I had apparently deleted a
component to Windows 98 when I deleted a file sharing
program. So I went to reinstall it from my disk that I
got with the computer. The problem was the disk was
corrupt. Wouldn't reinstall right. I decided since I
needed a new o/s I would go to xp. Only had 64mb of ram
at the time and xp wasn't working too good either. I
hadn't lost everything at that point. My files were
still on the computer. I did a back up but didn't know
what I was doing and only partially backed stuff up. I
believe that the computer may have been reformatted, not
sure. I don't know if that would have to happen to add
memory. I had both hard memory and ram added.
All my programs were wiped out, but, as I mentioned if I
look for Windows 98 in the search option on my xp, it
comes up as disabled. So, it's still sort of "there". I
was wondering if the Windows 98 is there, would the
information that was contained in it be there?
Read your previous post (pasted above).
1. You say you went to reinstall it from your disk. What did you attempt to
reinstall? What "disk" are you talking about. Please be specific here!
2. How did you install Windows XP - and, was it successfully installed? Were
you able to use previously installed programs, or are they gone now? Without
knowing precisely what you did it's hard to assist you!
I believe you tried to use a manufacturers CD to get your computer back to
the way it was when you purchased it. Am I correct? If so, that would wipe
out everything on the C: partition. BUT, you say you weren't successful! If
so, something of your files "MAY" still be on your hard drive. The more you
use the computer, if it is, in fact, usable, the greater chance that those
files will be gone forever.
That being said, you then installed Windows XP, further writing information
to the drive, and possibly overwriting those files.
The chance of the files being there, at this point in time, is none to slim!
You have 2 choices. Using another computer, download a file recovery
program, create a start-up set of floppy disks from the said program, and
then boot up your maimed computer with the floppies. Follow the instructions
carefully. The free programs will, at least, allow you to see if the files
are still there and if they are in recoverable condition. Note: the best
programs cost quite a bit. I use EasyRecovery Professional from
www.ontrack.com, about $400.00.
The 2nd choice is to send the hard drive to a company that specializes in
file recovery. They make their livelihood at this, and they are quite good
at it. If it is there, and in good condition, you will get it back. Cost =
Many hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars!
