I accidentally installed Windows over my entire drive is there any way to recover my files and folders? Body:

Accidental Drive Formatting During OS Installation: Strategies for Data Recovery

Experiencing data loss can be a distressing event, especially when vital files such as personal photographs, documents, and other valuable data are involved. In scenarios where an unintended operating system installation leads to drive formatting, understanding the recovery options and tools available is crucial.

The Incident: How Unintentional Formatting Occurred

A user recently encountered an unexpected data loss situation while testing a USB device prepared for professional use. The USB contained Windows ISO files provided by their employer for verification purposes. Upon booting from the USB to run the Windows installer, a series of command prompt windows appeared and executed automatically—an unforeseen event. Despite attempting to halt the process, the system had already initiated a cleaning operation, resulting in the complete wiping of the drives and loss of all files associated with those partitions.

Post-installation, the user observes a fresh Windows environment with no visible files or partitions on the affected drive. The incident has led to concerns about the safety of their personal files, which include family vacation photos, pet images, university documents, and other personal items.

Important note: The user reports that the 1TB drive containing the important data remains untouched and has not been used since the incident, making it a prime candidate for recovery efforts.

Immediate Steps for Data Preservation

Avoid Writing to the Affected Drive:
To maximize recovery chances, refrain from installing new files, downloading programs, or making any changes to the drive. Any new data could overwrite parts of the deleted files, reducing the likelihood of successful recovery.
Create a Clone of the Drive:
Before attempting any recovery operations, it’s prudent to clone the affected drive onto a secure storage device. This creates an exact replica, allowing recovery attempts without risking further damage to the original data. Tools like Clonezilla, Macrium Reflect, or Acronis True Image can be used for this purpose.

Recovery Strategies and Recommended Tools

1. Assess the Partition Structure

Before attempting to recover data, determine whether the partition table itself has been damaged or erased. Use tools like TestDisk to analyze the disk:

TestDisk is a powerful open-source utility capable of detecting and restoring lost partitions. It can often recover partition structures and make partitions visible again, facilitating easier access to files.