BleepingComputer.com: Using System Restore - restoring personal files

I used System restore when prompted to and now my machine is running again. But... all my personal files are gone (images, word docs, spread sheets, etc). Is there any way to retrieve these?

Please specify...are you talking about Windows System Restore function...or are you talking about some recovery/restore provision built into the system you purchased?

Some posters use the terms as if they are interchangeable...they are not and they are totally different in effect on a system.

System model and manufacturer...would help to clarifiy what transpired and how.

Louis

Did you use disks or a "System Restore" from Start--> Programs ---> Accessories---> System Tools ---> System Restore?

If you used disks, then all of your hard drive got repartitioned/reformated. This means all the information that was on the hard drive got deleted. Your computer would be "brand" new.

If you use "System Restore" your personal files should be there. From the sound of things, this may look like a Disk Reformat, since all of your person items are gone.

I used the system restore function from the computer, not from disks.

That is odd, the Windows System Restore ususally does not do anything with personal files. It should have left all .jpeg, .doc, .txt, and similar type files, in tact

They're all gone. My internet settings, e-mail settings, and folders I created, docs, images, etc. All programs installed at home are there. But data is gone. Any ideas?