NTFS Windows xp became corrupted after running chkdsk and all I could get was a message that the following file was missing or damaged c:\windows\system32\config\system. So I lookup and find I can fix by booting using ntfs4dos and renaming files and then copying files from c:\windows\repair, so I try this and I am able to get back to windows but all my userprofile is missing, so I wound up doing restore, now I think my data may be gone, because I have no way to reverse, did restore using acronis, I try to get restoration 2.x so maybe I can undo but I cannot find file, even after paying for access to it, does anyone have file?

Hello Monty, welcome to PCHF.

If you have used Acronis TrueImage? Acronis would have restored all your files and settings as it was when you backed it up, and therefore, replacing everything that was on the drive previously. Your only hope is to use a NTFS recovery tool. The most reliable tool I've found is called R-Studio: File Recovery and Data Recovery Software. Hard Drive recovery utility. Unfortunately, R-Studio does come with a price tag, however you can download the demo, and see if it finds the files you need before deciding weather or not to pay for the full version. However, I don't favour your chances.

Thanks Mad and congrats!!
I am trying the trial out, I think its too late, since I installed over the top, the desire is to get the emails, (I lost like 1 1/2 years worth ouch!) not my fault ok maybe it is which is why I feel bad..but as client didn't tell me they had no recent backup, and they wanted it re-installed, turns out they didn't they wanted their data backed up, which I couldn't get to, as I couldn't boot windows.
I feel bad & hope the recovery gets the outlook files back but as you say I am not overly optimistic..
I finally got my hands on restore 2.x from bootdisk, but it doesn't run on my system so I can't try it out. has anyone had any success with it? I use my box for development and I think studio may be causing it to fail as I have all kinds of .net **** on my machine..a necessary evil for work unfortunately.

Isn't that Norton's Save and Restore 2.0? Requires the images to be backed up before restoration?