Data Recovery Software

Well since you didnt specify what OS version you were running or why you need to recovery data or how much you have lost it is hard to say. If you simply deleted the files you needed to recover there are many freebies that will actually allow you to recover the files with out having to pay for the software...But if you lost the data due to a damaged HD or a virus trashed your boot sector it gets more complicated. However, the good news is it can cost under $100.00

Check out PCworld.com download section

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/browse/0,cat,1494,sortIdx,1,00.asp

There are at least 15 data recovery tools listed there most say "shareware" or Trial.

One program I can I can recommend (and I paid $369 for it 1.5 yrs ago) is: GetDataBack File Recovery for NTFS is only $79 and for FAT32 $69

http://www.runtime.org/gdb.htm

I found another program that claims to be free, well it is free, but read carefully theres a catch (as there is with many of the Data Recovery software companies)

VirtualLab Data Recovery Software v3.3.5

Whether you accidentally formatted your drive, deleted a folder, or got wrecked by a virus this program connects to a powerful recovery server and uses artificial intelligence to compare your scenario to previous data recovery sessions. It works with FAT 12, FAT 16, FAT 32, and NTFS file-systems. It can find the disappearing data from Jaz disks, Zip disks, and digital camera media as well as from a hard drive.

Note: The program itself is free, but there is a charge for the use of the data recovery server. Costs vary with amount of data to be recovered.

So my answer is in my experience "NO" you can't get it for free, however what how much it costs depends on what you need and how badly you want or need it.

Hope this helps

Check out..

www.pcinspector.de

you might get what you want..