Windows 10: Accidently wiped external drive while trying to create windows 10 installation media

I was trying to create an installation media for windows 10 but I accidentally clicked on the wrong drive and used my External hard disk instead. By the time i realized it all my files were gone. Is there a way to recover my files? i had a lot of important data in there

:)

 

Windows 10

no, you can't go back..
I suggest creating a backup image of your os drive

 

trying to install 7 w/o optical drive or USB drive (do have an external hdd)

This method is going to be trial/error on my part but here's my stab at it:

Use the guide he linked. Substitute in step 4, DO NOT FORMAT. Pre-format the hard drive with another PC/current windows install in NTFS format, then create 2 partitions. 1 to install from and one to install to. So in step 4 I beleive all you would have to do is a "clean" "select partition XX" & "active" command.

In step 5, use virtual CD/DVD software.

EDIT:

The only problem I see with above is how are you going to install while booting? Meaning, for it to boot wouldn't you have to be external but yet must install to an internal drive?

 

Can't install update on external hard drive?

Thank you for that information Laura.

Since the Update Assistant is still not offering the option to install updates in external drive, I suggest that you create a bootable media using a USB flash drive and another one where we will install the updates. See

Create Windows 10 installation media and follow the steps under "Using the tool to create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file)" to learn how.

Afterwards, follow the steps below on how to install updates :

• Connect both the USB flash drive with Windows 10 installation files
  and the other empty USB flash drive.
• Double-click the Setup.exe file to launch the Windows 10 installation from the USB flash drive.
• Select the Keep personal files and apps option to update your computer.
  
• If you get the "Windows needs more space" option, click the
  Choose another drive or attach an external drive with 10GB available link.
• Click Install
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process as necessary.

We appreciate your patience Laura. Don't hesitate to post back if you need more help.