Win2K computer won't boot after deleting 1000s of files

[RJG]

We have a local server running Win2K - Compaq P-IV 1.8 GHz - 256meg RAM - 162 gig HD - NTFS file system.

An experimental program ran wild and stored 10s of 1000s of image JPG files on the HD. The user deleted them - into Trash - system OK, I think. Then tried to delete from Trash (empty) and computer hung after grinding for hours.

After 24 hours user hit Reset - now computer won't boot - "error loading operating sysem" message appears. Computer can't see HD now - boots from CD but HD isn't there. Utilities show HD with 154 gig of "unformatted" space - this is hopefully not true.

Does anyone know of a way to recover from this? All the instructions I have found say to remove HD and install in another working machine - copy off important files and re-format. Don't want to do that - there is too much on that 160 gig HD which we don't want to lose. Anyway, if its own BIOS can't see HD I doubt another computer would, either.

No emergency disk, of course ! ! !

Any ideas or suggestions for restore utilities will be appreciated.

Thanks - Roy

[Gecko]

[icecube]

[RJG]

[icecube]

[RJG]

[icecube]

I just looked up the price $1200 for 2005



This program is so out of whack as far as price, PM me if you want to pursue this option