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ParetoLogic Data Recovery Pro is an excellent utility that should be able to help you with your problem. Make sure that you meet all of the requirements in order to have the best results. Perhaps the best way for you to determine whether it will recover the files that you want is to run the free scan that is offered with this software. I have used it myself on a reconditioned computer and it found lots of files that weren’t even mine including music and videos. It’s an excellent tool and I highly recommend that you try it.

What is ParetoLogic Data Recovery Pro?

ParetoLogic Data Recovery Pro is a data recovery application that scans for retrievable files on computers. These files can be deleted ones or simply ones that have been misplaced or become lost due to bad sectors.

What can ParetoLogic Data Recovery Pro recover?

This application is designed to retrieve partial files as well as complete ones. The software is sophisticated enough to recover files from all types of storage devices n all types of conditions. These devices include but are not limited to internal hard drives, external hard drives, iPods, cameras, and USB devices. In fact, it can even recover files from hard drives that have been freshly formatted. Additionally, it recovers files that have been compressed, encrypted, or recycled.

ParetoLogic Data Recovery Pro: System Requirements

In order to use ParetoLogic Data Recovery Pro, your computer needs to have certain system requirements. The user of this application must have administrative rights on the computer. Additionally, the operating system should be one of the following: Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4, Microsoft Windows XP Home/Professional Service Pack 3, or Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 1.

ParetoLogic Data Recovery Pro: Other Requirements

Software requirements for ParetoLogic Data Recovery Pro are minimal. You should be using Internet Explorer 6 or 7. Your computer or laptop should have at least 512 MB RAM. The monitor should have a resolution of 1024 by 768.

Your best bet for an account that has been deleted (either accidentally or intentionally) is to do a System Restore to bring your PC back to a point before the account was deleted. I’m assuming that your computer had been setting restore points along the way - most newer computers come with restore points set automatically. To do this, follow these steps (I’m assuming you’re running Windows):

1. Click on Start, then go to All Programs.
2. Click on Accessories and System Tools.
3. Click on System Restore. You will see a welcome screen.
4. Click ‘Restore my computer to an earlier time.’
5. Click Next. You will see a page that will ask you to select a restore point. This should be a date before your partner deleted your account. Choose that date and click Next.
6. Confirm that date and click Next.
7. The computer will shut down and then reboot. You will see a ‘Restoration Complete’ page. Click Ok.

You will lose any system settings that were changed after the date you restore to, but if your goal is to get your user accounts back, it is probably your best choice.

If your system wasn’t setting restore points, the options are more difficult. You say that you can see the photos, but you can’t print them. I’m assuming here that you can get to the folders where the photos are stored. If you can, you can try to take ownership of those files and see if you can work with them that way. Follow these steps to take ownership of the folder:

1. Find the folder in question and right click on it.
2. Choose Security. If a security message appears, click Ok.
3. Click on Advanced then on Owner. You will see a name list - click on the user name you’re using or on Administrator if that is how you are logged on.
4. Select ‘Replace Owner’ on subcontainers and objects box.
5. Click Ok. You will get the message: You do not have permission to read the contents of XX. Do you want to replace the directory permissions with permissions granting you full control?
6. Click Ok.

Hopefully that will have restored your ability to work with the files. As a last resort, you can try to use a file recovery program while logged in as Administrator. There are a number of them available, much of it as freeware so that you can at least see what is possible before you purchase a product. One to try is ParetoLogic Data Recovery, or just Google ‘data recovery system’ for other options.

I know how frustrating this must be. Try System Restore first, and if that isn’t successful, move on to these other methods. Good luck!

The first order of business is to get the computer back up and running if it isn’t already. Once the computer is back up, we can see if we can’t recover your data.

System Recovery

Since you haven’t said whether or not your computer has completely crashed, let’s assume that it has and that you need to reinstall the operating system. First, make absolutely sure that this step is necessary as it is a drastic one. If your computer is functional but you’ve lost your data, then skip this step and move onto the data recovery step.

In order to reinstall Windows, you will need to have your original installation discs or recovery discs that came with the system. Reinstalling Windows or using the recovery discs provided by the computer manufacturer will wipe your hard drive and then reinstall your operating system. When using recovery discs supplied by the manufacturer, your system will be exactly as it arrived straight out of the box complete with the original programs that came with your computer.

Simply insert the required disc in the CD drive, turn on the computer, and follow the prompts. Most computers are set to check for boot discs in the CD drive, so the boot disc should be detected and loaded automatically.

Recovering Data

While the reinstallation or recovery process most likely involved reformatting the hard drive, your data could very well remain on the hard disk. That’s because reformatting, while drastic, doesn’t actually erase the data. It makes changes to the various tables and indexes that contain references that Windows uses to locate the data, but it leaves the data virtually untouched.

This is good news for you, providing that the data hasn’t been overwritten by various new installations and files. This is why we will attempt the recovery before reinstalling all of your favorite programs. First, invest in a good data recovery software program. I recommend ParetoLogic Data Recovery which costs about $40-$50 depending on the version you choose. Actually, at this point, you don’t have to buy it yet because ParetoLogic offers a free scanner tool that you can use to determine whether or not your data is lurking within the drive. Go ahead and download this tool to a CD or USB stick and then run it, scanning your C drive for recoverable files. If you find the data you need, then you’ll need to upgrade to the full featured version in order to perform the recovery.

