Major Help! Fresh Windows Install, Cant get in my Drive!!!!

[Amoroso]

Hey Guys... Im in a big puddle here...

System is in the Sig.

Windows updated all the way.

I did a fresh Windows install right after it was infested of spyware, etc. etc.

I updated the BIOS as well...

Okay so everything ran fine... D drive I left alone cause that is my backup files, and I dont do anything with the drive except store my school files on.

So now when I go to my computer, and click on it... its telling me that the Drive is not Formated... please format it... okay... I dont want too!

I go to computer management and everything seems fine... However there is a Unallocated space?? I dont know, but I need to access my D: drive fast because its finals week, and I have a project on the drive that I need to get too! PLEASE HELP ME!!

[jivetrky]

Looks like your Windows disk was a Pre-SP2 disk. Because of that it could not see more than 137GB of your harddrive. You need to download a partition management program and resize the drive to your full capacity.


A way to get around this in the future is to create a Slipstreamed copy of windows XP (with Service pack 2 integrated) Just google: Slipstream windows XP

:thup:

[Amoroso]

I cant resize it drive cause it says it doesnt have a Partition.

I DONT want to lose any information on this guys. I have a lot of valuable stuff on this drive....

Can I get an external case drive, hook it up to my laptop and get all that information through that?

[jivetrky]

Go back to The Disk mangement

Right click on the Unallocated space and create a new partition. Then use your partional management program to merge them. Your data should be fine!

[MVC]

Disconnect your D drive just to make sure you don't damage it. Then, when you boot Windows go install (reinstall) SP2 so it can see the large drive. Once SP2 is installed, roboot, then shut down and reconnect your D drive and it should be able to recognize the whole drive on the next boot. If it doesn't, boot into your BIOS, sometimes the defaults don't take "large" drives into account, though by now they should, and make sure everything there is set correctly.

FWIW, an inexpensive short term solution if you just need to get info off of the drive fast (and the above doesn't work) is something like this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16812156102). I can loan you the adapter I linked to (you just pay shipping), but unless SP2 is installed and working correctly I don't know if the adapter would even help.

[mrgreenjeans]

I never hook up the 'storage' disk until windows is completely installed and updated. For some reason it appears windows already reformatted it for you. running check disk might let you access the data but I'd say all in all, the disk as you knew it as gone.

[Amoroso]

Its formating the unallocated space? Is this good?

Is all my information in the unallocated space?

[MVC]

Its formating the unallocated space? Is this good?

Is all my information in the unallocated space?
I think you just lost all your data. The space wasn't really unallocated, Windows just couldn't see it so it thought it was unallocated. Now, the reformat is changing the MBR so there is no way Windows can see it and all that space is now "open" for use.

Don't save anything to that disk and look in the services section of the classifieds. I vaguely remember someone offering data recovery services, contact that member and see what he can do for you. Until you overwrite the data it should still be recoverable, but it will require special apps so you have to find someone who has them, and knows how to use them.

[Amoroso]

i canceled out at 7%

will your method work above still?

[MVC]

i canceled out at 7%

will your method work above still?
I don't know. But, I do know the last thing you want to do is any type of format. Try making sure SP2 is correctly installed and that your BIOS can see large drives, then reconnect the drive and see what happens....

Good luck,
Mark

[Amoroso]

same thing... as before, but now I how two partions on it.

sigh...

I think I might run to Frys and get the USB 2.0 to IDE/SATA Adapter.

You think I can hook it up via to my laptop and get all the valuable information out of it?

[MVC]

If you're seeing two partitions and no data, save your money--the adapter won't help. What you need is someone with recovery tools.

I was checking out Services in the Classifieds. There are a couple people with posts advertising recovery services. I think that's your best bet right now. Just, what ever you do, don't write anything to that drive or you're going to make the job a lot harder and more expensive.

[tuskenraider]

I have a recovery program that should be able to find your data, it's about 6MB. It's worked for two other members here. PM me your email and I'll send it to you.

[Amoroso]

PM sent.

[Amoroso]

I was quoted 215 to recover the hardrive at Frys... I wonder If I should do this? I told them I might do it myself but they said If I do it myself I can make things worse... Im still waiting for the software from tusken... not sure If I should use it now... **** how did I get myself in this situation... :bang head

[Amoroso]

Tusken I love you man! It works!!! I just need a space to put all these files. What do you guys recommend for a External Drive? Ive used an external enclosure case before, but Im not sure If I was working that correctly. Everytime I went to back up all my files I would deleted all the files on the external, and copied everything from my active drive to the external case... which was time consuming when all that information is getting larger and larger. Is there a faster easier way to back up info? or alternatives?? Thanks guys!