HELP!!!! Re: In-place installation of XP!

[Guest]

I had a Trojan virus on my computer that SpyBot, Xoftspy, and tons of other
virus removers couldn't get rid of. I thought I'd reinstall Windows XP. I
didn't back my files up onto a separate computer or disk though. So, when I
re-installed XP today, now every personal file/data I ever had on my
computer is GONE.

GONE!!!! Having a heart attack over here.

I discovered that the installation I did this morning REPLACED the
installation of XP that I had before and so, it looks like a brand-new
computer--no documents, files, music, etc. In the article above, it
recommends as a solution to download XP Service Pack 2. Can I ever get back
my original installation of XP when I've essentially taped over/installed
over it?

This is the equivalent of taping over your wedding video (original XP
installation with all my files, documents, pictures, music, etc.) with a
hockey game (today's installation--empty, new, all personal data files gone).
My question is, can I get the wedding video part back? MS customer service
didn't have a clue. Not paying $35 if I can get help here for free.

 

[R. McCarty]

Opps, doesn't quite describe it. I won't even mention the value
of backups/images at this point. First thing is Stop using the PC
immediately.
What you've done is marked all the disk space that contains
your data as free space. (Profile). What amount of content you
can recover - Depends on how XP reinstalled itself and which
areas of disk space it wrote to.
You need a data recovery tool. Essentially, it scans the drive &
finds folders and files that are disjointed. They still exist but do
appear in explorer or other traditional views. The tool will build
a list of recoverable data. Some of these tools are free others
are not.
If this data is critical, locate a local shop or PC technician who
can recover data for you. The more you use the PC, the more
of the disjointed content will vanish.
If you do manage to get out of this situation, seriously consider
backing up data or imaging your entire system.
Others on the NG can probably advise you on which tool to use.
The one I use in my business is not easy to manipulate. If you do
the recovery incorrectly - your chances of getting any useful data
may be lost.

"Accidentally Re-installed Over My XP"

 

[Malke]

Opps, doesn't quite describe it. I won't even mention the value
of backups/images at this point. First thing is Stop using the PC
immediately.
What you've done is marked all the disk space that contains
your data as free space. (Profile). What amount of content you
can recover - Depends on how XP reinstalled itself and which
areas of disk space it wrote to.
You need a data recovery tool. Essentially, it scans the drive &
finds folders and files that are disjointed. They still exist but do
appear in explorer or other traditional views. The tool will build
a list of recoverable data. Some of these tools are free others
are not.
If this data is critical, locate a local shop or PC technician who
can recover data for you. The more you use the PC, the more
of the disjointed content will vanish.
If you do manage to get out of this situation, seriously consider
backing up data or imaging your entire system.
Others on the NG can probably advise you on which tool to use.
The one I use in my business is not easy to manipulate. If you do
the recovery incorrectly - your chances of getting any useful data
may be lost.

"Accidentally Re-installed Over My XP"

You chose the wrong type of installation. At this point, Mr. McCarty's
advice is the best. Data recovery software like Easy Recovery Pro might
be able to get your data back, but it is expensive and time-consuming
to use. The alternative is to call a professional data recovery firm
like DriveSavers (www.drivesavers.com). Their services are not
inexpensive and since you think $35 is a lot, then I doubt you will
want to spend the money required with DriveSavers. Only you can decide
what your data is worth. An estimate for data recovery by a local
computer firm such as mine would be $150-350. Of course, prices will
vary depending on where you live. DriveSavers starts at around $500 I
believe.

Malke