What I mean is when you've installed the new OS or recovery program, it may have been written on top of that .txt file.
Even using the PC alone can overwrite those data since an OS isn't just all read process.
If you had been using the default, then it was also saved in C:/
Because you may have a bigger issue than a lost password if your wallet.dat file is also wiped.
BTW, how've you been starting Bitcoin Core after installing a new Windows? (do not try this now since it counts as using the disk)
Directly starting bitcoin-qt.exe?
Through a shortcut with command line option like -datadir?
Using cmd or PowerShell?