I have read some threads but would like clarification for the experimental journey to recovering data from the formatted hard drive.

Dell computer Windows XP SP2 installation disc. 250 GB hard drive only c:\drive (also have CD/DVD & CD/RW drives).

Long story short. Received Unmountable_boot_volume error. Could not boot in safe mode. Called Dell, they suggested I reformat my hard drive instead of restore to prevent more damage. Troubleshooting indicated hard drive did not fail and only file system damaged.

Since all data is lost, figured I do not have anything to loose so I would try to recover any data (.pst in particular). I have not installed anything other than the operating system back onto the computer to prevent overwrite. I noticed that I still have internet and my MS office 2003 is still loaded just waiting for a product key.

These are the steps I am going to follow, I just need confirmation that I am on the right track.

1. Create a new drive by using the tutorial "How to partition and format hard drives in windows". (For argument sake I'll call this J:\ drive.) I should have some unassigned partitions since I only used about 150 GB of my hard drive.

2. Download the data recovery software offered by Stellar onto the new J:\ drive.

3. Complete recovery process and hopefully obtain data.

4. Reinstall all software programs required to read recovered data and store programs on c:\drive.

5. Keep all recovered data on J:\ drive and test if files are legiable.

6. Keep J:\ drive and store all data files in this location. Keep all program files on c:\drive.

7. Use my external 20 GB hard drive to back up J:\drive.

8. Curse myself for not backing up all my data since May.

9. Reinstall antivirus, spybot, etc. etc for computer protection.

10. Remember to turn computer off at end of day to prevent power surge.

I do have a question, I noticed that when I turned on my computer it sounded like the drive was skipping (same sound as a LP skipping on a record player). This was happening before I reformatted the hard drive. Do you think the hard drive is still going to fail, if this sound persists?

Thank you for any suggestions/support you can offer.

You cannot use recovery program on the same drive that you wish to recover from........MUST BE DIFFERENT hard disc DRIVES.....

The drives should have an abundant amount of space to match that of the drive that you wish to recover from. In this case the partition would be the same as drive...ie..hard drive (250G)that you wish to recover data from is partitioned into 2 partitions (example C of 100G and D of 150G) The recovery space needed for the recovery program to install the recovered data must be equal to or larger than the partition size itself....Recover data from C(100G) then recovery space must be at the least 100G as well.

A separate computer should be used to install the recovery program. Then remove the old harddrive and slave it to the other computer and then run the recovery program. and store the recovered data either on a partiton of the main computer's harddrive or to a third drive.

You cannot recover information from an optical drive....CD or DVD...

I have a laptop computer at home. I can't remember the hard drive size, but if it is 250 GB I should be able to use it as the main computer and slave my reformatted hard drive to it. I am bound and determined to look into this hard drive. Can someone give me the instructions on how to slave the hard drive to my laptop, what type of cables I would need and the remaining procedure on how to complete the recovery. What effects will this have on the laptop? When lurkswithin mentions storing the recovered data on a partition of the main computer (being my laptop) does that mean I would just create a folder to store the information? I do have an external hard drive and if the data is less than 20 GB I can store the data onto it.

Once again, thanks for any suggestions you may have.

1) determine what type of harddrive interface that needs to be slaved...ie...SATA ? or IEDE ?
2)purchase an external harddrive case that is USB 2.0 and self powered as well. The cases are reasonably cheap and can later be used as an external storage and back-up...which by -the-way had you been doing, this problem would not be an issue now!
3) by just connecting the USB external case with drive installed is all that you would need to do to "slave" the drive.
4) create the folder if you do not have a clean partition that is big enough.
5)install the recovery program...point it to the USB external drive to recover the lost data from.......point it to the folder for the recovered data to be stored.
6) Stop any screen saver programs or hybernation for the laptop and make sure it has the power adapter instead of battery.
7) let the computer run as it will take quite a while for the program to do its job...possibly up to 2 or 3 days or even more depending on speed of computer and the size of the drive

Here is an idea( not a recomendation make that choice on your own)) for a external case...note the screen shots showing the power adapter and usb cables and software for installing it.

Newegg.com - Galaxy METAL GEAR 3506UAS-BLACK 3.5" Black USB 2.0 External Enclosure - External Enclosures

Notice the size listing in the Title..... 3.5 .... this represents the case size will support a regular sized drive.... 2.5 ....is for laptop drives only.

This case is also only for a SATA interface.

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If you have an IEDE/IDE interfaced harddrive you might opt for a 5.25 enclosure....this would allow you to either use a harddrive or use an CD/DVD ...which is kind of neat if your laptops CD/DVD drive goes out on you!

Thanks for the info.

I checked my backup from May 15th and noticed I did backup the most important info from My documents (interesting what I found to be the most important info to save). The only thing I missed was my photos. I am going to try and retrieve those off the camera. I have come to the conclusion that since I have already installed the Windows Operating System again I probably overwrited the partitions with the stored data.

Oh well, I just have to make sure I back up more frequently.

If you connect your camera upto the computer to grab your pix, use the Windows Picture and Fax Viewer. Although you may have deleted them with the camera / and or camera software they will still be there as long as they have not been overwritten yet.

Google for Karen's Replicator it's free backup software, which you can schedule to do this for you. Making weekly backups is the best way of having peaceful dreams...

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Wombat's: Bulldozers of the bush...

To recover deleted files from your camera (and flash media)try Smart Recovery.
I've used it and it worked perfectly and very easy to use.CONVAR & PCinspector Data Recovery

A co-worker gave me his scandisk reader to use to recover my photos. I will try your suggestions.

I'm starting to really like this site. Everyone is very helpful.