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Hi, Seroshiro
Welcome to the Microsoft Community
I'm sorry to hear about the trouble you've encountered with your hard drive and the subsequent data loss. It can be quite concerning when important files seem to be missing. Let's see how we can assist you with this.
If you created a backup using the command prompt, it's possible that the backup might be stored on a separate partition or external storage device. Here's what you can do to try and recover your data:
- Search for Backup Files: If you used a tool like
wbadminto create the backup, it might be stored in a dedicated folder on a separate partition or an external drive. Check any other partitions on your hard drive or any external drives you may have used around the time you created the backup. - Use File Recovery Software: There are several third-party file recovery tools available that can help recover lost data. These tools can sometimes recover files even after a reinstallation of Windows, provided that the data has not been overwritten. Please note that the success rate might vary, and it's often recommended to stop using the hard drive immediately to avoid overwriting the data.
- Check Windows.old Folder: If you performed a standard upgrade or reinstallation without formatting the drive, Windows might have created a folder named
Windows.oldon your C: drive. This folder contains files from the previous installation. If it's present, you might find your personal files there. - Restore from Cloud Storage: If you had been using a cloud storage service (like OneDrive, which is integrated with Windows 10/11), your files might be backed up there. Check your cloud storage to see if you can recover your files.
- Professional Data Recovery Services: If the above steps do not yield results and the data is crucial, you might want to consider professional data recovery services. These services can be costly, but they may be able to recover data from drives even after formatting or corruption.
Unfortunately, if you've lost the physical hard drive, and if the backup was stored on that drive without any copies elsewhere, recovery might not be possible. However, if the backup was created on a different drive or you had set up automatic backups to a cloud service, there's a good chance your data can be retrieved.
Please proceed with caution, especially when using file recovery software, as improper use can further complicate data recovery. If you're unsure, it might be best to consult with a professional.
Best regards,
Martin | Microsoft Community support specialist