I know this may sound silly or even idiotic, but please bear in mind I am really new to linux world.
So here is my problem:
I have decided to start exploring linux and install it as a second OS on the same PC.
Due to hardware changes I had to reinstall linux and I have installed it to a WRONG partition where all my files and windows applications were stored. One can only imagine my shock and panic reaction when I realized what have I done.
Is there any way to recover the partition or the files? Any suggestion?

thank you in advance

Hi,

I hope you had a backup!

I was afraid you would say that

Please try TestDisk or RIPLinuX.

At LQ, being funny at the expense of those who are in clear trouble and not offering help isn't cool in my book.


No, not silly, just sad. In addition to what Bruce Hill said here's two more elaborate replies: one on a possible approach to recovery and using Photorec (the testdisk companion app) and one about Foremost (for use if you doubt Photorec results or want a second opinion). If unsure ask before doing stuff but first make sure the partitions aren't used (being written to).

Thank you friends for the extraordinary support.
I will try the recommended software and keep you posted.
Thank you.

Hi,
The reply was not meant to be funny. So judge as you be judged!
If you think that was the intent then that is sad.

So then how does your reply help the OP recover his data?

It doesnt. It helps because now the OP doesnt have to look for an answer. The data is overwritten and unrecoverable and the threads you posted were for different partitions.

Unless of course he has some hardware based "rubbish bin". But I know of no such thing.

So what if there is an answer? Then the OP gets pointed in the wrong direction.


Asserting data recovery is impossible w/o even trying is the ultimate defaitist attitude.
Of course that doesn't hurt you since it ain't your data we're talking about.
(BTW, I don't think it's wise for you to answer for other people.)
Maybe you should read up on what data recovery can do before posting.
Here's one way you can test recovery yourself w/o damaging your setup:
- dd /dev/zero to a file, say 10MB, then losetup it.
- mkfs.ntfs -Q the loop device, mount, copy files onto it until full.
- sha256deep -p (half the blocksize) the mounts contents, then umount.
- say mkfs.ext2 the loop device, mount, copy some files onto it, umount.
- run photorec on the loop device, select recovery properties (paranoia, expert, partials, keep all).
- sha256deep -p (half the blocksize) -M the recovered files and presto,
clear and undisputable evidence of (OK, partial) recovery.


So what? The basic procedure stays the same.

Hi,
Act like a moderator. Not a dictator as you seem to force your opinion on others and tend to cause the thread to drift. Maybe my response could be read as something smart. But it wasn't intended as such. Now yours is another matter.

You are not going to recover the partition with the reformatting and copying of a OS filesystem into that partition. To many variables, with filesystem partition creation, block allocation and partition alignments then formatting the partition with another filesystem type. You may get fragments but not much more if any. It all depends on how the original OS being contiguous with little or no fragmentation.

Which we all know that NTFS is notorious for fragmentation. If the OP has a scheduled maintenance on his/her system then the chances are a bit better to possibly recover parts of the original install. But I won't bet on it!

If you would want to use a disk editor and spend a lot of time to recover a few pieces of the OPs' HDD then maybe he/she should contract you. The OP could spend a lot of money to recover what? That is why most people do a backup for the data on their system. For instances as this.

I do agree with your statement that the OP should ask or research before doing anything that he/she doesn't understand. That's common sense.

Maybe you should be the one reading up on data recovery. No it doesn't hurt to attempt to recover. But how much time and effort should be spent to recover parts of something? If anything at all. The physical differences between filesystems will be the limiting or controlling factor.

BTW, I am speaking for myself. I read 'dopefish's' threads and it seems to me he was replying for himself. Another assumption on your part. Other people do have opinions and sometimes they align with others.

It is defeatist not defaitist. I was not presenting a defeatist nor do I think 'dopefish' was presenting one. But we are presenting a helpful position whether you believe that or not.
Just by replying with helpful information should provide some indication to others. Maybe this should be brought to a close.

Counting towards seven TODs, I sure do, and so I'm above retaliating like you do.
I only hope one percent of why I said what I needed to say got through.

I hope you can get help from here Stellar Phoenix Linux Data Recovery Software which can recover corrupted, deleted or formatted Linux partitions/Volumes and recover deleted files & folders from ext2, ext3 and ReiserFS file systems.Give a try gud luck