How can I recover deleted system drive AppData?

Glenn Gordon 0 Reputation points
2025-08-05T17:24:23.3733333+00:00

Hi

I hope someone can help me. I made the foolish decision of deleting all files in my system AppData and using Disk Drill to try to recover them. After deleting these files and restarting my PC, my desktop home screen was reset to black and all the apps I had pinned to my taskbar were blank. When I clicked on them, an error message appeared saying, "Can't open this item: It may have been removed, deleted or renamed....". I tried system restore, but it couldn't restore them. My recycle bin was empty.

Disk Drill identified the deleted files but wouldn't allow me to recover all of them. I contacted Disk Drill and they asked me to send the log file, which I did. They were no help at all and adopted a "tough luck" attitude and would only help if I paid them. I downloaded a recommended free app, called WinfrGUI. It took almost 2 days to scan. I saved the files it found onto a new external hard drive. The problem I have now is where do restore them to get my system working again? I don't want to risk placing them in the same location. I'm very confused. I hope someone can help?

Many thanks in advance.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Recovery and backup
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  1. DaveM121 758K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-08-05T18:03:18.9733333+00:00

    There is no native method to undo deleting the AppData folder, the only option if Disk Drill cannot recover that data will be to try another 3rd party recovery utility to try to undelete and recover the data, but to be honest, there is a lot of files in the AppData folder, and it is unlikely you would be able to successfully recover all data from that deleted folder.

    The AppData folder is a complex folder, it contains all user data for the software installed on your PC, and it is not really possible to recreate the folder structure that previously existed in the AppData folder.

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  2. xavierdelaraunt 1 Reputation point
    2025-08-05T18:36:38.7933333+00:00

    Sadly that is, as far as I know not undoable

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