Computer help forum: Easiest way to recover data from unbootable HDD?

and no matter how I configure it I can't open it without Windows saying it's not formatted and asking me to format. The optional disk check at Windows startup reported several bad sectors but when I check disk management it shows both partitions as being healthy. There is one 7 gig partition in NFTS EISA configuration and another "Active" partition with 100% free space (226.75 gigs), which doesn't make sense as it should have data on it if active.

This worked, had to register but it's worth it!
You are an invaluable asset to these boards, thanks again.

the vendor's recovery and system tools partitions.

IF there is nothing wrong with those partitions (hopefully you haven't tried to "explore" them) you can perform a complete System Recovery by following these steps CAREFULLY. They will restore the computer to it's "as delivered" configuration.

1. Disconnect all network connections.
2. Disconnect all peripheral devices.
3. Turn off the computer.
4. Turn on the computer.
5. When the SONY logo is displayed, press the F10 key.
6. In the VAIO Recovery Wizard window, click the Next button.
7. Under Recovery Options, click to select the C Drive Recovery option.
8. Click the Next button.

*****NOTES*****:

A) A C Drive Recovery will return the (C:) drive to its original, factory-installed state. All software and data on the (C:) drive will be erased. If there is a (D:) drive, it is unaffected.
B) Only a C Drive Recovery can be performed using the VAIO Recovery Wizard on the Recovery Drive. For a Custom Recovery with options for removing or reinstalling the Recovery Drive, use the Recovery Media Kit.

9. Under C Drive Recovery, click the Next button.
10. Under Click Finish..., click the Finish button.

*****NOTE*****: The computer will restart.

11. Under Recovery Progress, when the recovery is Completed, click the Next button.
12. Under The Recovery process is complete, click the Finish button.
13. After the computer restarts, the operating system setup wizard will start. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup wizard.

*****NOTE*****: After the setup wizard is completed, all bundled applications will be reinstalled.


If your recovery partitions are corrupt you can check on this page and provide your serial number to possibly obtain recovery CDs -
http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/model-home.pl?mdl=VGCRB44G&LOC=3

There is also a "Live Chat" link on that page

got an error:

"Disk access: Sense operation failed!"
at 1% complete.

Basically that means it needs a brand new HDD, correct...
I have recovery cd's but now when I put the 1st one in it says there's no operating system.

I found a bootable version of Killdisk. Read in another forum that someone used it after the "sense operation failed" error and it worked. It sounds like the factory partitions need to be in place for the recovery wizard to work though. Can I install any OS after the disk is wiped clean or do those Sony-installed partitions need to be in place for the system to function properly?

the only reason you are getting the os not found is cause you are trying to boot from HDD. you have to go into the bios and change the boot order in order for it to try from cd. it obviously isnt set as the first boot. you also need to run checkdisk over the partition you are trying to reinstall over. the hard drive isnt dead but all the bad sectors have to be flagged and marked as unusable before you can continue with a reinstall. if you have another hard drive or a big flash drive (7gb or more) you can download gparted and make a backup of your recovery partitions in case checkdisk decides it wants to format your whole hard drive which shouldnt be the case cause i have had 2 partitions on the same hard drive and only scanned one partition and removed bad sectors from it so this step inst necessary but is a saftey precation. alternatly if you have the key on the side of your computer you can torrent download an OEM copy of xp home and use that key and your download will be considered fine.