FDix corrupted partition

ok I have a hard drive with a corrupt partition that does not list windows. I need a way to get partition back to get data off. the system is a laptop. i need a preboot method thnks. the os was xp pro.

 

You can slave the drive (or hook it in through a USB port) and run some data recovery software on it. PCInspector is free, but a little slow and not real easy to use the first few times. Easy Recovey Pro is not free, but it's a bit faster and is REALLY easy to use. The choice is yours:
PC Inspector http://www.pcinspector.de/file_recovery/UK/welcome.htm
Easy Recovery Pro http://www.ontrackdatarecovery.com/file-recovery-software/

 

I appreciate the help but i have no way of hooking it as a slave I need a preboot method.

 

You can try visiting the hard drive maker's web site and checking their download page. Most of the main HD companies have tools that will help repair a problem drive. You can also check the Drive Utilities section here at Major Geeks. There are several utilities that have the ability to restore or rebuild corrupt partitions; you may have a hard time finding a free one though...
Major Geeks- Drive Utilities download section http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloads8.html

If it is a laptop hard drive (or a desktop hard drive for that matter) you can buy an enclosure and plug the drive into a USB port. These enclosures are very affordable, and very handy in a case like yours. Here's an example: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817145752 This is for a laptop IDE/ATA hard drive. They are also available for SATA drives, and for desktop drives in both IDE and SATA for similar prices....