How to Retrieve my lost files Solved/Closed

Question

Hello,
My problem is I accidentally performed PC RECOVERY without knowing what it does (haha, yeah, stupid, right?). So anyway, I lost all those important files because the whole thing was reset to its factory features. So how do I retrieve all my data? My unit is HP PAvillion dv2000. THANKS!

smithy · Accepted Answer

Hi All,

I thought it may be worth while to give an overview on data on a hard disk and how it works so that people have an understanding in case they suddenly find themselves loosing data on a disk.

When a hard disk comes out of manaufacturing it will have what is known as a factory low level format on it which basically ensures that it is clean and working correctly. When it is installed into a computer  a partition is created or in some cases more than one partition can be created on a single physical disk. The parition is then formated to the operating system that is to be installed on it this could be XP or Vista, Windows 98 etc at this point 2 tables are created called FAT tables (file allocation tables). When data is written to a hard disk a pointer entry is put into the FAT table which basically acts as a look up table for where on the hard disk the start point and end point for the data is. (a map to the datas locatetion on the disk surface, like logitude and latitude on a map).

When you delete data or data is accidently deleted all that gets removed is the entry point for the data and not the actual data itself. A standard undelete software package such as Nortons Disk Doctor (or Norton utilities as it may now be called) will easily scan the hard disk and rebuild these tables recovering data.

When you format a hard disk all that is formatted are these 2 tables,  again there are software packages out there that will recover these tables and your data will be fully recovered. (there are many people currently being held at Her Majestys pleasure who will bare witness to this when they thought they were safe).

Where things get tricky is that if you have deleted data (or the entry in the tables) and new data is written to the hard disk and it overwrites what was allready on the disk surface most commercial packages will not recover from this. This is not the data entry in the tables but the actual data on the disk surface. If the new data is written to a different area then your original data is still intact and can be recovered. Problem is it is upto the computer to decided where it writes this new data and if it will over write what was there. So as soon as you know you maybe over writing something you have deleted stop the data write. Try a recovery program and you maybe lucky.

When a hard disk looses its partition again data is still on the hard disk and commercial programs can recover the partition, all they will do is re-construct the original partition based on the information on the disk. Again data will be recoverable

Where data is more or less unrecoverable is when a factory low level fomat is carried out, this will make data recovery very hard and expensive. data is written to the harddisk using a magnet (so dont put hard disks near items with a strong magnetic charge they will erase data) so even with 10 or 12 factory low level formats and data written on at each stage previous data is still possible to be recovered by very specialist companys who recover the magnetic signature that will allow data to become visable. 

So data can be recovered nearly all the way down the line, so dont panic if it happens to you. At the end of the day it comes down to how much you are willing to pay to get data recovered. Some packages are free as shareware and some more advanced ones you have to pay for.

If a hard disk dies (they all will eventually) remember your data is written to the surface of the disk and not to the electronics on a hard disk, swapping over the electronics from another working hard disk that is the same will allow in most cases data to be accessed again. The only way to prevent data from being recovered on a hard disk is to smash it with a hammer.



I hope this helps to explain to people how to look at going about data recovery.

I will do another one on hints and tips to data storage, protection and recovery

help me · Answer

same but I lost some of my mp3's and dont know how to find tham

Numb · Answer

If it's factory fresh, and all your files are gone, then theirs no way to get them back.

cals · Answer

Nucleus kernel  Data Recovery software  can be used to retrieve the data,,,

so look for a way to get it, and try to use it to retrieve the most important files first.

hope this helps,,,,!! 

pls put in ur comments about the results.

Miggy · Answer

I meant "cheap plastic baskets" (at the 99 cent store).

Mig

Mathew · Answer

I think you accidentally reinstall operating system on your hard drive that's why you lost all your data from hdd. In my acknowledgment there is no other way to restore data from formatted hard drive without using data recovery software.

There are many file recovery software in the market but I suggest you software which I already used "Recover Data for windows". its helps me to retrieve my files and photos when I needed most.

If you want to know more about that software just visit there sites http://www.windowsdiskrecovery.com

Thanks....

Mathew

Dan · Answer

I bought a program called DATA RESCUE PC it recovers files even after reformating. It works GREAT! I have used it many times on my drives & Friends that to recove lose files. It will even work on drive your PC will reconize. This progam boots on computer restart. http://www.prosofteng.com/products/data_rescue_pc.php

Idilius · Answer

Same happened to me, after restoring my pc I lost most of my Mp3s( 6000 + MP3) on my external hard drive that was connected to the computer . but the thing is that the disk capacity keep showing the same free space and used space as befor ! Like its not deleted but I cannot see it !
Any ideas?

djsmurf · Answer

hey guys don't use your time getting a data recovery program, there is a fairly easy and free way to get your things back after a pc recovery,

ZZzzz · Answer

Mabe you can try system mechanic

youcannot! · Answer

no u cant get any files dude sorry factory recovery means u reformatt the whole hard drive and u lost the files which really sucks I know *sry*

ME! · Answer

Another option is File Scavenger at http://www.quetek.com I lost an entire 160 GB HD with all my mp3s, image files and video files. I have a small production company and all our work was stored on that drive. Thank God for File Scavenger. It's the best $50 I ever spent.

