Retrieving files after a re-installation of Vista Scott Tapp 11/3/2008 3:58:01 PM I just re-installed Windows Vista to fix a computer problem. Now it appears that I've erased all of my files and settings. Is there any way for me to retrieve these?

Re: Retrieving files after a re-installation of Vista Malke <invalid[ at ]invalid.invalid> 11/3/2008 5:29:55 PM Scott Tapp wrote: [Quoted Text] > I just re-installed Windows Vista to fix a computer problem. Now it > appears > that I've erased all of my files and settings. Is there any way for me to > retrieve these? It sounds like you did a clean install. If there is a windows.old folder your stuff will be in there. If you really overwrote everything and there is no windows.old, you'll need to retrieve your data from your backups. No backups? Then your only recourse is data recovery software. Since Vista lays down an image for the install, IMO the chances of you getting any files back using data recovery software are very slim. You might want to check with a professional data recovery company such as Drive Savers (www.drivesavers.com). Professional data recovery services are very expensive, usually $500-3,500. Malke -- MS-MVP Elephant Boy Computers http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/#FAQ "Don't Panic!"

Re: Retrieving files after a re-installation of Vista SIW2 <guest[ at ]unknown-email.com> 11/3/2008 6:51:42 PM > *Retrieving files after a re-installation of Vista* I just > re-installed Windows Vista to fix a computer problem. Now it appears > that I've erased all of my files and settings. Is there any way for me > to > retrieve these? > > Hi Scott, If you don't want to spend out a lot and just have a go at recovering what you can , you might try this freebie 'Glary Undelete' (http://glarysoft.com/gun.html?tag=download#) I found it was capable of recovering files after a quick format - assuming they have not been overwritten. Best to install it ( and recover anything it lists as very good condition ) to a separate partition/ drive if you have one. Also, don't defrag before you've recovered your files - check windows defrag. schedule. Hope it helps SIW2 -- SIW2