Backup files disappeared after recovery error

System: Dell Inspiron 6000, Win XP SP3, Acronis TI Home 9.0 Build 3854

Had to restore Dell laptop back to factory settings. Before doing that we did a full backup with Acronis TI. Restored some necessary data with no problem from backup. However when we tried to restore the Thunderbird profile using Recovery option we got an error... red X. There were about 20 folders in the email... the error stopped at a folder for "Ed". We choose cancel and thought we could Mount the image and pull the profile folder off that way (which I have done before). But when we looked for the folder the whole Profile folder was gone!!! How did this happen??? If you cancel an operation I wouldn't think it would erase the files!!

Is there any way to recover the missing Profile folder with a "file recovery" program?? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Hate to lose all the email.

Thanks!