target disk mode question

So basically my macbook crashed and I'm trying to recover any files from it (hoping they are still available). I'm able to boot up the crashed mac into target disk mode. Once I do that and connect it to another mac, I click on the "Macintosh HD" button on the working mac and there's a list of folders in it, like applications, home, library, etc. The problem is there is nothing in any of the folders. Does this mean I've lost everything from my crashed computer? This is my first time doing anything like this. Thank you for any help.

geoffreak said:

Your data has been corrupted or your drive has failed. I would recommend following this article to get your data back, though it might cost you money at a data recovery service if you can't access anything.

Glad you had backups, right? Right?

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So I downloaded a demo of data recovery, did a scan, and apparently it found my files. Do I have to buy the full version to recover my stuff or is there another way? Thanks

geoffreak said:

You'd be better off asking the developer of that tool or doing a quick Google search than asking here.

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Well of course the developer will want me to buy the product. Someone here must know.