I had some important data files stored on a CD RW disc. My wife, who thought they were temporary files in the hard drive, didn't notice the disc was in the writer and inadvertrently deleted all of the files through explorer (Win98, select files then right click - delete). I haven't done anything to the disc yet, except to take it out of the writer. Is there a way to recover the deleted files? I tried the older version of norton unerase (2000), but it can't recognize the cd writer. I'd appreciate it if someone could lend me a hand. It's been quite a while since I last got involved in data loss problems. Thanks in advance.

There are tonnes of pieces of software out there that can do this. Just type something along the lines of "deleted data recover CD-RW" into your favourite search engine. Trouble is, most of these you have to pay for. This one (http://www.smart-projects.net/cdrecovery/) said it was part freeware, part shareware. Hopefully the freeware bit it enough to aid the recovery.

I would try and get your Norton recovery software to work though. That should do the job. Visit Norton's homepage and see if there are any updates for your software. That might help it find the CD writer.

Thanks for the info LTheobald. I'll try your suggestions.

Hi,
The chances of recovery anything from a CD-RW after it has been erased are very slim.
I have used these CD's in the past, but now use CD-R's. Reason is that I, too, erased, by mistake, some files I wanted to save. For me personally, it wasn't worth the risk to continue using erasable CD's.
The CD-R's are not that espensive. A well-known large Super Dept. Store has about 30 of them for around $14 US.

Since you use Win98/98SE, as I do, you might be interested in Maintenance steps for 98 and some suggestions for running them:

Registry Repair should be done whenever there are problems:

To Repair the Registery:
Turn off the computer; or reboot; then immediately press F8, (or, could be F5) located on top of the keyboard. Keep it press down until an options window comes up, then release it.
(If F8 or F5 doesn't work, then re-boot, and immediately press down the CTRL key, hold down until it comes up to the options screen).
Use the up and down arrow keys on the keyboard to select "Command Prompt Only".
Press Enter
You will now see C:>
Type in SCANREG /FIX (there is a space between the G and the / ).
You will now see C:>SCANREG /FIX
Press Enter
This will take about 5 minutes or so.
When finished, press Enter for OK.
Manually, turn off the computer, wait a few seconds, the turn it back on.
If you don't have the "Command Prompt Only" option, then re-boot the computer normally.
Go to Start/ShutDown, then choose "restart in ms-dos mode".
It will come up to C:\windows.
Type in CD C:\
It will look like C:>windows CD C:\
Press Enter.
It will then be at the C:> prompt.
Then type in SCANREG /FIX
Press Enter
When it returns to the C:> prompt, then manually turn off the computer, and turn it back on.

Win98/98SE Regular Maintenance
All of these should be run whenever Win98/98SE starts giving problems. It will keep the computer running smoothly.

Before doing any of the following; turn off wallpaper and screensavers before re-starting or re-booting the computer.

Safe Mode is best where indicated, because most programs are not running meaning their files are closed, or not in use. This allows them to be scanned much better, repaired, or defragged better.

1. Scandisk
Start in Safe Mode by:
Re-boot the computer, and immediately after starting up, Press and hold down, F8, at top of keypad.
When the options show on the screen, use the up and down arrow keys on the keyboard to select
"Safe Mode".
Press Enter
After it boots to Safe Mode, go to Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools, and click on Scandisk.
(It is faster if set on "Standard", the "Thorough" usually is not needed and takes a long, long time).
Click on "Start" and let it run until finished.

2. Defrag
When Scandisk is finished, click on "Close".
Now, go back to the same place, but this time, click on "Defrag".
Click on OK, and wait until it finishes (might take 1 hour if not done within a month).
After it finishes, Click on OK or whatever.
Then, re-boot.

The following Boot Disk has to be done only one time.

Also, a "must have" is a Boot Disk, for Win98/98SE. One never knows when the computer might not load windows and go to the desktop... it does happen.

Here are steps to make one:

Insert the Win98/98SE CD in the CD-ROM drive.
Go to Start/Programs/Windows Explorer
Double click on D:/ , if that is your CD-ROM drive letter.
Find and open the folder; Tools/Mtsutil/Fat32ebd (stands for Emergency Boot Disk)
Double click on the file Fat32ebd.exe and follow the instructions to create the Boot Disk.
Then remove the CD from the CD-ROM.

Now, we must test the Boot Disk to see if it works.
Shut down the computer; then turn it back on with the Boot Disk still in the computer.
When a screen comes up, use the up and down arrows on the keyboard to select "Boot with CD-ROM support". Then press Enter.
It will show some things about the computer, and then come up to the A:> prompt.
Now, insert a CD (any will do) into the CD-ROM.
Wait until it "spins" and the light goes off.
Now, at the A:> prompt, type in DIR D:
It will now look like A:>DIR D:
It should show all the files on the CD.
If so, the Boot Disk is good. If NOT, repeat all the above.
If it's good, then remove the CD, manually turn off the computer, and remove the Boot Disk. Turn on the computer and it's ready to go.

