Windows.old empty? Not empty?

Question

I'm running Windows 10 and I recently had to reformat my computer. I was looking for my old email files where I would find some software installation keys. I've contacted my isp and they suggested I might find something in the windows.old folder and indeed I found what I believe could be the right file(s) in the Windows.old folder. Now that I have time do to something about restoring my email, I can no longer see anything in the windows.old folder. There are folders inside it but they appear to be empty. I've checked each folder's properties and there appears to be several files but I can't see any of them (says "this folder is empty"). How can it be that I could see files 2 days ago and today nothing? If anyone has any ideas of what I can do, please be aware that I'm not all that technical.

Answer 1

Thats understandable. So, I assume you are good to go?

Answer 2

Thank you! Did I mention I'm not very technical ;-). I can now see files. Oddly though when I search for Inbox in windows.old it comes up with nothing and 2 days ago there were several results. Sigh

Answer 3

Did you turn on a show hidden files and folders?

Also see:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

Answer 4

Which email program were using before?

Answer 5

I guess I am. Unfortunately, it looks like I'll never be able to recover my "lost" emails. Thanks very much for your help.