Well all my files on my desktop and in subsequent folders have disappeared leaving just the folders themselves and I have no idea why nor how to fix it. Should I try and do a XP Repair Install or what? I really would like to get back my files.

Anyways, here is the story. My dad wanted to update the firmware on our Brother MFC-7220 (which is connected to my computer via USB). He transferred the program he found to do that on my C and I ran it and it updated the firmware successfully. Then we tried to send a fax (we updated firmware because fax wasn't working right) and as soon as the paper went into the tray all my files just disappeared, in the blink of an eye. I really need my files back so if you guys could assist me in this I would really appreciate it!

Also everytime I try to go to use Firefox or System Restore (and probably many other things) it talks about an error message that the file has been replaced by an unrecognizable version and it doesn't even see firefox installed.

Looks like a problem in file system, i think you have to try to run a recovery tool like R-Sutdio or handy recovery, then after you get your files back, you can run chkdsk, i don't recommend running it first in case it help in wipe the data.

This sounds like something between a coincidence and a corrupt user profile.

For a Brother firmware update you have to install a special driver to push the firmware to the device and then reinstall the standard driver before using the printer.

Did you go through those steps and then just not list them above for simplicity sake?

When you sent the "fatal" fax did you send it from the PC, or from the printer itself?

Is there an "extra" profile in C:\Documents and Settings that does contain your files?

I'd just like to separate the two issues (if possible) before proceeding on an incorrect assumption and making things worse... Brother firmware updates are a PITA ... but I've never seen one break a computer and the guys in the shop do them routinely.

Nope there was no special driver. The Brother Firmware Update my dad sent me after I unzipped it had an exe file and it updated with that.

The Fatal Faxes come from the printer.

I don't think there is an extra profile but now I can't really log into my computer because it says something about the following file is missing or corrupt: <windows root>\system32\hall.dll.

Also if this helps I noticed that my theme for XP got messed up. I use Vista Transformation Pack 8 and it looks like it kept most of the things but reverted back to XP settings or something like that.

1. run a filesystem recovery software (there's quite a few recent threads on which ones are good)

if that doesnt work
2. pop in your windows xp install disc and run a repair install

this sounds like a giant coincidence...

The Vista Transformation Pack eh?

When did you install that just a matter of interest?

Whenever I first got my hard drive back from WD RMA which was about 2 weeks or so ago.

Also whats a good free file recovery software. Most of the ones I have seen are demos or whatever and will find the files on the hard drive but you have to pay to get the full version to get them back.

Okay, so Brother is trying something new. Considering their old method was a PITA that's a good thing. ...However in the documentation for the firmware update (i checked...) there is a note that clearly states that the version of Jave required by the updater may (and most likely will or they wouldn't have mentioned it...) break your browser... Link to fix provided on the same page.

Well...that pretty much takes the driver off the hook as there is no interaction between the two when faxing from the printer.

That does point at file system corruption.


I take it this was before it went completely over the edge.

Your best bet at this point is chkdsk /r preferably run with the drive in a different machine if possible. Boot to the recovery console and try running it from there if need be. I've seen the recovery console declare the disk toast, but after running chkdsk on the drive from a different machine, it booted and ran fine.

If you start running "file recovery" utilities on the drive you'll probably make it worse, or "recover" a bunch of dammaged files that you can't use.

Well I used a free file recovery software called Recuva and it was actually pretty good. I backed up most of my stuff awhile ago so I just got the stuff that was new and I hadn't backed up. I reformatted and installed XP and it seems to be running fine but I will be making a more recent backup.

Thanks guys!