So you have lost all the data on your hard disk what can you do other than panic!
Most commonly people will lose hard disk information through trying to repartition the hard disk into one drive. However, there are many other reasons for loss of data. Sometimes not all the data has been lost but a small part of it. Consider the idea that you have lost your key. It doesn't mean your house has gone missing but you certainly can't access it without difficulty.
There are some crashes or malfunctions that can be handled by users. Try these relatively simple "tricks" first:
First check the cable and the power cord if they are properly plugged in or change to a working BIOS to detect the Hard Disk. If the Hard Disk is still undetectable, then it has broken down. Sometimes the BIOS can detect the Hard Disk, but that does not necessarily mean it is working. Due to the complexity of the problem, it is difficult to explain clearly in this section and you will have to consult a repari shop.
If you suspect that the Partition has been destroyed, use the Fdisk command in Win98. Use the Win98 Boot Disk or another working Win98 Hard Disk to boot. Press F8 and use Command Mode Boot. When the command prompt shows up, type in Fdisk. Use display to check if the Partition is normal or not. If no Partition is shown, then the Hard disk is damaged.
In addition to the above you could try some softare data recovery which varies from freeware to "awfully expensive". Again these might not work. There are also some real strange ideas which could be described as fact or fiction such as Hitting the drive,
Freeze the drive - Works, maybe 1 in 1000 tries, or Remove the Platters from the Hard Drive. This site certainly doesn't encourage any of these
In some ways you might need the computer equivalent of a "locksmith". There are many specialist data recovery companies which may be able to help. However, if you are an individual (rather than a company) is it really worth it? Simply accept that the data is gone and start again.
Never carry out any work on your computer whilst is is plugged into the mains power socket, you could cause yourself and your PC damage.
The power supply does not contain any user servicable parts and contains hazardous voltages it should not be opened-even after it has been switched off.
Many desktop and tower cases have sharp edges be careful when working inside the case of your PC.
