Re-Installing vista help

I have a problem with my hard drive and it seems like nothing will
work.

If I re-install vista, And it gets rid of all my files; will i be able
to recover the files with a program like 'recover my files'?

thanks


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d69
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No. If you re-install Vista then you will loose all of your files. You would
be safer if you did a 'repair' install (see my website:
http://vistasupport.mvps.org/repair_..._vista_dvd.htm )
but this will depend upon what type of Vista media you have. If it is simply
manufacturer recovery discs that came with your PC the only option you would
have would be to restore back to factory condition which, definitely would,
erase everything.

Perhaps if you outlined what your hard drive problem is someone may be able
to assist - unless, of course, the hard drive has failed completely in which
case nothing can be saved. The data can be retrieved but it would certainly
cost a small fortune to do it and require specialist assistance.


--

--
John Barnett MVP
Windows XP Associate Expert
Windows Desktop Experience

Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org
Web: http://www.silversurfer-guide.com

The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..


"d69" <> wrote in message
news:...
>
> I have a problem with my hard drive and it seems like nothing will
> work.
>
> If I re-install vista, And it gets rid of all my files; will i be able
> to recover the files with a program like 'recover my files'?
>
> thanks
>
>
> --
> d69
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> d69's Profile: http://forums.techarena.in/members/d69.htm
> View this thread: http://forums.techarena.in/vista-help/1056908.htm
>
> http://forums.techarena.in
>

"d69" <> wrote in message
news:...
>
> I have a problem with my hard drive and it seems like nothing will
> work.
>
> If I re-install vista, And it gets rid of all my files; will i be able
> to recover the files with a program like 'recover my files'?

It's unlikely. They will have been deleted and overwritten, which
significantly reduces any chance of recovery. That kind of software works
best if you immediately STOP using the drive and begin recovery. If you
recover to the same drive, chances plummet.

If you are actually having a problem with the drive, rather than the
filesystem or the install, don't reinstall. Replace the drive and install
fresh, use your old drive only as much as it takes to get the files off of
it.

Hard disks are not expensive these days; for example where I am, 500-gig
disks are around $70.

It's actually easy to back up your files as long as the drive isn't broken.
Simply attach it to another system using a USB2 drive case or adapter (these
start around $20), and copy the files to the other system. Be sure you
get all of your files, including mail and addresses.

HTH
-pk

>
> thanks
>
>
> --
> d69
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> d69's Profile: http://forums.techarena.in/members/d69.htm
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>
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>

I think it's a volume problem

If I installed an additional hard drive and put vista on to that, Wil
I bet able to get to the files on my old hard drive

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d6
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d69 wrote:
> I have a problem with my hard drive and it seems like nothing will
> work.
>
> If I re-install vista, And it gets rid of all my files; will i be able
> to recover the files with a program like 'recover my files'?
>
> thanks
>
>

Vista will not get rid of your files. It will move them all to a folder
called windows.old and you can then move them from there to your new
folders. Just make sure you don't format the drive during installation,
of course if you do that you will lose everything.

Boot with your install dvd, choose the same drive you have windows
currently installed on. It will then say "this volume already has
windows on it, all files will be moved to a folder called windows.old"