XP and adding Sata discs with data already on

[peterb]

*shrug*
I just plug them in usually and they work. Only problem I've had was taking a dynamic from XP to Vista. I used File Scavenger and got everything back, having done a quick format when prompted.

Yes - they should work - but in this case thet aren't - the question is why not.

[Sam_S]

Try something called ERD Commander which I think has some file recovery utilities on it.
Otherwise it could be a failed/corrupted MBR in which case its a litle more involved in getting it sorted.

Easiest way to try different HDDs as well is to stick them in an external enclosure - saves having to dismantle your PC all the time

[Splash]

ERD Commander is hella expensive though, not really at the disposal of most home users.

[Sam_S]

ERD Commander is hella expensive though, not really at the disposal of most home users.

Keep forgetting that corporate money goes a lot further!!!
Yes it's expensive, but it ain't half useful (and dangerous in the wrong hands)

[Splash]

Oh yes, hella useful. It's saved a few duffed machines in the past for me, but... hella expensive.

That said, it also seems that since Winternals were acquired by Microsoft it's no longer possible to buy ERD Commander.

[Sam_S]

Shame about that really.
Any system admin should have a (legal) copy of that in their toolbox.

Have used it to roll back a Serice Pack which started to flatten a whole hoard DCs and other safety & mission critical servers in the estate.....