Ok, formatted... but ACCIDENTALLY!

egbakaet · 06-14-2008, 09:26 PM

Ok, I just made one of the biggest mistakes I've ever made. Here it goes.

Earlier, when everything was working fine, I decided why not try TrueCrypt. It's an encryption program capable of real time on the fly encryption as well as system encryption, I figured "what the hell, why not?" So I started encrypting my main partition and learned that it was possible to have both an encrypted partition and non-encrypted partition. As a result I attempted to install windows on a 3gb partition that I *thought* was useless. After deleting and rebooting, however, an error came up stating "NTLDR is missing, press ctrl-alt-del to restart". The encryption was only done up to 30% when the system stopped working. Sure enough, I put in the windows xp boot cd. I got to the format screen, selected the partition that caused the NTLDR error (3gb one) and attempted to install windows. Unfortunately, I didn't read since there was a message about Drive C being either damaged, corrupt or requiring a format, and instead ended up formatting the wrong drive in quick mode (C:\). I pressed the ESC key as the bar reached 20% and it shot to 100% and restarted the machine. After that I decided that I might as well attempt to decrypt the drive via the TrueCrypt boot disk and did so successfully, although no files were recovered, I would assume it would make it easier in the future.

Since then I've been unable to boot to either and am at a loss as to what I should do. I have a LOT of data on the first partition that I NEED to get back before school starts up again thus why I am here.

Another question, I found out it is possible to recover a n accidental formats damage. Unfortunately, I need another harddrive and don't know what to get. I currently have a 250gb SATA HDD and was wondering if there are any special circumstances that would require me to get a certain harddrive? I have my system specs:

http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...M_EN/specs.htm

I've heard of a few programs that are capable of data recovery. My first steps are:

1. To know if it is possible in my situation
2. What harddrive to get (cheaper is better 100gb at least)
3. And how to go about doing this?

I have nowhere else to go right now so I'm pleading someone here to help me.

I thank all of you who viewed this for your time. Hopefully this can be resolved

**************

Thank you.

Extralien · 06-15-2008, 01:19 AM

You may only need a hard rive that's compatible to your system and that will hold the amount of data you're trying to recover. You will most probably have to install windows on the 2nd HDD and then the data recovery programme, possibly the encrypter too in case you get stuck trying to get into the original HDD.

You seem to know what you're doing so it might be a bit of trial and error there...unless someone here comes along and gives you an instant fix..which would be nice :)

dai · 06-15-2008, 01:42 AM

http://www.roadkil.net/unstopcp.html
http://partedmagic.com/index.html

egbakaet · 06-15-2008, 01:44 AM

Thank you for your timely response. It seems that's my best bet, but even then I can't guarantee the encryption didn't get flawed somewhere, but that's a risk I'm willing to take. The current plan of action is as follows:

1. Get a new compatible HDD
2. Install Windows, Recovery Program (testdisk or EASE-US), and TrueCrypt
3. Attempt another decryption, if already decrypted, run TestDisk or EASE-US
4. Transer everything to new hdd
5. Format the old one and transfer everything back.

I'm just curious as to whether it can be done in my situation seeing as I sort of have a budget and would love not to waste money on a HDD that won't work. I guess if worse comes to worst, I'll replace it.

Other than hardware related issues, it is possible?

EDIT: Thank you for the links Dai, I will CERTAINLY check them out once I have my new HDD with XP up and running. I plan to buy it sometime tomorrow or Monday, so I'll report back with either success or failure.

LIKEWISE, does multiple formats affect the data on the partition? I also formatted via the Windows XP boot cd, but it never got to the copying stage, so I'm assuming since nothing was overwritten, the data is still there and recoverable?

dai · 06-15-2008, 01:50 AM

eneles is the expert in this area

egbakaet · 06-15-2008, 01:54 AM

I just edited my above message, sorry to post this but it's urgent. Have a look above under the Edit paragraph. Delete this if unnecessary.

dai · 06-15-2008, 02:06 AM

wait for eneles's input

**Deleted090308** · 06-15-2008, 06:18 AM

Hi,
In addition to formatting the C: drive, you have most likely deleted/formatted the Dell utility partition (3GB).
How many (visible) partitions did you have on the drive?

Do you have access to another computer where you can mount the HDD run TestDisk from Windows?
If so - follow the steps here: http://www.techsupportforum.com/1163140-post1.html
Don't make any changes - just post a few screenshots.

How to post a screenshot.

I don't think it's necessary, but if you need another HDD this is a good choice: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148316

egbakaet · 06-15-2008, 01:36 PM

There were 3 visible partitions from what I saw in Disk Management. One was a 55 FAT partition, one a 229gb main NTFS partition, and the last one was unnamed and roughly 3 gb.

