Question : Problem: Recover file backup from dead Vista box

I backed up all my files of importance on a USB hard drive before wiping and reloading Vista, now I can't access the drive from the original machine or any other.  Apparently this is a Vista problem, any way to gain access in a real OS like XP or something?

Answer : Problem: Recover file backup from dead Vista box

first - do NOT run anything on that drive - no chkdsk - nothing it may just make it more difficult to recover.
The above software is among the best; here a couple of others to try if not successfull - even free ones :
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/collection/0,collid,1295,00.asp            Free Recovery
http://www.pcinspector.de/file_recovery/UK/welcome.htm                  pc Inspector -free
http://www.stellarinfo.com/                                    Stellar
http://www.ontrack.com/                                    Ontrack