My Gateway SX2840 PC crashed a few times while I was typing, then one day it crashed many times, just before, during or a few seconds after Windows started. The blue screen suggested doing System Recovery using 3 CD I created initially; before actual Recovery began I was asked about complete backup of my personal settings, etc., to C:\\. I clicked Yes, and after that everything was more or less automatic. Now the PC is back to factory settings, i. e. without my data, programs, bookmarks, etc.
I can see "Backup" folder on C:\\, can open it, and every folder in it, yet cannot restore it, as a whole or its individual files: When I start "Backup Wizard" and click on Restore, it says "Windows cannot find Backup on this machine".
Gateway techsupport guy said "I am trained in HW, I'll connect you with a SW tech". English-speaking Josh told me that this particular issue can be fixed for $199.95. For $100 more I'll get some kind of extended support.
I told him that in that price range I can buy a new computer, etc., and ended the chat.
The "Search programs and Files" Start menu bar could not find 5,8 GB folder either!
Any help is appreciated.