Wiped directory

[dongle]

I have been installing software called Family Historian which builds a family tree. The software is developed by company called Calico Pie.

It places a directory in the C/Documents and settings/All users/Application data/Calico pie/Family Historian

Family Historian works fine after installation until shut down and log on again. Family Historian loses a lot of it functions and it appears that the directory Calico Pie has been wiped completely. It has not been moved and there is no trace of it on my computer. I have to reinstall to recover functionality.

Strangely if I create any empty directory in this applications folder it is wiped without trace.

The company help desk has spent a long time on this without a solution. It is well known software and has top recommendations e.g. BBC, Which

Windows System XP always kept up to date
Protection by windows essentials

 

[goombawaho]

1. Test the hard drive in your computer with the manufacturer's utility

2. Scan for malware with MalwareByte's Anti-Malware and anything else you might have installed after updating

http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html

3. Try the software on another PC to rule out windows corruption.

3.5 Run CCleaner temp file cleaner

4. Completely remove the software, reboot if asked, then run CCleaner registry cleaner until no errors are found (save before each repair). Reboot computer and try to install software again and test. Make sure you have the latest version available that you are allowed to run (install any web updates or downloads before or after installing).

You have to figure out whether it's a hardware problem, an XP problem, a malware problem or an application problem.

 

[G0AOZ]

You could also try looking in Event Viewer to if there's any reference to errors relating to this application.

Presumably that location holds a datafile that you will have created, so taking a backup if you have not already done so, would be a sensible precaution.

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[linney]

Are there any Scheduled Tasks or Login Scripts that might be running without your knowledge?

Have you tried Audit on the folder concerned?

How to audit user access of files, folders, and printers in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310399

Auditing Access to Files

http://www.gregthatcher.com/Papers/IT/audit.aspx

http://www.google.com.au/search?q=A...ox&ie=&oe=&redir_esc=&ei=yBIdTNq2HZO3cdCb0d8M

Process Monitor v2.8

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-au/sysinternals/bb896645.aspx

Do your family descendants include a few ghosts that might be thwarting your attempts to uncover their unsavory past?

 

[dongle]

Thanks G0AOZ and linney. I appreciate your help and will be carrying out these tests and let you know how I get on.

 

[goombawaho]

Don't forget about MY suggestions if all else fails. It's a bottom to top methodology.