Missing Files?

[ptim]

A friend of mine had his computer get hit by lightning, I took out his hard drive and tried to get his personnel files off. When I looked on the drive, I could not find any of his files, pictures, music, etc. Everything was gone. Any explanation would most helpful.

 

[AlbertLionheart]

This is the most likely result of a lighting strike! I am surprised there was anything left at all!
Check that the drive was not formatted NTFS and you are looking at it from a FAT based system.
Please tell us how you have connected the drive?

 

[ptim]

This is the most likely result of a lighting strike! I am surprised there was anything left at all!
Check that the drive was not formatted NTFS and you are looking at it from a FAT based system.
Please tell us how you have connected the drive?

I could see everything (Windows System, Program files, etc) but his files that he created. I'm not sure if his drive was formatted FAT or NTFS, I'll check that when I get home from work. I had it connected via a external hard drive usb case.

 

[AlbertLionheart]

If you could see the windows files, you have access to the drive OK but not to his accounts because these are protected in his user account.

 

[murzyn1975]

This is a shot in the dark, but perhaps you could try software like "RecoverMyFiles". I used it once to find files that I had erased and emptied the recycle bin. Regained them without a problem.

 

[AlbertLionheart]

This problem of accessing files crops up occasionally and I cannot remember how to deal with it. To get at the files you are in effect getting past windows security.
Anybody out there up to this?

 

[ptim]

Well, I tried to access the drive again, it wouldn't let me, it locked up and froze and shut down, plus it was real hot, I think its fried.

 

[AlbertLionheart]

If I had been struck by lightening, I would probably feel the same way.....

 

[Tedster]

use a file recovery program. If anything CAN be recovered. Lightening damage can wipe data, destroy components, and demagnetize media.

ALWAYS use a surge protector AND and UPS.