I'm running windows 7 x64 and bought norton 2013 to 'protect my files' as 2012 subscription had expired after the installation I was just finishing watching a video in my browser when my computer crashed, no big deal right I needed to restart it anyway? now all my program files are gone as are a load of important system files,
luckily I have an image backup of my pc from a few days ago so I could restore most of my files except that windows recovery won't run because these files are gone too, they are not in the recycling bin ofc, and norton hasn't installed either there is no trace of it.
At the moment it's looking like my only option is a complete format and reinstall of my operating system and all my files. I won't do this straight away as I see this as taking the 'easy way out' even though it will be a nightmare.
Anyone got any suggestions?
my first thought is to 1) I have located my system restore image on the D partition which seems unnaffected but windows can't use it without the restore 2) try and downoad the system recovery and install and run or try using the disk to restore.
any advice is appreciated as I'm close to having a hissy fit and kicking my beloved computer out of the window.