How do you restore a deleted user account?

[Rion21]

How can I restore/recover an accidentally deleted user account and get all of my stuff back? Another user accidentally deleted it because she thinks she's computer savvy and is not. Please tell me there is a way to do this so I can get back all my stuff. I need that stuff.

[DavidPK]

Hi,

Depending on exactly how the account was deleted, you may well not be able to recover it.

Try running Windows System Restore.  If you have Norton Internet Security installed, you will need to disable Nortons Tamper Protection as shown in Step 2, on the link below.

http://us.norton.com/support/kb/web_view.jsp?wv_type=public_web&docurl=20091112171719EN&ln=en_US

Once you've done this, shut down the PC.  Windows System Restore is usaully best run in Safe Mode.  Tap away at f8 as you start the PC to enter Windows Recovery Console.  Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode and hit enter.  When this has loaded, from the Start Menu, click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools and launch System Restore.  Pick a restore point before the account was deleted and then proceed with the restore process.  When complete, Windows will reboot as normal.

Regards,

DP-K

[Rion21]

This computer has never had a restore point set and it has multiple user's. I believe she deleted it in the menu where you make new user accounts. Is there a way to do it and not erase everyone elses stuff too?

[DavidPK]

Hi,

Has windows system restore been turned off as this normally creates automatic restore points if enabled?

Try holding down the Windows key and press R.  In to the Run Box, type the following and then hit enter.

%systemroot%\system32\rstrui.exe

If this successfully launches System Restore and you get a choice of restore points,choose the earliest one available before proceding with the restore process.

Regards,

DP-K

[Rion21]

How do you turn on auto system restore? Or if anything is there a way to access the back door or something? I accidentally did that on an older computer and it showed a record of everything that was ever on the thing. Is there a way to restore the user account that way like how cops can do on a computer when something was deleted?

[DavidPK]

Hi,

What operating system and version are you using ( ie Windows Vista 32bit )?

Regards,

DP-K

[Rion21]

It's the family computer and it uses windows 7 I believe.

[DavidPK]

Hi,

Open windows Control Panel, open System, click Advanced system settings, click the System Protection tab.  Under 'Protection settings' does Local Disc C show as os on?

Regards,

DP-K

[Rion21]

It shows             available drives                Protection

                            HP (C: ) (System)                     On          

What now?

[DavidPK]

Hi,

When you first launch System Restore, click Next on the initial screen.  On the second screen displaying the suggested restore point, there should be a box to the bottom left giving you the option to display more restore points.  if you tick this box, do any earlier restore points appear?

Regards,

DP-K