Windows 7 Install combined my old partition, wiping all my data

[CidHighwind]

Today, I installed two new 120GB SSD drives into my system. Previously, I had two 1TB drives in a RAID 0. After doing a performance test to see if there was a speed increase, I also bound the two new 120Gb SSDs into a NEW RAID 0.

The idea was to use the new, faster array for windows, and whatever programs I am currently using, and then use the old array for storage. I could install windows on the new drives with

So, I proceeded to install Windows 7 on the new array, leaving the old array alone. Installation went without a hitch. I looked at my new drive under My Computer- 1.98 TB. NOT the 240GB partition I just made, and NOT the 1.74 TB partition I used before the new drives.

It, for some reason I cant fathom, combined all 4 drives, encompassing BOTH arrays, new and old HDD and SSD into one partition, and had installed windows OVER TOP OF ALL MY DATA.

I dont know WHY this happened, but what do I do now to get my data back? I tried starting the computer without the new array, but it wont boot. I need my data back, and I need to get windows installed on the new array, the way I wanted.

What do I do now?

 

[dodger46]

Easy to be wise after the event, but always best to have only the drive on which you intend to install Windows connected in case.... With the 2 HDDs disconnected I would install Windows on one or both of the SSDs as you wish, then use something like Easus Partition Recovery to recover the lost partitions on each of the HDDs in turn.
http://www.easeus.com/resource/partition-recovery-software.htm

Alternatively or if Easus fails, try Recuva to retrieve your data
http://download.cnet.com/Recuva/3000-2242_4-10753287.html


Hope your new Windows installation was not installed over too much of your stored data...

 

[CidHighwind]

Thanks, I'll try this.

I only want a very small portion of the ~500GB used out of 2TB from the old partition, only a few gigs. You wouldnt think a ~20GB windows install would likely cover this up, especially because I kept my drives well-defragged.

I'll try it out asap.

 

[rdc85]

Before setup your SSD in RAID make sure your rigs capable to runs TRIM with RAID at same times....

If not supported, don't try it. it will bad for the SSD ........

 

[CidHighwind]

Best answer selected by CidHighwind.