I've created a .esp file with the elder scrolls construction set, and all of the programs that use the file can do so without any problems, but I can't find it on my computer. I am the administrator, and I have show hidden files and file extensions enabled, and it just doesn't exist. If I search my whole computer, it does find the file, but when I try to open it/it's directory, it brings up a window saying "Windows is searching for the file, click browse to find it yourself." If I click browse, it takes me to the right directory, but the file still isn't there. This has never happened with files of this type in the past, and I have no clue why it started. It's doing it for every one I make though. (I just tested it again, and it doesn't actually do that last part anymore. I have no clue why.) So, how can I find a file that doesn't exist, but actually does? (I'm on Windows 7 by the way, and the file's location is C:\Program Files (x86)\Bethesda Softworks\Morrowind\Data Files. I've tried copying the entire folder to the desktop, to see if it was because it was under program files, and then the game can't find the file either.)

Somertimes an easy way to find a file that you saved somewhere unplanned is to get back into the same application, run File - Save As, and see what folder it comes up with by default. Windows Search is known to miss a lot of things, so the fact that you can't find it with Windows Search doesn't mean it's not there. However, sometimes using the explicit Windows Search syntax (e.g., filename:xxxxxx.esp) can help increase your odds of finding something. For a really reliable search, I recommend downloading and using a fairly geeky but powerful freeware search tool called grepWin by Stefan Küng. Once you've installed it, right-click the root folder of your hard drive, and choose grepWin. -Noel

Like I said, I already know where the file is saved, the standard windows search did find it, it's just that I can't see it, or do anything with it once I get to the folder, even though I can see hidden files. Also, there is no Save As option on this program. As far as I know, it's not possible to change the directory that it saves to. (It's somewhat old.)

Sorry, I misunderstood the problem you were having. An inability to open a folder could indicate disk corruption... Check your Windows Event Logs (click Start then type event viewer in the search box) to see if your system has been reporting any kinds of disk failures. If not, I might suggest checking the drive for errors (right-click the drive in Explorer, Properties, Tools tab, [ Check now ]). -Noel