Here are some "tweaks" for Win98/98SE that really work well.

Win98SE Tweaks for better performance
http://www.speedguide.net/read_articles.php?id=170

To extract files: here are steps:
Extract the following from c/cabs/cab53 and cab54.
(Right click on a Cab, then left click on View).
To extract a file then seen, Right click on the file,
Then Left click on Extract.
Vcomm.vxd
Vdmad.vxd
Configmg.vxd
Vdd.vxd
Vmouse.vxd
Ntkern.vxd
Vflat.vxd
Extract to:
c/windows/system; and also to:
c/windows/system/vmm32.

Win98SE USB Updates:
http://www.usbman.com/win98seusbguide.htm

Also, for Win98/98SE; any ONE of the following programs WILL, normally, cause problems:
1. Microsoft's DirectX 9.0c
2. Sun Java; any versions, such as j2re 1.4.1 or 1.4.2. (use the Tools, Internet Options, Advanced tab, under the heading "Java VM", the only check mark should be by "JIT compiler for virtual machine.....".
3. Microsoft's Internet Explorer & Outlook Express Cumulative Security Patches from Windows Update.

Just for information:
If you wish to add or subtract from an Experts' reputation, or show appreciation or discontent with an answer, click on the "balance scales" icon by the Experts' name. You can then choose what you wish.

Best wishes,
fredg

You really shouldn't pay more than $20 for 100 Disks at local stores. And its even cheaper online. Here is a link to an online store that ships some for free. 100 52x Disks for $15.50 - http://www.meritline.com/52x-high-quality-cdr-cd-r-printing-logo2.html

If you have a compUsa near you, they are selling 100 DVD+-R for $20 no rebates needed. Just to show how cheap media has gotten.

Sorry this post doesn't address your problem but it looks well answered already.

Good day! Not very encouraging replies. You're right, Cd Rs are cheaper nowadays. I normally use them for important files, except this instance where I was planning to modify the contents. Just had to learn through experience. Any way, I appreciate the input and thanks for the tips.

FRED, why do you ALWAYS advise a reg repair when it isn't needed, this is more likely to cause more problems rather than cure any !!!

Curly,
I suspect the reason is that he doesn't know any better. From what I've seen, most of his solutions come from elsewhere (that's why he has been guilty of plagiarism). He doesn't have the skill to diagnose the real problems.

Good day to all! Just want to let everybody know I was able to recover all the deleted files in the CD RW. I used CDRoller 5.34 from www.cdroller.com. It was the only program, from among ten, that recognized the drive and showed the files on first scan. It helped that the cd rw tracks were not overwritten. I also tried it with an old cd that got hung while recording. The files, up to the point where it hung, were also recovered. A good program and a good buy. Thanks to everyone and hope you newbies like me keep this experience in mind.

Hi,
You are quite welcome.
I am happy that you could recover some.
Best wishes, and best of luck,
fredg

Curlyben,
You didn't read the first part of the suggestions.
Registry Repair will fix most problems with Win98/98SE, in regards to IE and many other issues. You apparently do not use 98. Registry Repair will not cause problems. It fixes, and rewrites the Registry using the Microsoft Registry Fixer, built in with Win 98/98SE.
fredg



FRED, why do you ALWAYS advise a reg repair when it isn't needed, this is more likely to cause more problems rather than cure any !!!

To ScottGem:
All computer solutions resolving issues come from somewhere; even yours. There is rarely an original idea anymore.
Your alleged charge of Plagiarism was turned down and overruled by the Administration at another website.
Your posting here is in violation of AskMeHelpDesk Policy; regarding Public Abuse and Public Harassment.
It does not show Professionalism.
fredg


Curly,
I suspect the reason is that he doesn't know any better. From what I've seen, most of his solutions come from elsewhere (that's why he has been guilty of plagiarism). He doesn't have the skill to diagnose the real problems.

Fred,
The definition of plagiariasm:
To steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own : use (another's production) without crediting the source

We aren't talking about "ideas" here. We are talking about you copying and pasting the exact text of an answer I posted as part of your own answer. Here are the facts: On 2/11 I posted an answer on Pointask. On 2/14 you posted an answer on Answerway that included the text of my answer right down to a typo I had made. You have claimed that you got that text from somewhere else. I have asked you for proof of that claim, i.e. the site where you got that text, and you have failed to provide such proof. Unless you can provide such proof, the fact that you included the same text that I wrote in your answer, without attributing where you got it from constitutes plagiarism.