An image rescue system includes an application program for communication with a mass storage device, the application program being in communication with an operating system layer for accessing the mass storage device to read and write information, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The image rescue system further includes a device driver in direct communication with the application program, and in communication with the operating system layer and the mass storage device, the mass storage device allowing the application program to search information in the mass storage device considered damaged by the operating system layer, the damaged information being inaccessible to the operating system layer.