My question, however, is, theoretically, whether or not the data is still on the drive even if the same partition was formatted multiple times?

Thanks for your help Eneles, I'm going to look in a local store for a HDD however given it's a faster process. Anything SATA should work right?

I was looking at this one:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1142294266836

dai · 06-15-2008, 08:31 PM

that will do you

**Deleted090308** · 06-15-2008, 09:32 PM

If you used quick format and haven't written any data to the partition(s) it should be possible to "regenerate" them.

Run TestDisk from Parted Magic (a bootable live Linux CD).

Boot the computer with the CD. When Parted Magic has loaded click the arrow next to the Utilities icon and choose TestDisk.

Each of the steps (A, B, C etc) below corresponds to a new TestDisk window.
Use the keyboard's arrow keys to navigate.

A. At the first window, select “No Log” and press the <Enter> key.
B. Select which drive to analyse, choose “Proceed” and <Enter>.
C. Select partition type – Intel if it’s a PC then <Enter>.
D. Select “Analyse” then <Enter>. The drive will be analysed.
New screen - please post a screenshot (you can create a screen dump in Parted magic and save it on a USB stick) or write the info down.

egbakaet · 06-15-2008, 10:42 PM

It won't even boot properly. Says it can't find the "live media" and gives me a sad face.

Then it takes me to a main bash shell which doesn't help me at all.

Help?

**Deleted090308** · 06-15-2008, 10:57 PM

So, it starts to boot from the CD, but fails?

I think you should take the HDD out and connect it in/to another computer.
Either internally or with an external adapter/enclosure.
It will be much easier to fix it that way.

egbakaet · 06-15-2008, 11:25 PM

Yeah, there's a menu with 5 options including "Default safe graphic mode, failsafe and 2 others." But none of them work except for the console version. And I wouldn't know where to begin there.

As for the movement of the harddrive, I'm unable to do so since my computer is much newer and a Dell at that. It seems my old computer only has room for one harddrive and has a different type of connector that is not compatible with my new harddrive I don't think. I'm typing this message from my old computer as a matter of fact lol.

Advice?

**Deleted090308** · 06-15-2008, 11:34 PM

It will (of course) only be a temporary solution, so the drive doesn't have to be fastened with screws etc.
You can use the CD drive's data and power cables.

egbakaet · 06-15-2008, 11:38 PM

Lemme get a screwdriver and set this thing up. Boy it's gonna be a long night...

I'll post back with results after attempts. Thank you and hope to be right back.

egbakaet · 06-15-2008, 11:57 PM

GOOD NEWS

I connected her up and she's good to go. Windows asks me if I want to format the drive but I don't want to.

Just ran TestDisk, followed your instructions and here's what came up...

Ideas?

egbakaet · 06-16-2008, 12:27 AM

HA HA!

I was able to recover a lot of stuff via PhotoRec, but haven't finished since I don't have my new harddrive. Does it keep original file names when recovering them? or is that impossible?

EITHER WAY I CAN'T COMPLAIN
I plan to get a new HDD tomorrow and copy these bad boys over :D

Not sure it's everything, but I can provide a status report afterwards on the success or failure.

Have a great night.

**Deleted090308** · 06-16-2008, 01:43 AM

The recovered files will unfortunately be renamed.

Run TestDisk again, but follow these steps:

A. At the first window, select “No Log” and press the <Enter> key.
B. Select which drive to analyse, choose “Proceed” and <Enter>.
C. Select partition type – Intel if it’s a PC then <Enter>.
D. Choose Advanced > press <Enter>.
E. Choose Boot > press <Enter>.

New screen - please post back with a screenshot.

egbakaet · 06-16-2008, 02:32 AM

Ok here it is:

