The motherboard died in a new workstation, can I find old DWG files?

[meb58]

Late last fall, the motherboard died in my computer.  I saw this happening in real time and began a manual back up.  I was able to save all client names/folders from letters A-I.  I then went to DropBox, which I had set up to back up every 30 minutes.  But...I forgot to reset DropBox after purchasing and setting up my new computer.

Is there a way to retrieve the lost files?  I tried typing %TEMP% in explorer, the result is not found...but perhaps I did not understand a post that explains how to do this, assuming that retrieving my old files is possible given the above circumstances?

I typically invoice from the Utility window...

Thank you,

michael

[cadffm]

Your motherboard has nothing to do with that, your files still there where you saved them.

Where did you saved the files?

On you local hdd/ssd, also if you saved to a local Onedrive folder, then they are there.

Connect your drive with a running system and you have access. Nothing to do with autodesk.

It sounds you need help from one person in real life (much easier).

If you also used the autodesk online storage, you have access from each computer, if you login with your account.

[CGBenner]

@meb58 

I agree with @cadffm , the key part is:  Where did you have the files saved on the old machine?  Knowing the answer there will help us to help you retrieve them.  Good luck!

[meb58]

All of my files are saved in documents...backed up manually once per month - I know, too long.  I do not save anything to the cloud, however, I do use DropBox to backup files every 30 minutes.   In this instance, as I wrote above, I neglected to set DropBox up to backup every 30 minutes after purchasing my new desktop workstation.  

[cadffm]

In documents? Wow, I would never store my data in my windows (user)profile folder, I guess I am really an Oldie in IT decisions.

But this is not so bad.

V1: Use your old drive as primary disk in your new PC = all is like before / the old system.

or

V2: Connect your old drive by using a adapter, change the owner for all the user data, take your files.

Use your favorite search engine and search for:

How to access user folder on old hard drive

[pendean · Accepted solution]

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@meb58 wrote:

Late last fall, the motherboard died in my computer...I tried typing %TEMP% in explorer, the result is not found...

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Last fall? as in 9-10-11 months ago today at the end of August?

If your computer's motherboard died, and it's hard-drive contained all of your DWG files, may I ask how you would expect to find those DWG files on a new computer with a new hard-drive you've never used before? There is an important piece (or two) of information missing from your posts.

Or did you just replace the motherboard on the dead computer and the harddrive remained intact? Or was it reformatted (aka all data erased and removed/destroyed) because the new motherboard forced it?

TIA

[meb58]

I embarked upon this question because it concerns but one client...and the decision to disregarding what has happened in the past was not a bad one.  I did not have much hope recovering my old files.  

The computer was sent back to Dell, and it was completely wiped out.  I understand your comments, but I do not know what I do not know...I am not a computer expert, nor do I work in IT.  I do, however, try to learn as much as I can.

I should accept this as solved because I do not think that there is a way to find the old files...but in todays world of cloud performance, I thought that this might not be a bad question.

I'll ask an IT person where to save my files...reading from above, documents is not the place...

Really, a confluence of events, a dead mother board in a new computer, I did not set up DropBox to back up my files and my old external HD required replacing.  Two of these were and are in my control.  DropBox was setup upon receiving the computer back from Dell and I have a new External HD which I back up every week.

I can feel the head shaking, I get it...I learned a lesson at 70 years old...we still keep learning until we die.

[pendean]

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@meb58 wrote:

.The computer was sent back to Dell, and it was completely wiped out. .

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Yes indeed, that means all of your old files are gone forever. And you are correct, never setting up daily backups to your DropBox or any other destination was a bad idea.

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@meb58 wrote:

...I'll ask an IT person where to save my files...reading from above, documents is not the place...

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While I'm not 70, I'm not 50 either, so here is my 2cents worth: you can save your files anywhere you wish to save them at, in any folder on your computer, but it's very important to back them up daily all the time (and not on the same computer) and always ensure that is a priority on any give day to confirm it is still working. You mentioned DropBox, and I'm a big fan of that myself.

Best wishes with your client(s).

[meb58]

Thank you!

Neglecting to set up DropBox in my new rig was the monumental mistake...I am currently looking into a small device that will back up in real time.

Thank you all for trying to help!

Michael