Computer repair lost my freaking Data :S:S!

[lajkonik86]

I had so much problems with my pc lately, it just aint funny anymore.
Since i was occupied with my exams i decided to let it be repaired, instead of doing it myself. My biggest mistake ever.
Not only did it already take the moron 3 weeks to fix the darn thing, he also managed to lose my data.

arg!

Well the good part is that the data was stored on 3 hardisks. (deleted on all three)
2 by format 1 by delete
I need a good filerecovery program which allows me te restore directories.
Tried:
Pc Inspector File recovery 4, but no directory structure
Disk investigator - Not much of anything
Restoration - No directories and hard to use

This has really been a horrible few weeks, having exams, running websites and having the worst pc problems since ever.
Thanks for listening any tips on filerecovery programs would be appreciated.

[creepychris]

lajkonik86,

Ouch. I feel for ya. Same thing happened to me. PC repair guy couldn't figure out the problem with my computer two years ago and so he says he has to take it back to the shop. I tell him under no circumstances delete ANYTHING on it. It comes back completely wiped because he says he couldn't figure it out and there was nothing else he knew how to do . . . sheesh what's with these guys? Don't they realize for some people the value is in the data not the damn hardware! Hope you get it worked out.

[victor]

Though I sympathize with your plight, I wince at the naivity of your original backup plan.

Three copies in the same box and no where else is vulnerable in all sorts of ways: fire, lightning, and theft are obviously as damaging as braindead repair technicians.

The lesson to learn is that if the data is more valuable than the hardware, don't keep it only on the hardware. You can start feeling safe if you have a backup in a different building.

[lajkonik86]

Yep you are right, definitly a mistake i wont make twice

[Matt Probert]

Three copies in the same box and no where else is vulnerable in all sorts of ways: fire, lightning, and theft are obviously as damaging as braindead repair technicians.

Er yes. May I introduce people to the concept of "off site backups"? Just consider what happens if you have a fire. Magnetic media in fire-proof safes will melt and be unusable (ref: Mercantile Credit Company, head office fire a few years ago).

On a more postitive note, with regard to the undelete, have you tried the "Fix It Utilities"? I don't know if they will do it, but they have an undelete facility. Just remember, DO NOT install anything onto the disk you want to reciver from, until you have recovered all data you want to/can.

Matt

[oddsod]

Not only should you not install anything... you should not even put it into a PC that's booting up! (possible swap file being created on it)

Save yourself time, bother, and possible further damage to the data; wrap the drive/s in cotton wool and take it to a recovery specialist.