06-14-2008, 09:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
egbakaet Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 11 OS: XP 32 Home	Ok, formatted... but ACCIDENTALLY! Ok, I just made one of the biggest mistakes I've ever made. Here it goes. Earlier, when everything was working fine, I decided why not try TrueCrypt. It's an encryption program capable of real time on the fly encryption as well as system encryption, I figured "what the hell, why not?" So I started encrypting my main partition and learned that it was possible to have both an encrypted partition and non-encrypted partition. As a result I attempted to install windows on a 3gb partition that I *thought* was useless. After deleting and rebooting, however, an error came up stating "NTLDR is missing, press ctrl-alt-del to restart". The encryption was only done up to 30% when the system stopped working. Sure enough, I put in the windows xp boot cd. I got to the format screen, selected the partition that caused the NTLDR error (3gb one) and attempted to install windows. Unfortunately, I didn't read since there was a message about Drive C being either damaged, corrupt or requiring a format, and instead ended up formatting the wrong drive in quick mode (C:\). I pressed the ESC key as the bar reached 20% and it shot to 100% and restarted the machine. After that I decided that I might as well attempt to decrypt the drive via the TrueCrypt boot disk and did so successfully, although no files were recovered, I would assume it would make it easier in the future. Since then I've been unable to boot to either and am at a loss as to what I should do. I have a LOT of data on the first partition that I NEED to get back before school starts up again thus why I am here. Another question, I found out it is possible to recover a n accidental formats damage. Unfortunately, I need another harddrive and don't know what to get. I currently have a 250gb SATA HDD and was wondering if there are any special circumstances that would require me to get a certain harddrive? I have my system specs: http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...M_EN/specs.htm I've heard of a few programs that are capable of data recovery. My first steps are: 1. To know if it is possible in my situation 2. What harddrive to get (cheaper is better 100gb at least) 3. And how to go about doing this? I have nowhere else to go right now so I'm pleading someone here to help me. I thank all of you who viewed this for your time. Hopefully this can be resolved ************** Thank you. Last edited by chauffeur2; 06-14-2008 at 09:33 PM. Reason: Removed email address

06-15-2008, 01:19 AM	#2 (permalink)
Extralien Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 32 OS: XP SP3	Re: Ok, formatted... but ACCIDENTALLY! You may only need a hard rive that's compatible to your system and that will hold the amount of data you're trying to recover. You will most probably have to install windows on the 2nd HDD and then the data recovery programme, possibly the encrypter too in case you get stuck trying to get into the original HDD. You seem to know what you're doing so it might be a bit of trial and error there...unless someone here comes along and gives you an instant fix..which would be nice :)

06-15-2008, 01:42 AM	#3 (permalink)
dai Manager, Hardware Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: west australia Posts: 56,487 OS: win 7 32x 64x rtm	Re: Ok, formatted... but ACCIDENTALLY! http://www.roadkil.net/unstopcp.html http://partedmagic.com/index.html __________________

06-15-2008, 01:44 AM	#4 (permalink)
egbakaet Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 11 OS: XP 32 Home	Re: Ok, formatted... but ACCIDENTALLY! Thank you for your timely response. It seems that's my best bet, but even then I can't guarantee the encryption didn't get flawed somewhere, but that's a risk I'm willing to take. The current plan of action is as follows: 1. Get a new compatible HDD 2. Install Windows, Recovery Program (testdisk or EASE-US), and TrueCrypt 3. Attempt another decryption, if already decrypted, run TestDisk or EASE-US 4. Transer everything to new hdd 5. Format the old one and transfer everything back. I'm just curious as to whether it can be done in my situation seeing as I sort of have a budget and would love not to waste money on a HDD that won't work. I guess if worse comes to worst, I'll replace it. Other than hardware related issues, it is possible? EDIT: Thank you for the links Dai, I will CERTAINLY check them out once I have my new HDD with XP up and running. I plan to buy it sometime tomorrow or Monday, so I'll report back with either success or failure. LIKEWISE, does multiple formats affect the data on the partition? I also formatted via the Windows XP boot cd, but it never got to the copying stage, so I'm assuming since nothing was overwritten, the data is still there and recoverable? Last edited by egbakaet; 06-15-2008 at 01:53 AM.

06-15-2008, 01:50 AM	#5 (permalink)
dai Manager, Hardware Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: west australia Posts: 56,487 OS: win 7 32x 64x rtm	Re: Ok, formatted... but ACCIDENTALLY! eneles is the expert in this area __________________

06-15-2008, 01:54 AM	#6 (permalink)
egbakaet Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 11 OS: XP 32 Home	Re: Ok, formatted... but ACCIDENTALLY! I just edited my above message, sorry to post this but it's urgent. Have a look above under the Edit paragraph. Delete this if unnecessary.

06-15-2008, 02:06 AM	#7 (permalink)
dai Manager, Hardware Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: west australia Posts: 56,487 OS: win 7 32x 64x rtm	Re: Ok, formatted... but ACCIDENTALLY! wait for eneles's input __________________

06-15-2008, 06:18 AM	#8 (permalink)
Deleted090308 Not... Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 22,277 OS: Xp	Re: Ok, formatted... but ACCIDENTALLY! Hi, In addition to formatting the C: drive, you have most likely deleted/formatted the Dell utility partition (3GB). How many (visible) partitions did you have on the drive? Do you have access to another computer where you can mount the HDD run TestDisk from Windows? If so - follow the steps here: http://www.techsupportforum.com/1163140-post1.html Don't make any changes - just post a few screenshots. How to post a screenshot. I don't think it's necessary, but if you need another HDD this is a good choice: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148316

