Smart update causes very important files deleted

[finddarkpoet]

I was using SuperDuper to back all my files (about 98GB) onto a external 320GB firewire harddisk. There was 150GB very important files ( High Definition video footage for clients) on the firewire disk, obviously I didn't want to erase anything so in the backup option, I didn't choose "Erase 320GB... from Macintosh HD", but chose "Smart update 320GB... from Macintosh HD", because it's said "smart update will copy and erase what's needed to make 320GB.. identical to your selections from Macintosh HD. The result will mimic 'Erase, then copy', but will typically take a fration of the time." So there was enough space for making a backup of the 98GB files that were needed to backup. And there was no warning at all. After the backup finishes, I found all my important files are gone. This is fatal... Now, how likely is it to recover the 150GB files that was on the firewire disk? Do you have any suggestions?? Data Rescue II?

[dnanian]

But that was a warning: it specifically said it was going to copy and erase what it needed to... that's why it warned you twice, once in the "What's going to happen?" section and once after you clicked Copy Now.

Anyway, you can try to use Data Rescue II to recover the files -- there's always a chance it'll work...

[bharoche]

I've used FileSalvage (approx $90) to recover files successfully. The trial version will show you what can be recovered before you spend the money for the fully functional version.

[bharoche]

PS. Since it wasn't obvious to you, SD will create a mirror or clone of the drive you're copying. If you want to keep files on the drive you're copying to, but those files aren't on the drive you're copying from -- partition your drive into two or more partitions. Use one partition for long term storage of your important files you don't want deleted, use another partition for the clone or mirror that SD creates.

[finddarkpoet]

Thanks dnanian and bharoche, it was my mistake, I finally managed to have all my 150GB footage recovered with Data Rescue II, I tried File Salvage 6.1 (Trial) as well, but the maximum file size is only 500MB from the scan result and I didn't find any option. It's incredible to have all of them back!