recover a directory

polishlber · #1 01-23-2005, 06:59 PM

I accidently renamed a directory (ie, Folder) to Folder.txt. Once I reconized what I had done and renamed it back, it's no longer considered by windows to be directory. Windows considers it a file without a extension. Any help to step me through what can be done to rename or copy or recreate the directory structure would be appreciated.

ANZAC_ELITE · #2 01-23-2005, 08:02 PM

Just create a new folder and tranfer the contents of the old one to it, then delete the old one

polishlber · #3 01-23-2005, 08:28 PM

Wish it was that simple. it's thought to be a file, so transfering it into a folder only puts the file into the folder

ANZAC_ELITE · #4 01-23-2005, 08:43 PM

Am I correct in assuming you can't explore the directory now because Windows thinks it is a file ?

polishlber · #5 01-23-2005, 09:32 PM

correct. Once it was renamed to folder.txt, then renamed as folder it is thought to be a file.

ANZAC_ELITE · #6 01-23-2005, 10:00 PM

what happens if you rename it and omit the.txt?

polishlber · #7 01-23-2005, 10:03 PM

it's then considered a file without an extension.

ANZAC_ELITE · #8 01-23-2005, 10:11 PM

damn this is a tricky one, I have a friend I'll ask and see if he has any idea will get back to you but not real soon maybe tomorrow

polishlber · #9 01-23-2005, 10:18 PM

Would greatly appreciate it

ANZAC_ELITE · #10 01-24-2005, 12:54 AM

Dunno if this will help but I hope so, was posted in another thread,

How to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421

Qudos to mizz for the link

sp_100 · #11 01-24-2005, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by polishlber

... it's no longer considered by windows to be directory. ....

I can add any extensions to my folder names without confusing Windows. Would you like to share your magic technique, so we can reproduce the problem?

polishlber · #12 01-24-2005, 10:04 PM

Yep, I tried to reproduce and get the same result as you....
create folder - new folder
rename new folder to new folder.dll
using explorer list contents of location where new folder.dll isstored.
Windows still thinks it is a directory, no problem

OK, I can't reproduce......what about this possibility.....maybe I was Win'98 and FAT32 when directory was renamed to new folder.dll. Rebuilt/upgraded to XP and formatted drive as NTFS. Then ported the files from the FAT32 directory over to the NTFS drive. Somehow the migration ontothe NTFS drive caused the problem ? Thoughts?

Now I'm thinking of booted up a win'98/fat32 machine, tranfering the data over to that machine and seeing what I get. Any comments would be appreciated.

sp_100 · #13 01-24-2005, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by polishlber

Yep, I tried to reproduce and get the same result as you....
....

Are you making stuff up as you go?

Well, I am not sure … did you try to link is trough Registered File Types (Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Folder Options -> File Types tab)?
Or zip it up, e-mail it to someone with w98/FAT and ask them to try it.