Boni, it isn't always possible to recover data from a dead drive. I'd recommend you get a second external HD and periodically duplicate your runtime, content zips, project folders, etc.

Regarding installation of Poser outside of program files: I have a folder for XP-era programs which write to their own libraries (P5, P7, e.g.), so that those programs can have write privileges, but anything Vista-era and later goes into program files. That way, User Account Control gives them some protection from malware overwrite/worm attacks.

Poser 12, in feet.  

OSes:  Win7Prox64, Win7Ultx64

Silo Pro 2.5.6 64bit, Vue Infinite 2014.7, Genetica 4.0 Studio, UV Mapper Pro, UV Layout Pro, PhotoImpact X3, GIF Animator 5