[jonasdatum]

Hello. Recently I accidentally reformatted a flash drive that contained some valuable pictures. So I went to www.cnet.com > download.com and did a search for "data recovery." The search results were extensive with a number of products rated high, by both Cnet and customers.

Search URL > http://www.download.com/3120-20_4-0....overy&tag=srch.

One program am trying right now is called Active Undelete--Data Recovery 5.1.019 [ http://www.download.com/Active-Undel...ml?tag=tab_rev ] I've read the reviews and most say the "full version" is good, but the interface is difficult for inexperienced users. Also, there are some issues with slowness. I am looking for something under $100, preferably between $25 and $50.

Tried out the demo version. It is "extremely limited," and it's somewhat confusing for the ignorant.


Comments, suggestions, recommendations, etc? Thank you.

[jonasdatum]

Originally Posted by jonasdatum

Hello. Recently I accidentally reformatted a flash drive that contained some valuable pictures. So I went to www.cnet.com > download.com and did a search for "data recovery." The search results were extensive with a number of products rated high, by both Cnet and customers.

Search URL > http://www.download.com/3120-20_4-0....overy&tag=srch.

One program am trying right now is called Active Undelete--Data Recovery 5.1.019 [ http://www.download.com/Active-Undel...ml?tag=tab_rev ] I've read the reviews and most say the "full version" is good, but the interface is difficult for inexperienced users. Also, there are some issues with slowness. I am looking for something under $100, preferably between $25 and $50.

Tried out the demo version. It is "extremely limited," and it's somewhat confusing for the ignorant.


Comments, suggestions, recommendations, etc? Thank you.

I've tried 3 program demos so far:

http://www.runtime.org/products.htm
GetDataBack for NTFS V3.03
GetDataBack for FAT V3.03
- From what I understand which is little, the user interfaces is the easiest of the three programs I've tried. It detected the same missing directory as Active Undelete. However, didn't detect the other deleted files which appear to have the file size of zero. Unfortunately, from what I understan that could mean that the file is unrecoverable. Another down size is that the NTFS and FAT versions cost about $150. If money wasn't an issue, I'd buy the licensel.

Recieved mostly 4 star ratings on download.com.

Active Undelete--Data Recovery 5.1.019
http://www.active-undelete.com
- Interface is more difficult than the aformentioned, but it appears to pick up the same files. It is also alot cheaper. Perhaps with a little epxerimentation I can figure this application out.

Recieved moslty 4 star ratings on download.com.

R-Studio Data Recovery 3
http://www.r-tt.com/FAQ.shtml
- It found stuff, alot I think, but I couldn't figure out the interface.

[Moby]

I have always had excellent results from the free PC Inspector file recovery which supports fat or NTFS. It is easy to use.
http://www.pcinspector.de/file_recovery/uk/welcome.htm
There are 2 options. The link takes you to the first which talks about hard drives and partitions, but on the left you'll see a 'Smart Recovery' option which is geared to getting lost files off camera cards. It wouldn't harm to try that one too if the first one doesn't work.

[jonasdatum]

Originally Posted by Moby

I have always had excellent results from the free PC Inspector file recovery which supports fat or NTFS. It is easy to use.
http://www.pcinspector.de/file_recovery/uk/welcome.htm
There are 2 options. The link takes you to the first which talks about hard drives and partitions, but on the left you'll see a 'Smart Recovery' option which is geared to getting lost files off camera cards. It wouldn't harm to try that one too if the first one doesn't work.

"OM-stuff I can't say on forms-" I am going to add this to my freeware collection. It took about 7mins, but all the image files were salvaged. I am in the process of dumping them into thier destination folder - don't want to accidently delete them again now do we?

THAT STILL DOESN'T SOLVE THE ISSUE. THIS Issue isn't solved. Now that my immediate situation is resolved. Does any body have recommendations, comments, or suggestions for recovery software?

Thank you Mody! Thank you very much.

[JohnWill]

If the recovery software worked, why doesn't this solve the issue?

[jonasdatum]

Originally Posted by JohnWill

If the recovery software worked, why doesn't this solve the issue?

More than one way to solve an issue. However, you are Mod, I am not. Your decision sir. I suppose I can just post my findings with whichever recovery applicaiton I try later. Sorry mark it as solved.

[JohnWill]

That was a personal question, nothing to do with me being a moderator. I was just curious as to why you felt the issue wasn't solved, yet you recovered the files.

[tessyone]

Since I'm not sure if this is a resolved issue or not I'll just go ahead and mention a data recovery application that I have had lots of success with. The software title that I have used in the past is StompSoft's Recover Lost Data (http://www.stompsoft.com/recoverlostdata.html) With this software I have been able to recover emails, photos and files. So maybe it can help in your situation.

