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General discussion

Recovering files after reformat HELP!!!!!!!!!!

by dr425 Feb 25, 2006 7:45PM PST

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i accidentally reformatted my computer
i know, that sounds really stupid and yes it probably is..

basically i was having problems with it today, it kept blue screening when i turned it on (suspected virus) and safe mode didn't work either... windows just wouldn't load

so i dug up my acer laptop recovery cd and loaded that... unfortunately, i've never done "recovery" before and misunderstood what it meant... i thought it'd be like a boot cd but it seems to have wiped my whole computer - programs, files, settings, drivers, everything

i desperately want my old files back in particular... i had all these med notes i'd done and photographs i hadn't printed or saved elsewhere

is there any way to get these back? i've vaguely heard that even when files are 'deleted' they lurk on ur computers somewhere forever, for potential use by hackers if u sell ur computer.. so i was hoping they might still be recoverable, somehow...

please please help me anyone any ideas would be greatly appreciated

ps apologies if this is the wrong section

Discussion is locked

8 Posts
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I'm afraid you're SOL. . .
by Coryphaeus Feb 25, 2006 9:00PM PST

A format or reformat erases all data on the HD. The recovery CD did just that. Then, when the OS and operating drivers and programs are reinstalled, it overwrites all data that might have been recoverable. There might be a chance to recover the files, but it would take a specialist and could be very expensive. You might do a Google on data recovery.

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Last hopes.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Feb 25, 2006 11:17PM PST

1. STOP USING that hard disk.

Put in a new hard disk to stop writing on the old drive.

2. Now with the old drive as slave, try PC FILE INSPECTOR (google.com) to see if it can find old photos and what you want to get back.

3. No go? Off to drive savers.com


Bob

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Question
by VAPCMD Feb 26, 2006 1:56AM PST

Bob...

Having always built my own stuff, I don't have any hands on experience what things these restore disks do.

Do they typically delete all partitions first thing or format the primary active partition before they commence reinstalling/restore the factory installed SW ?

Tx
VAPCMD

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Yes. This is why...
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Feb 26, 2006 2:51AM PST

You try recovery software such as noted that does not rely on partition tables and more.

Bob

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Deletes all partitions OR . . ..
by VAPCMD Feb 26, 2006 3:29AM PST

just quick formats the primary active partition theoretically leaving any other partitions on DRIVE ZERO 'as is' ?

Tx,
VAPCMD

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About restore CDs.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Feb 26, 2006 3:01AM PST

This part of the question can NOT be answered. There is no standard here. Some wipe the drive, some save the owner's files, so it can't be told what a restore CD does.

Bob

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backing up oem system
by glennlee Feb 26, 2006 3:43PM PST

The lack of flexibility in oem system rescues with restore partitions or cd's is the major reason I recommend backing up the sytem disc with imaging software (I use and recommend Acronis True Image). This software allows you to bring the entire system back to the operating status of when the backup image was created by booting with the resore boot disc, and running True Image to restore the system disc from the backup image (on internal hd, external hd or spanned dvd's). This can truly be a lifesaver when the system fails and needs to be restored to a previous state. The software is quite reasonable, and the peace of mind and ease of recovery priceless when disaster strikes.

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Have you seen newer Resetore CDs?
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Feb 26, 2006 8:30PM PST

They have tuned them up to save the users files. No programs are saved since those can be the cause of needing to run the restore CD.

Bob

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