I think the hidden partition is for restoring, but they usually want you to make a back up of those files in case the whole hard drive or main board goes bad and you can't access those files at all..
since the drive was OK, then using the files to restore is the way to do it.

The are free file recovery programs that can even find files after a format- as long as it wasn't a multi secure format/encryption kind.
I usually look on cnet.com for many prgms. you can choose free, then editor ratings , user ratings... and many have reviews at the bottom of the page.

http://download.cnet.com/1770-20_4-0...tsTile;navForm


That's why it is important to not do a regular generic format on a drive and sell it, give it away or donate it.
keep old drive, destroy them- magnets/hammer or do heavy secure multi encrypted wipes. then try a recovery pgm to see if you can access any old info.