Lost Data Issue Syncing Between Vista & XP

[jamesus]

I have noticed an issue when trying to sync my Mogul between my XP machine and my Vista.

Here's some background:

1. My XP machine is my main machine. I use it for work and it has all of my data and email account set up on it via Outlook.
2. My Vista maching is my home computer and I only use it to keep a backup of data in Outlook

After every hard reset, I set up my XP partnership first and then I set up my Vista machine when I get home. However, this Friday I did not set up my Vista machine and proceeded to take a few pictures. I was able to view my pictures on my phone...until I setup my sync with Vista. All of the pictures (along with other items in \My Documents) are now gone. Also, My Documents folder on my XP machine is renamed WINDOWSMOBILE5 in lieu of WM_FirstName_LastName.

2 Questions:
1. Any idea how to retrieve the old files? The disappeared after syncing back with my XP machine.
2. Any idea why this happens and how to stop/fix it?