06-15-2008, 01:36 PM	#9 (permalink)
egbakaet Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 11 OS: XP 32 Home	Re: Ok, formatted... but ACCIDENTALLY! There were 3 visible partitions from what I saw in Disk Management. One was a 55 FAT partition, one a 229gb main NTFS partition, and the last one was unnamed and roughly 3 gb. My question, however, is, theoretically, whether or not the data is still on the drive even if the same partition was formatted multiple times? Thanks for your help Eneles, I'm going to look in a local store for a HDD however given it's a faster process. Anything SATA should work right? I was looking at this one: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1142294266836

06-15-2008, 08:31 PM	#10 (permalink)
dai Manager, Hardware Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: west australia Posts: 56,487 OS: win 7 32x 64x rtm	Re: Ok, formatted... but ACCIDENTALLY! that will do you __________________

06-15-2008, 09:32 PM	#11 (permalink)
Deleted090308 Not... Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 22,277 OS: Xp	Re: Ok, formatted... but ACCIDENTALLY! If you used quick format and haven't written any data to the partition(s) it should be possible to "regenerate" them. Run TestDisk from Parted Magic (a bootable live Linux CD). Boot the computer with the CD. When Parted Magic has loaded click the arrow next to the Utilities icon and choose TestDisk. Each of the steps (A, B, C etc) below corresponds to a new TestDisk window. Use the keyboard's arrow keys to navigate. A. At the first window, select “No Log” and press the <Enter> key. B. Select which drive to analyse, choose “Proceed” and <Enter>. C. Select partition type – Intel if it’s a PC then <Enter>. D. Select “Analyse” then <Enter>. The drive will be analysed. New screen - please post a screenshot (you can create a screen dump in Parted magic and save it on a USB stick) or write the info down.

06-15-2008, 10:42 PM	#12 (permalink)
egbakaet Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 11 OS: XP 32 Home	Re: Ok, formatted... but ACCIDENTALLY! It won't even boot properly. Says it can't find the "live media" and gives me a sad face. Then it takes me to a main bash shell which doesn't help me at all. Help?

06-15-2008, 10:57 PM	#13 (permalink)
Deleted090308 Not... Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 22,277 OS: Xp	Re: Ok, formatted... but ACCIDENTALLY! So, it starts to boot from the CD, but fails? I think you should take the HDD out and connect it in/to another computer. Either internally or with an external adapter/enclosure. It will be much easier to fix it that way.

06-15-2008, 11:25 PM	#14 (permalink)
egbakaet Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 11 OS: XP 32 Home	Re: Ok, formatted... but ACCIDENTALLY! Yeah, there's a menu with 5 options including "Default safe graphic mode, failsafe and 2 others." But none of them work except for the console version. And I wouldn't know where to begin there. As for the movement of the harddrive, I'm unable to do so since my computer is much newer and a Dell at that. It seems my old computer only has room for one harddrive and has a different type of connector that is not compatible with my new harddrive I don't think. I'm typing this message from my old computer as a matter of fact lol. Advice? Last edited by egbakaet; 06-15-2008 at 11:33 PM.

06-15-2008, 11:34 PM	#15 (permalink)
Deleted090308 Not... Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 22,277 OS: Xp	Re: Ok, formatted... but ACCIDENTALLY! It will (of course) only be a temporary solution, so the drive doesn't have to be fastened with screws etc. You can use the CD drive's data and power cables. Last edited by Deleted090308; 06-15-2008 at 11:35 PM.

06-15-2008, 11:38 PM	#16 (permalink)
egbakaet Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 11 OS: XP 32 Home	Re: Ok, formatted... but ACCIDENTALLY! Lemme get a screwdriver and set this thing up. Boy it's gonna be a long night... I'll post back with results after attempts. Thank you and hope to be right back.

06-16-2008, 12:27 AM	#18 (permalink)
egbakaet Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 11 OS: XP 32 Home	Re: Ok, formatted... but ACCIDENTALLY! HA HA! I was able to recover a lot of stuff via PhotoRec, but haven't finished since I don't have my new harddrive. Does it keep original file names when recovering them? or is that impossible? EITHER WAY I CAN'T COMPLAIN I plan to get a new HDD tomorrow and copy these bad boys over :D Not sure it's everything, but I can provide a status report afterwards on the success or failure. Have a great night.

06-16-2008, 01:43 AM	#19 (permalink)
Deleted090308 Not... Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 22,277 OS: Xp	Re: Ok, formatted... but ACCIDENTALLY! The recovered files will unfortunately be renamed. Run TestDisk again, but follow these steps: A. At the first window, select “No Log” and press the <Enter> key. B. Select which drive to analyse, choose “Proceed” and <Enter>. C. Select partition type – Intel if it’s a PC then <Enter>. D. Choose Advanced > press <Enter>. E. Choose Boot > press <Enter>. New screen - please post back with a screenshot.