Not a stupid question at all! Yes, I tried to use the FTW to retrieve the files, but when I go into the program, it won’t recognize the external hard drive where they are stored (says it’s “not a valid location”—I’m wondering if I need to copy the old files and change the extension on the files so the wizard will recognize them? What extension would work?
I’m willing to try anything at this point!
It doesn’t recognize the external drive at all? (vs. letting you select the folder but saying it’s ‘not a valid location.’) IIRC the wizard wants you to select a folder to restore from.
The wizard is the path to unpacking those .dat files. Your chances are much better then with recovering the original drive.
Changing the extension is unlikely to work. Third party unpackers might/will be able to unpack the .dat files (depending on how evil Balmer and Co are being lately.) Going that path leaves you to sort out the good data though, likely tedious.
Googling. (Finding a typical MS !@#$!%. !@$!@8# !@# unbelivable @#$` ~!# *&(% and their mother !#$!%(*7 &%*!%$ with a fork.)
From http://windowsxp.mvps.org/fast.htm
Check which version of MigWiz.exe you are using (vs. the version you used to back it up with). Check XP service packs (if you can remember when you backed up/check the .dat file date and if you were staying current you can infer which service pack you were at). If you have the old XP disk (presumably where you got the wizard when you backed up) try using it to restore (if you have a newer XP it’s version of the wizard is better etc but apparently not compatible).
Look at Rmv2opq and Fastconv. Good luck. It looks a mess.
If you consider ‘seeking professional help’ make sure you backup your backup (using good old fashioned file copies) before you let someone mess with it. There are many incompetents out there.