PCTech Forums

My PC has 2 Hard Disks and I moved all my data files to the second (D) prior to installing Windows XP.

The install formatted the primary drive (C) and said something about inspecting any others.

Following the install, I cannot access any files on D. If I try to open it then it says that it needs formatting!!!!!!!!!

I hve used a demo copy of a disk recovery program, which showed that the files and directory structure are still present on the disk.

Anyone know what it has done and whether there is a quick (and cheap) way to recover the situation?

Otherwise, I will have to cough up some money for the full version of the recovery program

Hi Mysteryman

You probably should of not had the second hard drive installed while setting up Windows XP, beings said and done heres what you can try.

The h.d.d. with the fresh install on it, keep it as master on the primary controller. Set the second h.d.d as master on the secondary controller, no other drives connected, you should be able to see and access everything on there.
I just went through this same situation so I know it works. I had same error as you did. Only purpose I was trying to accomplish was to transfer files.

Let us know

Right, now, I'll try and concentrate and keep my mind off your very interesting Avatar!!!!!!

Thanks for the information. I'll head off home and give it a try!!!!!!!