Can i get my pictures back from a folder lock program if it has been lost in an OS reinstall

[Skozlowski]

I had some pictures i didn't want anyone to get their hands on so i downloaded a file locking program and put them in there. I don't remember the name of the program but im sure i could figure it out. Anyways, about three days afterwards (which is why i don't remember the name of the program) my OS failed an update and actually had 2 versions partially installed.... thanks windows... so i had to have the OS reinstalled and now those pictures are gone. Is there any way to get them back? Are they still stored on the hard drive somewhere, or are they lost with that download of the program?

 

[Rogue Leader]

Two problems, 1 is the drive may have been formatted and then new OS installed, its possible in installing you could have overwritten the files. Secondly You used a file encryption program, and when you formatted the drive you likely wiped your encryption key. Even if you recovered the files they would be jibberish without that key, so you would need that first.

You can try this program to recover your files:

https://www.piriform.com/recuva

But you need to find the directory where that program as stored, or where it may have stored its keys and recover that too.

 

[Skozlowski]

thank you, ill give it a try