lost documents and pictures

[roxane]

We did a non destuctive restore which said that all of our documents and
pictures would be saved and when we turned on our computer after it was done
there are no pictures or documents or anything. Does anyone know how to get
these back?

 

[Leonard Grey]

When asking a question about Windows XP, we need to know which version
of XP you have, including the service pack.

1- Exactly how did you perform this 'non-destructive restore'?

2- Do you backup your documents and pictures?

 

[roxane]

our computer has windows xp home edition with service pack 2. the computer
would go to a black screen with a few options such as start in safe mode,
start normally, start using last succesful method, none of which worked so we
pressed f11 and it gave 2 options for restore, destructive or non
destructive. No we did not have our pictures etc. backed up, i know we
should have, but didn't. Is there any hope?

 

[roxane]

sorry, windows xp 2002 home edition

our computer has windows xp home edition with service pack 2. the computer
would go to a black screen with a few options such as start in safe mode,
start normally, start using last succesful method, none of which worked so we
pressed f11 and it gave 2 options for restore, destructive or non
destructive. No we did not have our pictures etc. backed up, i know we
should have, but didn't. Is there any hope?

 

[Leonard Grey]

The F11 key typically invokes your computer manufacturer's restore
function. Since each computer manufacturer can setup a restore function
in their own way, you'll get the most accurate answer to your question
by asking your computer manufacturer's technical support.

Now is not the time to remind you about the importance of backing up. If
you're able to get your documents and pictures back, start backing them
up regularly.

 

[roxane]

Yes, i tried calling them and they want $100.00 plus, just to talk to them
and I just don't have that kind of money to spare right now. Is there
nothing I can try?

 

[Leonard Grey]

[$100 to talk to your computer manufacturer's technical support?]

Did your computer come with an owner's manual...does it describe the
restore options?

Does your computer manufacturer have a website with a technical support
section where the restore features are described? Can you contact
technical support by email or chat? Does your computer manufacturer's
website have a user forum?

The only description you provided about what you did is a "non
destuctive restore which said that all of our documents and pictures
would be saved". That doesn't provide enough detail for an accurate
diagnosis, and I'm not one to guess where your documents and photos are
concerned.

I can tell you this much: If you erased your documents and photos, kiss
them goodbye.

 

[Olórin]

Yes, i tried calling them and they want $100.00 plus, just to talk to them
and I just don't have that kind of money to spare right now. Is there
nothing I can try?

If possible, do your research on your computer manufacturer's website,
forums, etc on another machine. If the restore *did* wipe your data, there
is a chance (not huge, but not necessarily too small to discount) that you
could get them back - don't kiss them goodbye yet: it would mean "slaving"
your hard drive to another PC. But the more you use your machine now, the
smaller these chances get...

 

[AtlMCP]

roxane:
Do you have two partions? If so, your files might be on D: which might be
labeled Data. Follow this path : D:\Documents and Settings\<USERNAME>\My
Documents.

 

[Gerry]

Roxane

What is your computer make and model?

The problem you have is that data is not lost when deleted. Loss occurs
when the space where the data was is overwritten. The more the computer
is used after the mishap occurs the more likely it is that the files are
gone for ever. That is the situation when files are deleted. Your
situation may go beyond that.

This programme can sometimes recover deleted files:
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/restoration.html

In your case I would install the programme on another computer. Then
remove the disk from the first computer and install the disk in the
second computer as a second or slave drive. Doing this when you run
Restoration means you are not writing further files to the original hard
drive. I have used restoration to recover single deleted files. I have
not tried the method suggested but in principle it might work. Otherwise
stop using the computer and ask a computer repair shop if they can help.
Professional recovery of lost data can be very expensive.

--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Mick Murphy]

If, as you say, your Data has not been overwritten, Knoppix should find it.

http://www.knopper.net/knoppix/index-en.html

Download the above Knoppix Live CD ISO file.

http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm

Download the Vista Burning software from the above link.

After installing above ISO burn software, right-click on Knoppix ISO file,
make an Image disk.

Knoppix does not install on your PC; just uses your PC's resources, RAM,
Graphics, etc.

Plug in a Flash Drive/Memory Stick, boot with the Live CD, and you should be
able to read your Hard Drive.
Change the Flash Drive Properties from read only.
Copy your Data over to FD

 

[Rockingham500]

We did a non destuctive restore which said that all of our documents and
pictures would be saved and when we turned on our computer after it was done
there are no pictures or documents or anything.  Does anyone know how to get
these back?

File Restore Professional will get your pictures back. This is the
best photo undelete software. You can download it and preview your
pictures here: www.photo-recovery.com