Need to recover files from HD

[Qacer]

Hi all,

I have Win XP SP2. It won't boot properly anymore including safe mode. I can at least get the Win XP logo to show up at times, but it just restarts the computer from there.

I tried putting the XP CD and going to the Recovery Console. However, for some reason, I can't do a directory listing. It gives me an "enumeration type" error message. I also tried re-installing XP on the existing partition, but it says Unknown on the listing. Pretty much I have to format the drive to go through with the XP installation. I thought I fixed this with the FIXBOOT option in the recovery console, but apparently it did not work.

Is there an alternative way to recover the files from my hard drive?

I have two external HD enclosures, so I figured I can install the drive on one of them and read it from another computer. However, I am not sure if it will work, since the XP installation doesn't even recognize its existing filesystem.

Any tips?

Thanks!

 

[BTA]

I'd say give it a try in one of your external units.

If the other pc cant see the partition, or thinks its unformatted, you'll probably have to get a data recovery tool.

I personally like GetDataBack (FAT or NTFS versions)

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Install XP onto another hd, and then throw in that hard drive. You will be able to see all the files (unless you have them encrypted, etc), and copy them to another drive as necessary. Unless of course the drive itself is malfunctioning. You could also put that drive in an external, and boot on another disk...
Tas.

 

[JDCentral]

Usually, if the HD is bad, the bios will report errors on boot, and won't even get to the XP logo... also - I don't think XP would just 'reboot' if it got a bad sector... that would just be stupid.

Like everybody said... throw it into an external, or plug it into another (friends) computer. If you can see the drive, grab your files off it, no matter what!!! IF the drive is failing, you might not ever get it up again... and, you may not be able to copy stuff for very long.

 

[Qacer]

Thanks for the tip on GetDataBack! That program works wonders!