[Solved] Recover files after update (Windows)

[PLD]

I updated to OpenOffice 4.1.15 on Windows 11 Pro. How do I recover all the OpenOffice files that I had before installing the update?

[floris v]

There is no need to recover your files. They are still there. It's possible though that your list of recently opened files was cleared if you reset your user profile. Just look in the folder(s) where you normally save your files, you will find them there intact.

[RoryOF]

As floris v says: and as you reopen each file by clicking on it, it will then appear in the list of Recent Files.

[PLD]

The Recent Documents list is intact. An error message appears, stating that the file does not exist.

[RoryOF]

Were the files on your desktop? If so, a Windows update may have deleted them. Try a system file search for one file whose name you remember.

[FJCC]

What exactly is listed in Recent Documents? Post one entry here. If the entries are so long that they are abbreviated with ..., hover your mouse cursor over one entry and you should get a display of the whole entry. Write that down and post it here, please.

[PLD]

All the folders where OO files are saved has disappeared. File Explorer says 'no items match your search'.
Example listing from Recent Documents: C;\\Users\phyll\One Drive\Desktop\Phoenix Fire\Random\Quaker Oats - oatmeal.odt

[PLD]

C:\\Users\phyll\Phoenix Fire\Random\Quaker Oats - oatmeal.odt

[PLD]

Correction
C:\\Users\phyll\One Drive\Phoenix Fire\Random\Quaker Oats - oatmeal.odt

[PLD]

Full path correction
C:\\Users\phyll\One Drive\Desktop\Phoenix Fire\Random\Quaker Oats - oatmeal.odt

[PLD]

Thanks FJCC !
I followed the path, found the folder (Recycle Bin!), and moved the folder to where AOO now lists & accesses the files with no problem.

[RoryOF]

You were lucky! Remember that Windows updates automatically on the second Tuesday of the month and may delete your Desktop contents without asking you. Best to have a backup procedure in place.

[floris v]

It's much better, and safer, to put a shortcut to your file on the desktop than the actual file.