RAHUL · Answer

external hard is always a problem ....but if ur hard disk is corrupted...don't worry the files can be recovered,linux is one of the power full o/s...there is something called force in linux....if you attach ur hard disk while ur using linux...i can gaurantee you that the files will open ....but I vl surely not open in xp....so better get  one more hard disk an make a back up of ur corrupted hardisk......once the data is recovered....transfer the files in ur new harddisk....an formate the corrupted hard disk......

neontiger · Answer

hey guys I discovered that you can retrieve some of your files deleted by system recovery by just "searching" the name title in the windows feature this worked for me...hope it helps

Jon Andresen · Answer

How can I recover my lost files my mother board went bad and the hard drive was replased at the same time,my pc was returrned to factory settings.

Beastie · Answer

that is the dummest thing I have ever heard in my life. Thats not gonna work, not everybody has what you said you computer nerd!!!!!!!!!!!!

crock · Answer

I purchased Power Data Recovery. Best investment EVER!!!! I accidently changed file system to "RAW" and couldnt access this drive. this software not only accessed the drive but recovered all my music, programs and pictures!!! Nice!

PURE SICK DEAD · Answer

PANDORA RECOVERY (DOWNLOAD.COM) IS FREE AND WORKS GREAT. I HAD TO REINSTALL WINDOWS BECAUSE OF A VIRUS. MY SISTERS STUFF WAS PASSWORD PROTECTED SO I HAD TO REINSTALL WITHOUT SAVINGS HER PICS AND MUSIC. NEEDLESS TO SAY SHE WAS DEVASTATED(16 YE AR OLD DRAMA QUEEN) , THIS PROGRAM SAVED ME FROM A BIG NIGHTMARE . I WAS ABLE TO RECOVERY ABOUT 10,000 JPEG PHOTOS, 500 GIF & BITMAP, AND A GOOD MANY MP3'S. DO THIS ASAP. THE LONGER YOU WAIT THE MORE LIKELY THE FILES WILL BE DAMaGED OR UNSAVABLE!!!!!

ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE 12-0 REGULAR SEASON!

smithy · Answer

Hi All,

A few tips on recovering a hard disk on a system.

If your hard disk has a problem and gets corrupt and you think the only way to recover the system is to go back to the pre-install cd that came with the computer. Before you re-install your XP or Vista operating systems then first consider the following:-

How much data do I have on this disk, if the answer is a lot and you MUST get it back then the safest option is to go to your pc shop buy a new hard disk, install it in to the computer. Do your recovery to the new hard disk or the new installation XP or Vista (disconnect the old disk first before you do this), install your undelete or recovery software on to this, reconnect the old disk and then recover your data to the new disk, saves over writing data on old disk. After you have recovered all the data you want then re-format this disk so it is clean, and then copy a copy of your data back onto the disk so you have 2 copies of your data. This process gives youa way back if you have decided to just update to a new operating system, ifit does not go smoothly you have a way to fall back to your previous working system with no data loss.

Folks always look at having two copies of your data so that you can always go back to your copy if you have problems on the main disk. It is so cheap to buy an additional internal disk or a USB external disk these days. How much is your data worth to you at the end of the data, if you have photos that are priceless to you the it is a no brainer. A hard disk has moving parts and at some point it WILL die, it maybe a month, a year even 10 years or even longer but at some point it will stop working, if you have a duplicate of your data some where if a disk becomes faulty your data is safe and your options as to what to do to the faulty disk are then open.

Microsoft produce a free software package called Synctoy that allows you to copy data from one disk to another at the simple click of the mouse, I use it to mirror 2 external hard disks that have all my photos, music on, It knows what is on each disk and only copies changes or new data from disk to disk. I also use another external hard disk that my main internal hard disk is backed up to for the applications.

These disks only need to be turned on or powered up when you want to copy more data to them so they dont need to be on all the time if you dnt want.

Other medias that data can also be backed up to are CDs/DVDs , memory sticks or tape. So if you dont decide to use an additional disk then use one of the other options.

I know it sounds obviiouse but you only really think about it when it happens and then it could be to late. The old saying you learn by your mistakes, having been in that position before myself dont let it happen to you. I have been lucky in that I can recover the data as I work in the IT side but others have not been so lucky.

If you would like any more info then please feel free to ask

BookWorm · Answer

I had a little problem with my external hardrive and now I cant access it unless I format the hardrive, I understand that I have lost all my data at this point but I also understand that I can retrieve them all, I have installed 'Undelete Plus' but it cant read the external hardrive which leads me to believe that I must format the hardrive in order to retrieve the lost data, which brings me to this question...Will formating the hardrive cause me to lose all my data, or is that the next step?

any ideas?

Guffie · Answer

Hey,
Search google for a program called Resotration it is free and works perfectly.

