On November 28, 2007, I went back to this thread that I started. Some
additional details might be helpful to others.

After finally restoring most of my application programs, not already
restored by a computer repair shop, I proceeded using the computer. I believe
that I also recoved all my documents, including photos.

Unfortunately, some irreplacable photos were lost. I searched through all my
media and could not find them. Eventually I sent my Maxtor external drive to
the manufacture to see if any further files could be recovered. The results
were negative as I did not find the missing photos on this backup drive.

I guess the lesson is to backup up photos to a convienent and reliable
media. In my original backups I hoped to be able to save application
programs, but this proved to be a false help and waste of time and energy.
Better to save the original disks from the application programs.

With all the multiple backups, copying, moving, recovering, et. al., on
multiple drives and media, I ended up with thousands of photos. I had to buy
software to eliminated duplicates and to rename and organized all the
resulting photos.

Since another long trip with extraordinary photo opportunities is starting
in February, I am now organizing from zero to avoid the previous problems.

Thanks for the continuing help from the MVPs, especially Mr. Stanley, whose
message in this thread is a book on the use of our computers.

Bye, for now, George



"Shenan Stanley" wrote: