While transferring a fully recorded VHS tape to DVD using VCR and DVD Recorder, I discovered a twisted portion of tape about three quarters into the cassette which caused automatic stop and rewind of the tape. I found out that the twist resulted in the tape getting "reversed," i.e., the side of the tape that was supposed to be facing toward the outside of the cassette was now facing the inside of the cassette. I used the VHS cog release to manually advance and put the correct side of tape facing out. Although tape now rewinds and plays fine, whatever was recorded on the last quarter of the tape was erased. Did my handling of the tape cause the erasure? If not, does running the wrong side of the tape in a VCR cause automatic erasure? I have lots of family memories on VHS and really don't want to lose anymore than what I already have, so I would greatly appreciate any help those with more knowledge of VHS tapes can provide. thanks thanks thanks.

DQ, June 2009