Tanvi · Answer

i founded my data from My PC you can also recover your data from Data Recovery Software.... My friend suggest me this is very helpful software

Ok you want recover your HP PAvillion dv2000 Laptop and your Configuration: Windows XP
Internet Explorer 6.0 so you have to chooose that software  visit here Windows Data Recovery I am dame sure you can recover your deleted files from your Laptop

tanvi · Answer

i founded my data from My PC you can also recover your data from Data Recovery Software

Amurri_Eva · Answer

I would suggest to use a recovery tool File Recovery Software which I had used last time when I lost my all files and data.This software has been designed with advanced file recovery techniques and unique file recovery abilities for all data loss cases, your files has been lost or deleted can results in data loss.
http://www.file-recovery-software.net/

Bob · Answer

Try the free 'Recuva' from the same people who make 'CCleaner' 

.

Bob · Answer

Also .....

If you are on one of the Vista 'Home' versions and want to find or restore just some files or folders from System Restore but WITHOUT restoring everything else, then have a look at the free 'Shadow Explorer'.

https://www.shadowexplorer.com/

.

aratwilightgirl · Answer

My mom gave me her new phone and  I deleted all her phone numbers. I can't get them back. Now my mom won't talk to me. HELP ME!! :(

dybbody · Answer

hi there, 

use link be;low and download recovery tool: 

https://ccm.net/downloads/security-and-maintenance/5325-recover-my-files/ 

Thanks

ItinkIno · Answer

using "PC Recovery" from manufacturer is destructive operation much like phoenix, you burn it down and reborn like new --to the point of shipping, this process will format out your disk drive (thus everything is gone) and restore with OEM OS( thus overwrite on the same disk where your files were), so it's unlikely you'll be able to retrieve your files back easily. 

you do have small chance to recover piece of files on the not-yet-been-over-write disk sectors if you using appropriate software do a full disk scan.  (use other system to recover this as data disk, or try several applications, as they all have different result)

mikee · Answer

me too! I have the sme problem as yours and I also dont know what to do.I hope somebody here will  help us!

mikee · Answer

me too! I have the sme problem as yours and I also dont know what to do.I hope somebody here will  help us!

Kate · Answer

You can often successfully recover deleted files from a PC, it all depends on what has happened since the  files were deleted. 
When you delete files the data itself isn't deleted, just the index entry that tells the system where the data for those files is located. The area containing the deleted data is also now marked as free space so it is available for any new files to be written there instead.  

If and when that happens, then it is too late to recover your deleted files so it is very, very important to not save any new files or data to the device concerned. 

One of the easiest ways to see if you can recover deleted files is to try some good file recovery software like asoftech photo recovery pro, which not only recover photos, but also vidoes, pictures, documents, etc.

swapnil · Answer

my data as accidently deleted from hardisk and it is very imortant so pls help me to get my data back

mark · Answer

very first thing I can tell you that if the deletion happened a long before then the chances to get your data back are very low. but if you are wise enough then you must have keep your disk intact.

things becomes very different when we talk about the drive format on which your data was originally existed. 
 in these cases you need a very advance and highly sophisticated disk data recovery software with file carving technologies because there are chances that you must have changed your disk structure and your earlier disk was fragmented.
 
i think Disk recovery software from www.sysinfotools.com  would be better for you. you can also try some other free  softwares listed there.

hugler34 · Answer

help me if theres other way to recover my files if they reformat

woody · Answer

all my stuff when on my phone haw do I get it back

helen · Answer

I have just copied and pasted my old user account files, I want to copy them into my new user account files, on Windows Vista.  It will not copy and paste in to the new user account.

sun · Answer

hi I have a assus laptop by mistake I format my laptop without saving my files , I didnt have recovery software installed, so is there any chance of getting my data back please help ,thank you

hussain · Answer

t have a data in my f drive.but I lock that data by folder lock software which was install in system drive c.i format my all drives.now I have to recover that all data of drive f.my laptop has a 4 partitions

yoxdandamnotok · Answer

ok

kunal · Answer

dear friend it is so easy to get the all of your data in which was lost in the previous session .so friend you have to download the power data recovery software via internet and finally you will get all of yours lost data it is totally judged by me and other users....i am kunal

merge · Answer

As long as you did a regular system recovery and not a disaster system recovery, your files should still be hanging out somewhere.  Right click Start, then search and put a word from one of your files into the search window.  Be sure that it is searching your entire computer.  I just found all of my photos that I thought were gone doing this.  Yippeee!!!

jeni · Answer

may be sysinfotools data recovery software for windows can help u better in very less cost.

djsmurf · Answer

https://ccm.net/forum/affich-58085-anwser-to-restoring-files-after-pc-recovery

Try this link or feel free to mail me.  When you restore your computer rarely are the file deleted, they are just moved.  You don't need a program to access them as there are a few different ways to move your pic, mp3, etc. back to the new desktop and my documents folder you created when you did your restore.

Don't loose hope I have seen people run a computer for a year preforming a recovery thinking that all their memories were gone and in a few hours have brought things back that the thought were going forever.

Tom · Answer

You can try Genie Timeline to recover your files after a computer crash!

foofeec · Answer

I would like to know how to get all my pictures{even from a couple years ago} that are stored in this computer

ryan · Answer

u will  have to  have a boot disk in order   to do so   u can download falcon fours ultimate boot disk  in order to do so

How to Retrieve my lost files

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