Been having problems with pc recently and did a disc recovery. It said that data files which I had created wouldn't be deleted but I can't find anything now. I've tried searching hidden files and freeware recovery programme but can't find anything. Anyone have any other ideas? Last resort is taking it to local computer repair shop to see if they can work some magic.
Help - lost all my music and photos!
- Thread starter Renard
- Start date
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rh100
Well-Known Member
Assuming it's XP - maybe try this - start - search - all files and folders - then type in *.jpg or *.mp3 or any other extension you think may be the files required.
Also try going to c:documents and settings and have a look in case the data was under a different profile.
At any point, did the recovery process mention formatting the drive?
Also try going to c:documents and settings and have a look in case the data was under a different profile.
At any point, did the recovery process mention formatting the drive?
Sorry if I'm teaching my granny etc, but have you tried a system restore?
XP started giving me a 'local profile corrupt' message, which isolated me from my data, but a restore followed by checkdisk and fix got it all back.
Oh, and when you do get it back - do a backup! Every PC will eventually fail and there is always a chance that it will fail catastrophically.
XP started giving me a 'local profile corrupt' message, which isolated me from my data, but a restore followed by checkdisk and fix got it all back.
Oh, and when you do get it back - do a backup! Every PC will eventually fail and there is always a chance that it will fail catastrophically.
twowheelsgood
Senior Member
- Location
- Zurich Switzerland
The last thing you want to do when trying to recover data is do a system restore, you want to avoid re-writing any data to the disk whatsoever. A "delete" simply removes the file table index and doesn't remove the data, however the section of the disk is marked as free and could be over-written at any time.
The best method of attack is to not even run the PC and use Linux-based recovery tools as these can mount the disk "read-only".
Basically you maximum changes are to do nothing and get some knowledgable help as soon as you can. Depending on how much you value these files this could cost you.
If its a case of restoring windows then any old PC bod could do a restore for you probably for a pint.
Oh, and always, always back-up.
The best method of attack is to not even run the PC and use Linux-based recovery tools as these can mount the disk "read-only".
Basically you maximum changes are to do nothing and get some knowledgable help as soon as you can. Depending on how much you value these files this could cost you.
If its a case of restoring windows then any old PC bod could do a restore for you probably for a pint.
Oh, and always, always back-up.
piedwagtail91
Guest
i used this once http://www.piriform.com/recuva/download to recover all my mums photos. the cicumstances were different from yours but it may be worth a try if all the above fail.
we back up all our photos and music to an external drive since my mothers fiasco!
we back up all our photos and music to an external drive since my mothers fiasco!
Davidc
Guru
- Location
- Somerset UK
It's probable that the original data is still there. I'd agree 100% with those above who say do as little as possible unless you know exactly what you're doing.
If the files are really valuable, and you don't have the expertise needed, find a computer firm which has the tools (software mainly) and expertise to get the data back and let them deal with it.
When you get it all back get yourself a removable drive, some mirroring/ backup software* and use it so that you never lose a file again!
*There are loads of these around. I use one called mirrorfolder, but there are loads of others which are easier to use.
If the files are really valuable, and you don't have the expertise needed, find a computer firm which has the tools (software mainly) and expertise to get the data back and let them deal with it.
When you get it all back get yourself a removable drive, some mirroring/ backup software* and use it so that you never lose a file again!
*There are loads of these around. I use one called mirrorfolder, but there are loads of others which are easier to use.
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