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Recover Overwritten files

I stupidly overwritten an *.SSS file which is the format used by Pat Guard. Is there any way in which i can get the earlier version of this file before i accidently wrote over it?

I would be extremely greatful for advice and hopefully a solution.

Thanks

Mark

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rindi

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markburns90

ASKER

what is the success rate of recovering data from overwritten files?

rindi

It probably depends on the empty space you had on the disk when you did that action. If there was enough empty space it is quite possible that the empty space was used. I think the only thing you can do is try those tools above, first try either "getdataback" and then the "Ontrack Datarecovery".

markburns90

ASKER

So far i have used GetDataBack but has not found any results :( Most of the programs i have tried don't mention anything about getting previous version of OVERWRITTEN files back.

I don't know what to do! Any other suggestions would be VERY WELCOME!

Mark

Watzman

I think that you are using the word "overwritten" incorrectly. A strict definition would mean that the sectors containing the data had been rewritten (overwritten) with new data in the same sectors. If that's the case, your practical chances of recovering it are zero. [It's physically possible, the FBI or CIA or NSA could do it if you had national security data on the drive, but there's no way that it's going to happen for any routine end-user, unless you are willing to spend tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.]

However, more commonly, a file is deleted and replaced by a newer version of the same file, with the same filename, but not with the data in the same physical sectors. In that case, your ability to recover the old file may be anything from poor to excellent, depending on too many things to list, but certainly it's worth trying using various data recovery tools. I usually start with Norton Utilities (Systemworks) and proceed from there.

It's critical that the disk drive in question not be used at all until you recover the file or give up. Every write to the drive reduces significantly your chances of success.

simonenticott

Hi,
one tool that i've had success with is Recover4all (http://www.recover4all.com/download.htm) Its not free but its got me out of trouble once or twice. That link will lead you to a demo version so that may tell you if the file is available or not.

As other people have said be careful yo dont write to the same drive with the "overwritten" file.

good luck,

Simon,

cooledit

hi, there

Good luck but try out this tools.

www.partitionsupport.com