reformat disaster

[johnson636]

After a reformat, I lost all files and programs that were previously installed. Normally, after a reformat, I would go to Documents and Settings to search for files under the username before the reformat. This time after the reformat, there was only one user instead of the previous users; My computer was as if I'd just taken it out the Box brand new. Is there anything that I can do to retrieve those lost files?

 

[banzibaby]

Are U sure it was a reformat, as losing all Ur files is to be expected with that as it clears/wipes the drive so Ur OS can have a clean install, only thing U can try is some undelete utilities to try & get data back or restore from a previous backup

Its always best to BACKUP before U format a drive

BaNzI

 

[VIPER_1069]

reformat or system restore theres a difference format wipes the drive clean of EVERYTHING .. system restore will keep most programs and files intact and reverts any drive changes to a previous point .... is this what you mean as you mention the my docs folder usually anything thats put in there stays there when you system restore

 

[scarecrow]

I am also interested in finding out on HOW the heck you can perform a "reformat" and keep old data- even partially... I guess you don't really "reformat", or what?