My C: Drive Missing All HP Installed Software, Error: Location Is Not Available,

[JBMartin-2025]

Kept getting message that I did not have Administrator Permission (Home Personal PC and I am the only user), while trying to paste photos, documents, and other items on an external hard drive after using Google Takeout. I decided to paste the data copied to C; Drive but I got the message I was not the Administrator.

I did some research and found out I needed to change the permission on each file, so I clicked properties on C: drive, selected security and proceeded from there per the instruction I had found on the internet. I tried again to paste the data and again got the same message I needed Administrator permission. I clicked on properties again following the instructions and somehow while doing these changes, I accidently DELETED the files in C: Drive.

I have done a Reboot of the system after I removed the external hard drive, followed the instructions as provided on the screen after the reboot, but C; drive still shows 0 Bytes for both used space and free space. I am trying to see if there is a way where I am able to perform any and all requirements to fix my PC.

[TheOldMan · Accepted solution]

Windows permissions can be troublesome.  It would appear that during the process of modifying the permissions, the whole drive has been changed. 

Stop trying any Windows procedures as you may well make it impossible to get the files back.

Typically when a delete command has been given, the files are still there, just modified so Windows cannot open them.

Here is the Spec page for that PC.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c06701111

It states there is a conventional 1TB hard drive and a M.2 SSD.  Typically the OS is on the M.2 drive and the hard drive is used for storage, unless you changed that.

When in a situation as described, I use a Linux Live OS to observe the files to see what was actually done to them.  Using a Linus Live OS will not effect the files but will let you look at them.

Your spec page indicates that PC also has a DVD drive.  I would make the Linux Live on a CD or DVD and then boot to that to inspect the files.  If you need help with that, please post back.

[JBMartin-2025]

Thank you for the information, it did the trick. The only issue I had was the instructions HP provided were not EXACTLY as my PC's process but the result was what was important. NOTE: I am a novice when it come to computers but I have never had an issue trying. One of my shortcomings is the terminology and I was not sure I explained myself adequately when I requested assistance. I also noticed I missed the mark regarding the tips as provided in generating the post.

Overall I am pleased that there are individuals who are willing to help others by providing their knowledge and expertise. Again, THANKS   😀 

[TheOldMan]

So glad that the information I posted helped resolve the situation.  Glad to help.