Need help - Data in formatted partition

[Steve]

I would like to know how they determined that your files were from a previous format..
I'm not saying it's not possible , as we all recover files from after a format. I'm just saying "how did they determine it "
And Just them saying it , doesn't make it so.. where is the proof?
WHERE are they getting the dates ..HOW DO THEY KNOW if was reformatted?

[nomie25]

Their answer to my every question is

"This is a $10,000 software doing it all ... bla bla bla"

I asked the guys to hand me over the related documentation with dates etc. They quoted

"Sorry Sir, our software shows the date of format and the files which were on drive before format upto a maximum of six formats. And we found your personal files there before last format."

I suspect that they formatted the drive after i handed over the laptop and recovered data afterwards. And are just playing mind games with me to save themselves from Inventory management.

How the software do it is beyond their understanding, they even not know diffrenece between Low/High level formats and disk initialization. I asked them to hand over the related printouts and report to me so i can have a look. Which they at first declined and then promised to give them tommorrow in form of screen shots.

[harddrivespecialist]

Call the headquaters of the Best Buy!

[rchadwick]

Call them on the details.. WHICH $10,000 program do they use? I know they have their own custom, mostly useless bootable CD which MIGHT be able to recover files, but won't do any forensic-level work. By forensic-level, I mean at a level higher than a newbie tech's guess. Take notes, get more details, repeat the story back, verify, and then hold them to it. I wouldn't be surprised if the details of the story changes as you tear apart the details, or as time goes by, and they forget the story they told you.

Another thing to consider... Can they tie those file to you? If they are word files, your initials are embedded into the file. Even assuming they are right, it might be evidence that hurts them. If the file belonged to someone else, you're off the hook. Can they prove it's yours? Also, if you created a Word file 2 months ago, then copied the file to your new computer, they might be going by the create date. Worthless.

Bottom line, a forensic analysis of the drive is difficult, complicated, and takes a LOT more skill than their best Tech posesses. Ask them if the Tech is certified in Computer Forensics, and what forensic tools they use. Ask if the Tech is a CCFT (Certified Computer Forensic Technician). They barely have the right to say they are capable enough to fix computers. To claim they can do Computer Forensics is like a Carpenter who thinks he can do Brain Surgery.

If I'm harsh on the Geek Squad, it's because I was in the Computer Repair field, and I cleaned up plenty of their messes. I have no respect for morons who try to somehow gain credibility by BS'ing unsuspecting customers.

[nomie25]

They can tie the files to me, they have shown screen shot of one of my assignments and then asked me to explain why the recovery date is of January when i purchased the system in June. I told them that your staff is so incapable that they even not know that data is recovered against 'Date modified' which is part of file's meta data.

It was after all of this discussion that they started this all crap about Format layers thing. Which also don't make any sense. So, I am 100% sure now that they are just making up the things so i back out.

But .. this is what i will do now .. get data .. confirm story .. document .. everything, every statement in writing .. then i will contact Best Buy Corporate Office ... and if not works then i am going to take some legal action.

[bnice]

Maybe they are fed up with the same unit forever returning back to them.

Find out the name of this miracle software they use. Maybe you say, you want to contact the software company, to inform them of this bug. Sounds like they are trying to pull a fast one on you.

Am i right saying all shop complete pcs sold have stickers, and other shop/retail codes on or in them. They know they sold you the wrong item, but they sold your initial wanted model pc in the wrong box also maybe. They just needing to make up the loss, at your loss.

Legal action will probably be the only way, trading standards or equivelant what you country has.

[nomie25]

My issue is resolved and I have got the new Laptop. I appreciate your support and am thankfull for the knowledge you transferred. Once Again .. Thanx a lot!

[shahij]

Thanks god ur problem solved.
Did u get back your data?

Someone might going to the company for being faced problem like you again...