Multiple Application Data (AppsData) folders

[robroy6]

Recently I reinstalled XP Pro SP3 and lost mucho data like apps (not personal data). In Doc&Settgs there are some 14 folders like Admin, All Users, etc. Since reinstall I am working as user "Jean" and it's AppData folder has lots of app data in it. It is the only user listed. Previously I worked as user "JeanBob" and it's AppData folder also has lots of app data in it.
Can I move some of the AppData's data from JeanBob to Jean's AppData folder so I can access it as Jean?

 

[DrB0b]

How did you try to "reinstall" XP? Did you boot from the XP CD and choose the second Repair option? Did you try to format the disk and do a clean install?

"Silence is golden, duct tape is silver...

 

[goombawaho]

Sounds like it was a "Recovery Partition Reload" with the non-destructive option from the manufacturer, which backed up your data.

You can move the data, but usually AppData doesn't have too much exciting in there vs. Documents and Settings\USER.

You'll have to reinstall applications and probably best to move your data after reinstalling and opening all the apps.

 

[robroy6]

Dear DrBOb, glad you asked that. I tried to follow this InfoWeek article of 6/19/06 - "Fred Langa shows you how to completely rebuild, repair, or refresh an existing XP installation (Win XP SP2)without losing data, and without having to reinstall user software, reformat, or otherwise destructively alter the setup."
Everything went smoothly until well into the procedure some screens didn't quite match those in the article. I made some guesses bu it ended up as a re-install with stuff (registry) lost. I suspect that after SP3 some things changed. I wish someone would repeat this procedure with Win XP Sp3. It would be nice to "rebuild, repair, refresh" the OS non-destructively. Because of the re-install, XP ran faster and was slimmer.

 

[DrB0b]

Not sure what steps you would have had extra as that, if memory serves correct, is what should happen on a SP2 or 3 Window's Repair. Ive used this option numerous times with Sp1,2 or 3 machines and I remember it being very similar and working like a charm unless there is a hardware issue nestled in with the OS not working.
The method you used should have only changed the underlying OS and not messed with the data. Everything should have been set up the way it was unless you didn't follow the instructions on that to the letter. Odds are if there somehow was a new Window that popped up in the repair, it was one to select a new Admin account or name a new account and thats how you ended up with the Jean's user.
All your programs should still be there and functioning, along with data, just copy your My Docs, Desktop, and Favorites from JeanBob to Jean and you should be back like you were.
My biggest question would be why did you do the reinstall/repair?

"Silence is golden, duct tape is silver...