bootsqm.dat after chkdsk... are all my files gone?

Hi Kåfhe,

a. By “storage disk” and “normal HDD” in your post, are you referring to an internal hard disk or an external one, by chance?

Bootsqm.dat file is automatically created when check disk is either automatically or manually started on your hard drive. It is basically a scratchpad for use by this command so that it can keep track of what, if any, corrections it needs to apply to the disk. It is not automatically deleted; however you can manually delete it should you wish.

With respect to the data being lost, since the drive shows 250 GB in use, you may enable the hidden files and check if that makes any difference.

Here's how you can enable hidden files and folders:

1.     Open Folder Options by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Appearance and Personalization, and then clicking Folder Options.

2.     Click the View tab.

3.     Under Advanced settings, click Show hidden files, folders, and drives, and then click OK.

Additionally, you may boot into safe mode and check the status of the disk to verify if the data in the drive is indeed present or not.

Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer in a limited state. Only the basic files and drivers necessary to run Windows are started. The words Safe Mode appear in the corners of your monitor to identify which Windows mode you're using.

For more information on how to boot into safe mode, see Advanced startup options (including safe mode)

Hope this information helps.