Retrieving Files From A Dead Hard Drive?

[Orion4874]

Hey guys, I recently had to replace the hdd in my laptop and unfortunately I never backed up any files on in. I know it's incredibly stupid especially since I do back up my desktop. Anyway, I purchased the hardware I need to attempt this but what software, preferably free, is good for trying this? This is the first time I ever lost a hard drive so I have no experience doing this.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Akabei]

PC Inspector File Recovery and Recuva are the programs that come to my mind first. I just had to use Recuva to save some mp3s from a broken memory stick in a mobile phone and it did the job quite well.

 

[Orion4874]

Thanks for the recommendations Akabei but it seems it's unrecoverable. Well I guess that'll teach me to back up my files occasionally.

 

[sam fisher]

A bit late but I was going to suggest taking a look at PhotoRec and TestDisk.
 
It's been a few years since I've used them but I remember they worked pretty well.