Windows XP & Hard drive problem

Question

My system was malfunctioning so i decided to reinstall XP. I'm no expert in this filed, so i didnt kno that all my files were going to be erased. My hard drive has 143 gigs free out of 180 gigs. Why would that be if all my data, music abd pics were erased?

Is there anyway to recover the lost data?

Answer 1

Guess somebody didn't read your question about the fact you have already re-installed Windows.

Might try:

NTFS Undelete - http://ntfsundelete.com/

BTW, do not keep your files like music, pictures or videos in the My Documents folder.  That is the folder a new install wipes out.  Why Microsoft has it do this is beyond me.  Make a folder of your own choosing under the C drive itself.

Your programs are still in the C:\Program Files folder, but all the Registry keys some need to run have been replaced.  These programs will have to be installed again.  

Also, you will need to re-install some drivers.

Ron

Answer 2

If you boot using your Windows CD (the same that was used in the initial installation), you will have a couple of choices in the "blue screen":

1. Reinstall Windows

2. Format and reinstall

Note that the text is not that clear. However, you want the first option provided to you (later in the install process, it will propose the second option).

If you correctly choose the first option, only the Windows files will be reinstalled (as well as some housekeeping chores). Overall however, most applications and most of your files (if not all of them) will be kept.

If you get to a point where the installation suggests to reformat, you're obviously not in the right option.

Always remember to backup your files anyway. You never know what's gonna happen...

Good luck!