I also do not know the prior owners, but I've been told the window of time for the new owners to convert old images was very slim. I too am so very sad to lose them since 2004.

I believe there was a contract between Winkflash and consumers when one signs up but I don't recall the fine print or details of it nor can I check now as the past website is gone. I believe Winkflash had a obligation to warn current customers of the change of hands or buy out as most companies do let the public know. If that was done then I am sure all these customers (as well as myself) would not have had these this misfortune happen to us. This is a nightmare.

I do not know if there was any legal obligation to keep those photos. Probably it was just courtesy. But if you find anything, let me know at email michal.samuel@gmail.com. I also lost many years of photos.