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I've had Notepad++ for a number of years and I've created a lot of documents on it.

Some are saved as a file, but most are just New X, of which my latest was something like 84.

Anyway, as you can close down the program without these files disappearing, I've accumulated these 84 unsaved files over the past couple of years.

Today, I was using it all morning until I put the machine on standby for about 40 minutes. When I put it back on, I opened Notepad and found that all tabs are gone (including saved file tabs), and there is a New 0.

I know I've been playing a dodgy game with not saving these files for such a long time, and most contain utter #### (basic notes), but is there any possible way of restoring the tabs that were open just one hour ago?

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    Look C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Notepad++\session.xml. Maybe seach for previous (now deleted) its version.
    – Akina
    Sep 18, 2019 at 10:49
  • Is AppData a hidden file? I don't see that
    – W. Eless
    Sep 18, 2019 at 10:54
  • It is hidden folder. You may enable hidden files/folders visibility or simply enter the path C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Notepad++ in address field. PS. Do not execute NPP until recovering correct file and making its copy!
    – Akina
    Sep 18, 2019 at 10:55
  • Ok, strange thing. Now I access C and there is no USERS listed?
    – W. Eless
    Sep 18, 2019 at 11:16

1 Answer 1

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Please try checking %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\Notepad++\backup directory. I have several files out there that are not appearing as tabs after opening Notepad++. It is very likely that all your notes are there. The sooner the better for you to back them up and potentially look for some functionality to restore them.

If directory mentioned above doesn't exist, you may have custom backup settings. Open Settings > Preferences..., then in Backup tab you should find your custom path.

Note that in Notepad++ File menu you have a bunch of options to restore recent files. You can also save and restore sessions - that may be potential improvement for future.

For future, I recommend using Process Monitor from Sysinternals - it shows interaction of processes with file system and registry. It allowed me to find backup directory in few minutes.


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  • Thanks, but I can't access the Notepad++ folder via File Explorer
    – W. Eless
    Sep 18, 2019 at 11:06
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    Also, did a direct search for sessions.xml in %USERPROFILE% and came up "No Results Found"
    – W. Eless
    Sep 18, 2019 at 11:12
  • Please check revised answer - you may find your backup through Notepad++ settings. Sep 18, 2019 at 11:49
  • worked for me. thanks for saving all my files, i almost had a heart attack, you saved my life. 10 hours ago

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