*.pst files lost - Outlook 2003/Windows XP

[Abrilet]

Hi,
I had to format my pc due to loads of problems. I obviously forgot to click "include subfolders" when exporting my pst files because after reloading everything and trying to import back into Outlook it seems I have an empty Personal File Folder. Is there any way or any software available that I can retrieve the original pst files from my hard drive? I have a lost all my contacts and some important emails otherwise (panic!!!). Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Abrilet

 

[goombawaho]

I'd say that if you formatted your PC, then reloaded windows on top of it, the chances that your PST file would still be viable is pretty small. The formatting was bad enough, but then reloading windows on top that would likely have overwritten most of the sectors on the hard drive previously used by the PST files.

With that said, I think a data recovery service is your only hope - expensive and not necesarily a good outcome here though.

http://www.totalrecall.com

and there are many other.

 

[Abrilet]

I had a feeling this was likely to be the case. I tried iRecovery and was able to see empty folders of old documents before the formatting which got my hopes up but any pst files I found were the current post formatting. I have looked at some ontrack data recovery stuff and it is extremely expensive as you say and even if I wanted to pay that sort of money probably not worth it.
I will have to get used to the idea I think.
Thanks for replying.

 

[goombawaho]

Not trying to sound like a jerk here, but..... I never format without a complete backup. Use a spare hard drive, tape drive, DVD, whatever, but have some type of complete backup due to just such a possibility. That has saved my bacon many times after forgetting that certain file/folder that I couldn't live without.

 

[58sniper]

OS/Apps on one drive
Data on another.....

Pat Richard
Microsoft Exchange MVP

 

[Abrilet]

Thanks and you are both right. Actually I have always done that - usually I put what I've backed up(using a stick or DVD) onto another pc to check everything has worked ok and check the pst files by importing them onto that machine and then re-exporting when I'm ready. Of course this time I didn't!!!

 

[goombawaho]

I feel your pain and like I said - been there before. Ouch. Most of the time I find that the stuff that I thought I really needed wasn't so important after all. Hopefully that will apply to you!!