My computer was recently upgraded from VISTA to Windows 7.  I just went to look at some pictures and Photo Gallery is no longer on my system and my pictures are nowhere to be found...Over 5000 pictures dating back years.

I have looked for hours.  Tried Photo Viewer, Media Center, etc. I looked in all "Picture" files under all users.  I just downloaded WE Photo Gallery (different version than I had) just for kicks and like I thought, my pictures were not there. 

I believe I have a restore disc with the pics from just prior to the upgrade, however I am curious as to 1.  why Photo Gallery is not a part of Windows 7 on my system and 2. In VISTA,  pictures could be viewed in several applications, not just photo gallery.  Why is that not the case here and where are my pictures? HELP!!