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    data recovery software options - seeking advice

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by paradoxguy, Oct 26, 2010.

  1. paradoxguy

    paradoxguy Notebook Evangelist

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    Approximately 10 days ago, my hard drive (HD) suddenly failed for reasons unknown. (PC and OS information in signature below.) A message indicating I/O errors appeared immediately before the drive shut down. I am admittedly a novice to many aspects of PC usage, especially with HD malfunctions and data corruption, and have relied heavily on my brother-in-law, H, for help and guidance. At this point, we don't know the exact cause of the HD failure, it could be a mechanical malfunction or OS/data corruption from a virus or other causes. After placing the drive in an external enclosure, H was able to probe the HD in Linux but not Windows, and only after performing a chkdsk repair. I have previously posted this situation; for more background and details, you can read the thread here:

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...85-pc-hard-drive-malfunction-need-advice.html

    I neglected to back up the HD data for 6-8 months and I fully realize the costs and folly of not backing up regularly. As you can see in the thread above, H has tried recovering the data in both Windows and Linux modes, but with few recovered files to date and despite some good suggestions from forum members. H still receives I/O error messages for most of the files he's attempted to recover. The errant HD held about 200GB of data files (documents, video, MP3, video game updates, other files) I would like to recover if possible.

    I am considering data recovery software. One of the forum members suggested EASEUS ( File not found. I have two questions:

    1. For anyone who has used EASEUS, what has your experience been and would you recommend it for my situation?

    2. Any other data recovery software, especially freeware, that anyone can recommend? (Photorec, recuva, and using Puppy Linux are some software and ideas I have seen recommended.)

    I am also willing to pay for good data recovery software. I am resigned to losing the files and data, but wanted to explore all options before doing so.

    Thanks much for reading and any suggestions and information.
     
    paradoxguy, Oct 26, 2010
    #1
  2. Trixster101

    Trixster101 Notebook Guru

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    1) YES.. Really good and easy to use, saved a lot of personal files for a work mate who fried their drive, talking wouldn't boot into anything fried regardless.
     
    Trixster101, Oct 26, 2010
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