So I accidentally overwrote some files...

[GORDON]

I moved a folder from one PC to a shortcutted folder networked on another PC, same folder name, same file names, and I didn't get a "do you want to overwrite?" message.

Is there any way I can recover the original files?

Not in recycle bin, and XP system restore didn't work.

[TheCatt]

I'd try a data recovery program. Just because the files were the same name, etc doesn't mean the contents of the files on the drives were over-written.

But there is no easy way that I know of.

[Malcolm]

That sucks. My mp3 ripping protocol does the same shit. It was set to rip things to a directory based on artist/album. Course, when you've got custom mix CDs, it's all unknown/unknown. Kept overwriting my shit w\o telling me.

But yeah, just cos something's overwritten doesn't mean it ain't there necessarily. It just means the machine doesn't have a handy pointer to the file. It is, however, a bitch to get back & I'm sure you're well aware that an entire industry has evolved to serve this need.

[Vince]

I think you screwed unless you pay big bucks for data recovery.

[TheCatt]

So can XP do volume shadow copy? Cuz that totally would have saved your ass.

[Paul]

I use a program called Final Data.
There's a program called Smart Recovery that is supposed to be able to recover data as well. Smart Recovery used to be HERE, but it looks like that website is gone now.

Obviously, you won't want as little HD activity on that drive as possible until you try to salvage your stuff.

[Cakedaddy]

Ya. No drive activity till you find something to recover with. Back in the old days, Norton Disk Doctor would do it easily. No idea what the current product equivelent would be.

[GORDON]

Thanks for the advice...

I think the files, while somewhat important and unreplacable, aren't important enough to go purchase forensics software or spend hours examining the 0's and 1's on a hard drive.

[TheCatt]

OnTrack Easy Recovery is one I've used before, it was not a waste of time.