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recovering files after hard drive reformat
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smik_2
Posts: 14 Forumite
in Techie Stuff
Hi,
I'm thinking this might be a lost cause but I recently ran a 'full factory restore' hard drive reformat after having lots of problems with my computer.
I thought I had saved everything onto my external hard drive before I did it but it turns out some of my photos that I saved onto the external haven't copied properly and I can't open them!! they're my wedding photos too so feeling a little gutted!!!
was just wondering if it is at all posible to recover the files after doing this kind of re-format??? even if it means taking it to some sort of specialist etc to do so? any advice would be very appreciated
thankyou
k
I'm thinking this might be a lost cause but I recently ran a 'full factory restore' hard drive reformat after having lots of problems with my computer.
I thought I had saved everything onto my external hard drive before I did it but it turns out some of my photos that I saved onto the external haven't copied properly and I can't open them!! they're my wedding photos too so feeling a little gutted!!!
was just wondering if it is at all posible to recover the files after doing this kind of re-format??? even if it means taking it to some sort of specialist etc to do so? any advice would be very appreciated
thankyou
k
0
Comments
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If it was just a format you'll have a chance, if you've formatted and reinstalled Windows and applications there'll be far less chance as you'll have written over many of the areas storing data.
Firstly stop using it completely, each time you use it, more temp files and other items are written over the disc.
There are several free utilities which can help, but they are technical, so you need to read the manuals carefully: TestDisk will be your best bet, free from here: http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/TestDisk
There are commercial companies which can help salvage files, but they are very expensive, OnTrack is just one example.0 -
fast file undelete. i think. you can easily restore photos, id do it for a tenner and put them on a dvd.0
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undelete does this for you, download that, it finds literally everything, so it does involve going through a lot of jargon until you find your images, the software is free, a little patience is all it should cost you.:A:dance:1+1+1=1:dance::A
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If its been FAST formatted, you can recover them (OR some of them at least)
http://www.recuva.com/
(Completely free)
If its a FULL format ~youve no chance:idea:0 -
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please also note the following useful info
You should use a second PC to recover whatever data your require (take the hard drive out of your main PC and attach it to a caddy) - this will get maximum recovery
Data recovery is a strenuous process (not for you!) for the hard drive. depending on the age be warned that the hard drive may fail as a result of this meaning you will have to replace it. (its just a warning!)
Most companies will charge a bomb to get your data back (ontrack, etc). PC World will use recover my files (not the IBAS that they promise!) and charge you £99.99 without a guarantee on your work.
PM me for another solution.
Hope it helps!Scrimping and saving!0 -
You need something more advanced than most undelete freeware, even then, if the bit of the disk has been overwritten with data, it's gone I'm afraid. Try this - the free trial will tell you if there is any chance.
http://www.runtime.org/data-recovery-software.htm0 -
You need something more advanced than most undelete freeware, even then, if the bit of the disk has been overwritten with data, it's gone I'm afraid. Try this - the free trial will tell you if there is any chance.
http://www.runtime.org/data-recovery-software.htm
Testdisk is as powerful than this and free... it can work on various levels, with the MFTs, low level scans, boot sectors etc.
Do not trust PC World with your data at all, to do so would be foolish, if they offer the service for £99 it really isn't professional grade. Professional data recovery in true clean rooms costs a lot more than paying a spotty teenager £99 to "undelete files" with no guarantee. A quality company will look at the disc and offer a list of recoverable files, or % recoverable, before they will charge for the work. You get what you pay for: pay peanuts, get monkeys.
Also read AlienRiks advice above, Recuva may work it is a fast format, but won't on a full format - you'll still have more luck, if you know what you are doing with TestDisk IMO.0 -
Another vote for TestDisk - I used tis on an apparently trashed external drive very successfully.
That said as you have restored your PC from the recovery partition I'll be very surprised if you get any files back at all. Sorry.0
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