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**Clunlippibe** · 09-03-2009, 03:13 AM

It may be possible, but it's difficult.

The first thing to keep in mind is that the data is not actually gone. It's just that the sector in question has been flagged as "available" by the computer. That's why the government requires that a hard disk be "stuffed" and then formatted before clearing it. That way if the underlying data is resurrected it'll be random gibberish.

A skilled PC doc can usually pull the data back IF it's not been corrupted.

The bad news is that your PC is CONSTANTLY writing to the hard drive and in a generally hap-hazard way. If one of these "system writes" hits a sector that your photos were stored in they are well and truly gone.

If you are serious about trying this, unplug the box NOW and don't touch it until it's been examined.

09-03-2009, 03:13 AM	#5
Clunlippibe Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 324 Senior Member	It may be possible, but it's difficult. The first thing to keep in mind is that the data is not actually gone. It's just that the sector in question has been flagged as "available" by the computer. That's why the government requires that a hard disk be "stuffed" and then formatted before clearing it. That way if the underlying data is resurrected it'll be random gibberish. A skilled PC doc can usually pull the data back IF it's not been corrupted. The bad news is that your PC is CONSTANTLY writing to the hard drive and in a generally hap-hazard way. If one of these "system writes" hits a sector that your photos were stored in they are well and truly gone. If you are serious about trying this, unplug the box NOW and don't touch it until it's been examined.
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