Recovering files

Hi, you would need to describe exactly what you have done step by step as the possibilities in your minimal description are many. We don't even know for sure exactly where your original disk is or what method you have used, so no point suggesting data recovery methods yet.

I could provide a page of questions, but better if you take the initiative as a list
a. I ....
b. Then I ...
c. ...

Thanks.

Ok, thanks, so there aren't 2 PCs involved as far as recovering data is concerned...

As you know, a clean install is exactly that- you will have deleted the original partitions, assuming you didn't change the system drive.

A wise person backs up their PC regularly and routinely- e.g. 3rd party disk imaging + data backup as appropriate.
Assuming you have no backup at all- I'm afraid your data is gone.

Your only (faint) possibility, if your system disk is a HDD, would be sophisticated techniques used by a professional company - very costly,

Sounds like a painful lesson I'm afraid.

Having said that, let's just check what you have on your disk.. if you didn't actually delete the system partition, it may still be there.

Post a screenshot of the partitions on your disk.
How to Post a Screenshot of Disk Management

@FreeBooter - how does this apply when the partition has been deleted and probably at least partly overwritten?

Assuming the partitions were deleted as is normal with a clean install, then many will have been completely overwritten. New partitions will have been created.

Some files may occupy disk space where no partition exists.

You know the limitations of this tool.

Therefore I ask you as the expert with this method- given the nature of the situation- whether you have ever used it in a similar case, and whether you think it has significant merit in this particular context?

For example, does this method scan any remaining unallocated part of the disk?

I would first hope that the original system partition has somehow escaped being deleted - probably a very optimistic hope - but if true, no problem exists. If it was deleted and no backups had been created, the user can expect to have lost the majority of the data.

1st rule of no backup screw-up... Stop using the disk!!!

If it was an SSD and the partitions has been deleted and a new OS is installed and it has been used for a while so TRIM had have it's chance to run completely.. The chance is slim to non to recover the files without special recovery tools(read recovery specialists)

If it was an HDD it is possible to recover some of the files if you follow the Rule-1 of no backup screw-up.
When you have stopped using the disk(read the computer is OFF/ disk is not connected) Then it is in no hurry to go it over step by step, as it can not get worse when it is off. so time is on your side so to speak.
Usually @jumanji is the Forum Guru on this topic

Just remember: Rule1