NTFS data recovery... HELP I'VE SCREWED UP

[TweakerXP]

I need a NFTS file recovery program that will get files back after I have screwed up ROYALLY!! I went to try and repair a laptop for a friend. The lappy had a Windows missing system32\config\system files and would not boot. I tried to do a "fixboot" and "fixmbr" and run "chkdsk \r" on it. That all went well. But still didn't boot. First I tried a "repair" from the OS disk. Nope no good. Then I tried copying them off a OS disk as a batch file. No go. So I did a run line command and install them manually, nope didn't work. I took my time making sure the files were correct.

Next I tried to lay XP over the top and here is where I bit the BIG ONE! I selected to keep the partitions intact and just reinstall the OS. After all that, it came up as a new installation. ALL of the ladies file are GONE!!

So I need a program that will get ALL her files back! I'm willing to PAY good money for a program that will do this.

PLEASE HELP!!! I'm near panic city here!!

Thank

[Midknyte]

This is a link from Best of Data Storage:
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=154817

GetDataback is one of the better programs.

Sounds like the drive is going bad to begin with. Did you run a hard drive diag before you started messing with a reinstall?

[TweakerXP]

Mid,

No I didn't. I guess that is why I'm in the position I'm in.

So GetDataBack is what you suggest? Easy to use?

Thanks

[BipolarBill]

If you installed over the top and didn't format, the files are still there in C:\Documents and Settings\username.000\My Documents. The new installation creates a new profile even if you name it the same. The old one is still there - renamed.

Don't panic before you look.

If you formatted, woe is you.

[Sterling_Aug]

GetDataBack will recover deleted files (if still available and not already over-written). It will recover data from a formatted drive. It can recover data from most drives that the BIOS or Windows will not even see anymore. The list goes on and on.

GetDatBack is the go to program for data recovery.

[Midknyte]

Getdataback is a decent program. there are others like Ontrack easy recovery, but that will cost $$$. There are others like Recover My Files, etc.

Next time, make sure you have a backup FIRST.

[Baddog]

Also just slave the drive to your computer and see if you can read the files.:t

[BipolarBill]

Did you find her files in Documents and Settings?

Follow up please. It helps others.

[TweakerXP]

Got home today and my screen on my desktop was black and my system was beeping. 1 long 2 short. Video card DEAD. I put in a spare card. Worked fine. Put "new" card back in, (got it at Christmas) 1 long 2 short.

I'M SO P.O.'ed I could chew nails! :mad: :mad:

I got the card RMA'ed and I'm going to purchase another BETTER card. I got a EVGA 8600GT and I'm getting a XFX 8800 GT instead.

Nw I have wait three days till I get it in and to top it all off ....


IT'S MY FREAKING BIRTHDAY!! HAPPY FREAKIN BIRTHDAY TO ME. :mad:

'll get back with you guys next week. :x

[BipolarBill]

That stinks, but it has little to do with this person's problem.

[TweakerXP]

That is true ,Bill.

Now my main system has died. I got no power at all, nothing. What next? I can't win for losing. :mad:

I'm about ready to toss in the towel..... :eek:

[BipolarBill]

Its the power supply or motherboard. Try the PSU first.

[TweakerXP]

WHeeeew.... I got my system back up and running. I reset all the cards and memory , reset the bios and and prayed and she came back to life!!!

WOOHOOO!!! :rolleyes:

I used GetBackData and recovered her files and Now I have them on my system. It was a little confusing at first then I started to figure out exactly what it wsa doing. So I have them on a DVD for her.

Thanks guys for all the help! :D Really appreciate it!! ;)