Windows might need to be reinstalled when files are corrupted, the computer crashes, the registry is corrupted or there is a hardware failure. When you reinstall Windows, it copies the original system files to the hard drive and resets most of the Windows default settings. When it is reinstalled, the Documents and Settings folder will be reinstalled and the files that are in there will be deleted. The same is true of the Program Files folder. The good news is that there are ways to get the files back - as long as you stop what you’re doing right now. Don’t save any more files to the hard drive. You can recover data from your hard drive as long as it is still intact. If you save files and overwrite the originals there is virtually nothing you can do to get them back at that point.
Data Recovery Software
You need to use recovery software to get your data back. There are many different programs available for you to use that range in price from about $50 to about $150. Some of the programs that are available are: Data Doctor , Windows Disk Recovery, Data Recovery Pro (a Filetonic Tech Jock favorite), and Handy Recovery.
Most data recovery programs are easy for even the novice techie to use, and were made for recovering programs and data that have been accidentally deleted by the users or by situations like the one you are in.
Back Up Files
In the future, make sure you are using quality backup to store your data so that you won’t be at risk should you encounter another catastrophic event. You can back up your data to a portable drive that plugs into your USB port, or even use one of the backup services online such as BeinSync or Carbonite. A service like this will keep your documents and photos safe offsite should your physical files become unrecoverable.
Kat Delong | November 3rd, 2008
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