HD formated from FAT32 to NTFS question

[spooky617]

Hello
I am pretty sure I know the answer to this but I figured I would reach out to all the great people at Anandtech.
I am trying to find it if there is a way to recover any data on a Hard Drive that was formatted FAT32 running Windows Millenium, and then reformatted into NTFS and had XP Pro installed on it.
After the install of XP Pro HD has not been used, in hopes that the data can be recovered.

Any idea? is there a reasonably priced software that could do this? I am not looking for any "High end" forensic apps. Software that is available on the net would be great. If possible of course.

Thank you

Mark

 

[corkyg]

I'm confused. ME was garbage - however, I did convert an ME laptop to NTFS. Then I installed XP Pro as an upgrade. No files were lost. I don't understand how you lost anything.

One can (with XP Pro) convert back to FAT 32 - then back to NTFS, etc., etc., and nothing is lost. You must have done something else that is not articulated.

 

[jackschmittusa]

Sounds like he didn't convert, but reformatted.

Though much of the data may still be there since you have done so little with it, retrieving it is likely to be a huge problem as all of the pointers for file fragments are gone. I seem to remember that there are even some free utilities available to examine what is on the disk still, but they are probably only going to help you recover text files (with a lot of work). You wouldn't likely recognize parts of other files that you might see.

 

[spooky617]

OK, perhaps I did not explain this correctly.
The HD that originally had ME installed with FAT32 was formatted during Windows XP Pro install, and that is when it was converted (via format) from FAT32 onto NTFS.

 

[JackMDS]

Currently the Drive is Having XP after formatting to NTFS.

You want to recover Data from a WinME that was previously installed before formatting?

There are few labs that might be able do it for thousands $$$.

 

[sutahz]

was it a quick or full format?
Quick you might be able to recover some/lots/little/all/none of the files
Full, kiss it goodbye (unless you pay $1000's).

well, there is comfort in absolutes as you have said.
I read up on this a bit (one article). But they can look at the physical characteristics of a hdd to see what data was there. Its a long process, but it can be done if you want the data bad enough. Although w/ a once over full format, im sure its easier then looking at the physical characteristics, just look at the weak magnetic signatures, the point is, unless your life depends on the data on the hdd (ie mob, govt is after you), just learn your lesson.
On 2nd thought, taking your computer to firedog/geeksquad/etc, you must feel your life in on the line, but at a discount price

During an XP install, it gives you the choice of:
1. Leave file system intact (no format)
2. Quick format (NTFS)
3. Full format (NTFS)
maybe it offers fat32 quick/full, but I dont go that route (win2k did though, if i rem correctly)

 

[spooky617]

Fantastic, I appreciate the answer. This is exactly what I thought. It appears my client is dead in the water. (this is what happens when you take a PC to FireDog (Circuit City) for PC repair, they sold her XP Pro and installed it over everything without any backups).

Once again, thank you all.

 

[0roo0roo]

i don't think xp install is quick format.
xp install format is definitely not a conversion, its a format
i have doubts any software could recover much.

and yea big box stores tech support are scum
xp pro on a windows me system? thats pretty vulgar waste of money. how much did they charge for this "service"? at a certain point with older systems people have to realize its cheaper to just buy a new cheap pc.

 

[BlueAcolyte]

there is an option for formatting quick or full when you install.
Anyway, no way, no how unless you want your wallet to catch on fire instead of your computer.

 

[corkyg]

The main sin committed by the big box techs was taking the "fresh install" option rather than UPGRADE. Even worse was your client's failure to back up the data before trusting it to the Geek Squad. Requiscat in pace!

 

[0roo0roo]

well that was the secondary sin.
the main sin was selling her xp pro!

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: corkyg
Even worse was your client's failure to back up the data before trusting it to the Geek Squad.

It was pointed out that this was Firedog, the Circuit City version of Geek Squad, but not Geek Squad themselves.

It may be partially recoverable. For instance Ontrack Easy Recovery Pro might be able to recover partial data.

 

[spooky617]

It may be partially recoverable. For instance Ontrack Easy Recovery Pro might be able to recover partial data.

I did run the Ontrack, no results. I tried Active@File Recovery and couple more apps. All with no results.