A storm struck my computer and all my files are lost, what can I do next time from preventing this to happen?
144988
If lightning was the problem, no surge supressor or UPS can provide sufficient protection. If you know that a thunderstorm is on the way, the best protection is to shut down the computer and unplug it from the wall.
618932
Try Any Good Data Recovery Softwear(Recover My File).
302993
What happened is probably one of a thousand different things, i can suggest two things, possibly your folders have the "hidden" flag turned on so make your system display hidden folders (depending on your operating system this is done differnt ways) the second option is Spinrite a program avalible from GRC.com it is inexpensive, small and will recover much (90%) if not all of your lost data. It is VERY important though that you limit the use of your hard drive untill you recover your data as if your data will be overwritten more and more untill you recover it.
1007621
Ontrack's Easy Recovery Pro.\nI use this for even catastrophic data recovery.
160822
PC Inspector file recovery is a good s/w.\nI used it & gave nice perfomance.\nIts freeware so no expiry.\nDownload it from\n\nhttp://www.pcinspector.de/file_recovery/uk/download.htm\n\nother sites are\nhttp://www.softwarepatch.com/software/filerecovery.html\nhttp://www.recovermyfiles.com/  (Trial version but better GUI)\n\nFor more try \nwww.google.com \nwith keywords\nfile recovery software free
596150
That happened to me before when I got my EMACHINE.\nYou will end up formatting your computer because its a disc boot problem or possibly a virus. Also a short circuit or a power outage can cause this to your machine if your machine was left on during a storm.\n\nTo format your harddrive you will need to get a recovery disc or a Windows CD. \nNo boot disc is necessary unless you are trying to install Windows 95. \nThe recovery disc will usually come with your computer, if you dont have one, you will need to call your computer manufacturing company and order one. \nThe recovery disc and the windows CD will partition your harddrive and it will wipe out your memory and start from fresh.
54504
Here is my short list:\n1. Email files (location depends on application)\n2. Anything in MyDocuments, or My*. These folders are located in the Documents and Settings folder. Windows has so many handles open to that folder, during a crash, it's likely to get corrupted. \n3. Any file that can not be replaced: Financial docs, passwords, or important names and numbers. \n4. Broswer bookmarks and settings. \n\nThat's all I can think of. Usually, if the above are saved, I can reinstall and be back to "normal" within a few hours.
11213
Check your "sent items" folder for copies of sent emails.\n\nSome data recovery software may work, but not too likely if its a while ago.
497324
There are several programs that do this. One of them is called Recover My Files:\n\nhttp://www.recovermyfiles.com/\n\nI've used it and it works great. Saved my butt on more than one occasion.
923399
I think you should start copying your files....!I too lost my hard drive and lost all the data...!I can give you a link that deals with hard drive problems. Some RAM/hard drive problems can be easily fixed yourself by using easily available tools. I found the info at http://fixit.in  useful. Try this site, if you can get what is required.
1008920
Use file recovery softwares...
223369
call any reputable computer repair shop in your area.  If they don't do it on-site, they should be able to refer you to someone who does.  \n\nFYI: do NOT use anyone who will charge you for their services if no data is recovered.  In other words, no results/data= no $$
1065142
If you have Windows XP edition just restore your computer to an earlier date b4 the disaster occured.
314299
There are two ways that immediately come to mind, fixing it yourself with Norton Utilities, or sending it to a company like DriveSavers.\n\nNorton Utilities has the ability to scan a crashed hard disk and allow you to copy the contents to another drive. This works well with hard disks with "soft" crashes (The FAT table is corrupt, the drive forgets where files are)\n\nIf the drive has physically crashed, your only option may be a company like DriveSavers. They actually take your drive into a clean room, remove the platters, and put them into a new mechanism, then try to recover your data. They have a high success rate, but they often charge hundreds, if not thousands to recover your data.\n\nAs for preventing this, other than not kicking or dropping your computer, there isn't much you can do to prevent a hard disk crash. Always make sure your critical data is backed up!
345775
I had to do this too and I took it to Staples.  It didn't cost a lot and they backed up all my files and restarted everything.  Good Luck!!!
270330
You could try using system restore.
368582
sounds like your hard drive took a dirt nap. you just need to go buy a new one and hope you can save your data.