So I did a stupid thing...

[headluck]

From my Snow Leopard partition, I started up the OS X Lion image to install (I was hoping to do a simple upgrade on my main partition- stupid, I know). The computer restarted and the Lion Installer began and prompted me to choose a HD to install to, but my Macintosh HD did not show up.

So, now I am unable to boot into my original Snow Leopard OS. The only options I have are "OS X Installer" and "Windows HD" when holding down the option immediately after starting my iMac. It seems as if OS X Installer has replaced my original "Macintosh HD." My files are still accessible by booting into Windows.

Is there anyway I can unmount the OS X Installer and boot into my original Snow Leopard partition? I've tried inserting the Install disc that came with the computer (Leopard), but it does not recognize Macintosh HD, so I can't install it.

Any solutions or thoughts?

 

[simsaladimbamba]

When you use Disk Utility on the Leopard installation DVD, can you see the Macintosh HD partition?

Guide on how to use Disk Utility from the restore / installation DVD.

 

[headluck]

It doesn't display the Macintosh HD partition, but does show the drive as a whole. But I can't do any disk repairs or anything of the sort to it.

 

[Jethryn Freyman]

It doesn't display the Macintosh HD partition, but does show the drive as a whole. But I can't do any disk repairs or anything of the sort to it.

You might be able to rescue it with either testdisk or DiskWarrior. I've recovered similar problems in the past.