..
But for me to buy another hard drive, is not an option in this case here, except as a very last resort!
Even if there are HDDs, not very expensive, not everyone can afford it either.
It may be enough just to try a repair of windows, with the internal tool, or with an installation media.
If data has been deleted, during the failed test, we can always try to recover some!
I did this over 90% for files deleted by mistake a few years ago
But anyway as long as no news from @CapnSham .....

[itsmyname]

@Prométhée -- buying a new disk-drive, either to replace an out-of-warranty disk-drive, or to replace a HDD by a SSD, is never a bad idea.

Plus, there is "merit" in keeping the old disk-drive "untouched", so that any "failed" attempt to recover does not permanently modify the old disk-drive. 

Given the cost of a SSD ($60 ?) to "revive" a $600 computer is a reasonable expense.

Do you trade-in your automobile when the ash-tray is full, or when the gas-tank gets empty?

No, you "invest" in more gasoline.

[Prométhée]

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this is not exactly  what you are explaining here @itsmyname 

I do not change a part of my car, which is still working

end of discussion for me

[itsmyname]

@Prométhée --   This is not what you are explaining here @itsmyname 

But, it is one set of steps of trying to "recover" from the deletion, if the unfortunate "transfer" was successful.

> I do not change a part of my car, which is still working.

Correct.  But, in this case, the author has a non-working computer -- no "Users" folder -- and I am trying to help that author recover from the issue. 

Thanks for your help in also trying to help that author.