Hard Disk changed from NTFS to RAW file system and can't be accessed normally

[Rodwy]

Had a problem with one of my HDD on startup and windows deleted a few corrupted files. Since then I can't access my drive as it says The directory is corrupted or unreadable.

I've ran Testdisk and it comes up with a status_access_violation when trying to rebuild the MFT, and ZAR shows all the files on the drive are still intact but since I can't dish out $60 to recover info I could just reinstall.

System Restore does nothing. Disk Management shows no file system. dskchk closes too quickly to even read what it says when trying to check the drive in question.

I think windows somehow deleted part of the MFT or MBR on the drive and caused this problem. I know I could just reformat the drive and lose everything on it and start from scratch due to it not being a physical problem, but could I save the drive without dishing out big bucks?

Saw another thread with a similar problem but due to the person caving and reformatting it was of little help.

[demoguy08]

Obvious question but have you tried [I][B]fixmbr[/B] [drive label][/I] from the recovery console?

[Rodwy]

Tried and failed, but I just reformatted it after pulling some data out of it that was important. After a headache removing all the programs from my comp that used to be on the drive my comps running normally again.

[Murk]

You probably shouldn't use that hard drive again. Though if you really want to, run the extended test with WinDLG.