I suspect that you’ll find much of your previously lost data, if not all of it. Some files may be unrecoverable, but this technology never ceases to amaze me.

Reinstall Programs

Once the data is restored, you’ll have to go through the hassle of reinstalling all of your programs such as word processor, spreadsheet program, checkbook software, and anything else you’ve added since you first bought your computer.

Update Windows, Programs, Security Products, and Device Drivers

Your final task is one of the most important; you’ll need to update Windows, programs, anti-virus and anti-spyware products, and device drivers. Prioritize updating Windows and your security products as it’s critical to protect your computer from exploitation.

Final Steps

You’ll have several miscellaneous steps to complete including setting up your computer to connect to the Internet, your home network, and e-mail accounts. Another important task is to find a reliable backup solution. I use and online service called BeInSync and couldn’t be happier. This product backs up my data as I create or change it, sending it safely and securely online.

Recovering Documents

As a writer, the thought of losing a work-in-progress such as a book has occurred to me and it’s a sickening feeling. I am nearly done with a long manuscript and understand that if I were to lose it now, I’d never be able to recreate it. Just thinking about it frightens me and I can only imagine how you’re feeling. Fortunately, there is a glimmer of hope.

When documents are accidentally deleted, they aren’t necessarily vaporized, never to be seen again. This is because Windows doesn’t actual erase files right away after deletion. Instead, Windows marks the space where the files reside on the hard drive as “available.” In a sense, that space is “for rent” and until a renter shows up and occupies it, the data remains untouched. However, once new data comes along and fills the available space, the file is gone for good. This makes it important to NOT add anything to the disk until you’ve had a chance to perform a data recovery.

Recycle Bin

You’ve probably already checked the Recycle Bin, but just in case you haven’t, let’s do so now. The Recycle Bin is a temporary holding spot for deleted files. Go to the Desktop and double-click the Recycle Bin icon. If the book document is located inside, right-click it and choose Restore. This will restore it to its original location. For example, if your book was originally stored in My Documents/Writing, it will be restored to that same folder.

Data Recovery Software

The Recycle Bin doesn’t typically store large files. If your book document was too large for the Recycle Bin, don’t worry, it still may be recoverable using data recovery software. Filetonic recommends ParetoLogic Data Recovery for tasks such as this one. What’s nice about this product is that you can download a free scanner that will search for recoverable documents. That way, you can see if the product will be able to recover your book file before you buy it. Download the scanner to a USB stick, floppy, or CD (since you don’t want to risk overwriting any data on your hard drive) and then scan your drive for recoverable documents. If Data Recovery finds the book file in question, it’ll cost you about $40 or $50 depending on which version you choose. In my opinion, this is a small price to pay to get your book back.

In the Future  

I highly recommend storing important files in a safe location, such as online. I originally used to e-mail copies of my manuscript to my web-based e-mail account where it would be readily available in case of a computer crash or house fire. This was a poor man’s backup system that gave me a little peace of mind. However, I now use an online backup program (beinsync) which automatically backs up my files and stores them securely online. The moment I create and save a new file or make a change (and save it) to an existing one, BeinSync uploads a copy to the online backup. I couldn’t be happier with this arrangement and highly recommend it to anyone with critical backup needs.

Lost or misplaced data happens to become a fact of life for many of us over the years. Fortunately, retrieving missing data is now a simple task that depends almost solely on the individual’s willingness to obtain a data recovery software application that is compatible with his operating system. Find out what you need to know before beginning, and then, take action quickly to minimize the loss of data.

What Happens to Stored Data When Reinstalling the Operating System?

When the operating system is reinstalled, previously stored data is no longer readily accessible. Typically, this is due to the fact that this process requires the hard drive to be freshly formatted. This step wipes the data from the hard drive.

Recovering Data Using Windows Data Recovery Software

Windows Data Recovery Software can be used on Windows based computers to retrieve data that has been lost for whatever reason. However, any data that has been overwritten with new data will not be recoverable. Windows Data Recovery Software scans the computer’s hard drive, finds the data, and restores it.

Recovering Data Using Macintosh Data Recovery Software

Macintosh Data Recovery Software can be used on Macintosh based computers to retrieve data that has been lost due to a reinstallation of the operating system. However, any data that has been overwritten with new data will not be recoverable. Therefore, you should avoid using the computer until after you have had a chance to recover the files, etc that you are looking for. Macintosh Data Recovery Software scans the computer’s hard drive, finds the missing data, and restores it to a usable condition.

Data Recovery Software Applications

If you have a Windows based computer, you can use a trial run of ParetoLogic Data Recovery Pro to see if the desired files are recoverable. You can obtain more information about this application as well as accessing a download of it at the following link: Data Recovery Pro.

If you have a Macintosh based computer, you can check into Kernel for Mac Data Recovery at Data Recovery Mac. Additionally, you can do a search on your own for other choices in data recovery software.

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.