Halp halp halp

[Geoff]

[quote author=Geoff link=topic=2102.msg59658#msg59658 date=1230837311]
[quote author=HeK link=topic=2102.msg59656#msg59656 date=1230837042]
[quote author=Vandamguy link=topic=2102.msg59642#msg59642 date=1230833325]
slave it into a second computer , and cross your fingers

x2

Turn on SMART in the bios, watch for errors. Listen for odd sounds from the drive.
Monitor the windows event viewer for disk io errors (Start-> Run-> eventvwr.msc, click on System)

If any luck windows will detect the file system. If so run a full check disk with both options checked off.
Keep listening to the drive and watching the event viewer.

If you haven't had any problems yet, go ahead and scan the drive for virii/spyware using the tool of your choice.


If you are getting errors or sounds....
[/quote]

Turns out, stupid repair install fucked up the partition, and made it raw. 

Used this utility:
http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/TestDisk

It found the lost partition, and rewrote it to the drive.  Backing up files, and about to reinstall, because there is no hope for the windows install.

Also, should I install TinyXP Platinum Edition 2 or the Windows XP SP3 Slipstreamed disc I just made?
[/quote]

It shouldn't do that..... it shouldn't be touching the partition at all!
Good call on TestDisk, I haven't heard of it yet; am adding to my tools.

Personally I'd stick with the OEM disks, I've had issues in the past with TinyXP and other modified versions. Others will disagree.
[/quote]

Blame Windows, because it messed up the partition.

The main appeal of TinyXP is that it installs the things you normally do on a fresh install.  NOD32 for antivirus, photoshop, pdf reader, daemon, Nero, etc etc.