[jonasdatum]

Originally Posted by tessyone

Since I'm not sure if this is a resolved issue or not I'll just go ahead and mention a data recovery application that I have had lots of success with. The software title that I have used in the past is StompSoft's Recover Lost Data (http://www.stompsoft.com/recoverlostdata.html) With this software I have been able to recover emails, photos and files. So maybe it can help in your situation.

Sir, hello. I your program looks good, but does it support software and hardware RAID? Active Undelete--Data Recovery 5.1.019 [ http://www.active-undelete.com ] does. Does it support hardware and software RAID?

I tried out this program. It apeared not to find "ANY" of my data. I tried it 3 times.

Just tried out Recover My Files [ http://www.recovermyfiles.com/ ]. It didn't show much, but it did pick up 3 folders. Of course for more access I have to pay for it .

[pugmug]

I am lost here. Did any software recover what you wanted and if so which one?

[jonasdatum]

Originally Posted by pugmug

I am lost here. Did any software recover what you wanted and if so which one?

http://www.pcinspector.de/file_recovery/uk/welcome.htm - Mentioned in the thread recovered my photos, however it did rename the files.

I've been inferring, but since you're at a loss I'll explain:

1) Although my immediate issue is resolved this thread may prove useful to others. Which would explain the open-ended title of the thread. Many people find it annoying to have multiple threads about the same issue. So if anybody else has a related issue, they may want to piggyback. However, I know this is sometimes frowned upon as well.

2) This is a just one in an unfortunate long line of data loss in my computing life thus far. I do backup regularly, but every now and then I make mistakes like everybody else. Time to bite the bullet and invest in making sure I can clean up my own mess. Hey why not help out other people too? Isn't that what this site is all about?

I hope that cleared things up.

[jonasdatum]

Originally Posted by pugmug

I am lost here. Did any software recover what you wanted and if so which one?

Yes and no. The freeware application mentioned in the thread found my files. I am now testing DEMO versions of software. Some have picked up data others haven't and those that have are somewhat restricted because haven't purchased a license. I am in the process of deciding.

[JohnWill]

Originally Posted by jonasdatum

Sir, hello. I your program looks good, but does it support software and hardware RAID? Active Undelete--Data Recovery 5.1.019 [ http://www.active-undelete.com ] does. Does it support hardware and software RAID

I think the only reason for the post was to advertise, we have our scanners on this poster.

[JohnWill]

Rather than look for the "perfect" data recovery solution, I'd suggest you start your quest for the "perfect" backup solution. I have multiple layers of backups, and one, or even two disk failures or lost files are not a major issue. I recommend that course over trying to lock the barn door after the horse is gone.

[jonasdatum]

Originally Posted by jonasdatum

I've tried 3 program demos so far:

http://www.runtime.org/products.htm
GetDataBack for NTFS V3.03
GetDataBack for FAT V3.03
- From what I understand which is little, the user interfaces is the easiest of the three programs I've tried. It detected the same missing directory as Active Undelete. However, didn't detect the other deleted files which appear to have the file size of zero. Unfortunately, from what I understan that could mean that the file is unrecoverable. Another down size is that the NTFS and FAT versions cost about $150. If money wasn't an issue, I'd buy the licensel.

Recieved mostly 4 star ratings on download.com.

Active Undelete--Data Recovery 5.1.019
http://www.active-undelete.com
- Interface is more difficult than the aformentioned, but it appears to pick up the same files. It is also alot cheaper. Perhaps with a little epxerimentation I can figure this application out.

Recieved moslty 4 star ratings on download.com.

R-Studio Data Recovery 3
http://www.r-tt.com/FAQ.shtml
- It found stuff, alot I think, but I couldn't figure out the interface.

"I WAS WRONG ABOUT ACTIVE UNDELETE." So far two of the programs I tried don't work. Active UNDELTE is a scam! I brought the license for this application about 10mins ago. Didn't find any of my lost pictures. I was wrong and I apologize. When I tried out the demo version it scanned the media and said "!!!ADVANCED-EXTRA!!!" So at first I though, "ok maybe if I buy the license it will work?" All it said was "!!!ADVANCE-Extra!!!" I purchased the low end version and I scanned it 5 times while typing this, it sucks. Cnet.com gave this app a good rating. Unless I am doing something wrong (which I doubt) it isn't worth the money.

Well let me try another product. I hope I can get my money back.

To Mods: I am not advertising. As I mentioned earlier in this thread, "I want to help other people." To expand, I wish to asist the community. I am not trying to advertise any product. Thank you.