FIGURE B


PHOTORECOVERY lets you preview "lost" photo files. Roll over picture for a larger image.

Now, it's time to save those photos. If you're using the PHOTORECOVERY demo version, you'll need to order the full version now. It's downloadable at http://www.lc-tech.com. If you're already using the full version, here's the catch -- you've already saved them.

The downsides
Here's where we get into some of the disadvantages of PHOTORECOVERY. Don't get me wrong, it's a great program overall. It does exactly what it promises. But the interface is a little counterintuitive.

There's no Save command and there's no prompt that pops up and asks you where you want to save the photos. By default, the program creates a folder on your hard drive called "Recovered" and stashes the files it finds there.

To choose a different folder for storing the lost files, you have to select Options, as seen in Figure C, and find the folder of your choice.

FIGURE C


The save mechanism for PHOTORECOVERY is a bit counterintuitive. Roll over picture for a larger image.

It's a minor hoop to jump through, but when a software interface is designed with huge, almost kiosk-like, buttons I expect it to be simple enough for a 5-year-old to operate without any fuss.

There's a second downside, if you're a cheapskate like me. PHOTORECOVERY costs about $40. That's a lot of money to spend on a software application that -- with any luck -- you'll only need to use once or twice, ever.

But ask yourself: How much are those photos -- those priceless memories -- worth to you? Do the math and PHOTORECOVERY ends up looking like a bargain. We give PHOTORECOVERY four recovered images out of five.

OUR RATING: 4 of 5

Dianah McDonald is a reformed corporate webmaster and software instructor who threw off her shackles and is now a full-time writer. She can be reached at dimcd@crepehanger.com.