Factory reset - where are my files?

I had KILLAV virus which managed to get some damage done even though Norton
detected it. I decided as everything was so slow even on boot up that I had
better do a factory reset - the PC reset software told me data files would
not be affected so I went ahead. Of course when it all booted up again I was
left with a new desktop with no sign of my orginal files. Previous system
restore points were of course also gone.

So gang..... any ideas on how to restore my original dektop/folders etc?

I did have files backed up a couple of months ago so it's not the end of the
world and I am prepared to use a file recovery programme but it would be so
much easier if I could just rediscover my old desktop.

I am using Windows XP SP2 on a Compaq presario 1440

Thanks for your thoughts.....

FYI

the default username is Compaq_user and when it reset it must have created a
new "compaq_user" so the old one appears lost in the ether. As I said i did
at least do a big back up a few months ago and I am currently using recovery
software to track down some of the more recent (and hopefully un corrupted
files) but it's a long slog.

"Tony Meloche" wrote:

> Chris Jackson wrote:
> > I had KILLAV virus which managed to get some damage done even though Norton
> > detected it. I decided as everything was so slow even on boot up that I had
> > better do a factory reset - the PC reset software told me data files would
> > not be affected so I went ahead. Of course when it all booted up again I was
> > left with a new desktop with no sign of my orginal files. Previous system
> > restore points were of course also gone.
> >
> > So gang..... any ideas on how to restore my original dektop/folders etc?
> >
> > I did have files backed up a couple of months ago so it's not the end of the
> > world and I am prepared to use a file recovery programme but it would be so
> > much easier if I could just rediscover my old desktop.
> >
> > I am using Windows XP SP2 on a Compaq presario 1440
>
>
> Well, don't give up hope yet, as I do not have, and have never had a
> Compaq computer. But Compaq is an OEM like Dell (which I have) and Dell
> also ships it's computers with a hidden partition on the HD that acts as
> what you call a "reset". With Dells system, if you use that function,
> it returns your computer to the state it was the day it left the
> factory, before you unpacked it. Hence, any programs or files you added
> from square one are gone - forever. That does NOT mean Compaq's reset
> feature does that, though it sounds like that is what you are
> describing. Still, you did say Compaq's software said your files would
> not be affected, so keep the good thought - someone with more in-depth
> knowledge may post yet. Consider what I wrote here as a "worst case"
> scenario, and I hope that's not it - but the way you describe it . . .
>
> Tony
>