how do I recover data from a non responsive hard drive?

Slartybart · 22 Jun 2014

Phew....

you booted using the PM flash drive -correct?

then you post the screen caps in post 115 - correct?

then I posted select option 1.

maybe I'm confused -

I'm not certain, but I think Anshad meant all drives except the boot and the faulty.

I can't speak for him though, so maybe he really only wants the faulty drive connected.

It's probably best to wait for him since he's the lead on this and you already have some instructions that caused some difficulty. Rather than go through all of those gyrations, wait until Anshad gives you a definite on the boot option to select.

I misunderstood that you weren't still booted on the flash drive.

Anshad Edavana · 22 Jun 2014

so maybe I'm confused here.... but I was told to remove the good drive, install the dead drive, reboot using the PM flash drive, then take screen shots.

I then have to power down, take out the dead drive, re install the good drive, re boot, and sign in here.......

First of all, we don't want to screw your good disk with OS either deliberately or accidentally and that is why i instructed you to unplug the good disk.You can optionally connect the good disk also - just choose the right disk when opening "Disk Health" ( gamsrtcontrol ).

The option you should select is "Default Settings 32 ( Runs from RAM ) ". This will boot 32 bit "Parted Magic" with full apps extracted in to RAM. You may experience some delay in booting if the drive is really bad. But eventually it will boot in to the Desktop. Then open "Disk Health" and save the SMART report as suggested.

mjf · 22 Jun 2014

jumanji said:

@ICit2, PW can only explore and show the files in partitions present as well as those lost and found by Partition Recovery Wizard but there is no way to copy the files. The OP had already seen the files show..

Partition Wizard can copy partitions to unallocated space and resize if wanted. There is a wizard tool that makes it very simple. It can do the same for the whole disk. You can do this with either the boot disk or the mini Tool. It is true that it cannot copy at the file level.

Anshad Edavana · 22 Jun 2014

Also please follow these additional steps when you get in to the "Parted Magic" Desktop.

1. Open a "Terminal" Window ( the Monitor icon in the task bar ).

2. Enter the below command exactly.

fdisk -l

3.Take a close screenshot and post it with next reply.

Anshad Edavana · 22 Jun 2014

I almost forgot the fact that "Parted Magic" can connect to the Internet and it came with a web browser. If you are using a broadband connection, Internet will work out of the box. Simply open "Firefox" and log in to the "Sevenforum".

Also there is an option to capture screen shot like "Windows Snipping Tool". You will find a link to "Take Screenshot" inside "Multimedia" or "Graphics" menu.

jumanji · 22 Jun 2014

Anshad Edavana said:

I almost forgot the fact that "Parted Magic" can connect to the Internet and it came with a web browser. If you are using a broadband connection, Internet will work out of the box. Simply open "Firefox" and log in to the "Sevenforum".

Also there is an option to capture screen shot like "Windows Snipping Tool". You will find a link to "Take Screenshot" inside "Multimedia" or "Graphics" menu.

I was about to check on it and then give a shout.:) ( Pendrive plugged in and ready to go) I had seen the capture utility and was thinking of posting some screenshots that OP can follow.)

Anshad Edavana · 22 Jun 2014

"Parted Magic" is the best recovery disc i have ever seen. The best part is that it's kernel is specially patched to work with failing hard drives. I have used it several times to copy data from disks with bad sectors ( if "File Manager" can successfully mount the partitions. Otherwise image with "DDrescue" ). There is also a GUI interface for "Photorec" is present - Qphotorec.

Sadly it went commercial now

. But 5$ is too low for the features it offer.

jumanji · 22 Jun 2014

Agreed. It is OK for professionals to have such a tool permanently.

For ordinary users it is generally not required. For example this case. They are merely users with just enough skills necessary to use a PC with Windows. They are never going to troubleshoot and do things themselves without guidance. It is not their vocation but only an avocation.So freeware best suits.

I wouldn't spend even $1 on it.:)

jumanji · 22 Jun 2014

Hi Canuck67,

When you boot into Parted Magic, by default first item in the menu is selected. Just press ENTER or wait for some 20seconds and it will start booting into Parted Magic. Wait. It may take a minute or two for the desktop to appear.It is optional to enter your time zone.OR just cancel that window to dismiss it.

To connect to the Internet and log into Seven Forums:

Click on the leftmost computer icon at the bottom task Bar . That is the start button to bring the menu. Go to Networking > Firefox will open your browser and you can log into SevenForums to communicate.( And yes this if only your ADSL modem/router is set to connect to the internet on being powered. In most cases I expect it to be so)

For Screen Capture: Go to Accessories>Screenshot. You may take a full screenshot/Active Window/region. You may save it in the default pictures folder or for convenience choose to save it to Desktop for easy access.( Just select the Desktop in the left Pane and not any alternative in the main body, and check the snapshot appears on the desktop to make sure.)

This post and screenshot is from Parted Magic.I saved the screenshot to desktop and uploaded it.

how do I recover data from a non responsive hard drive?-screenshot-06222014-04-40-10-pm.png

With this I would think, things will be easy.

As Anshad pointed, to disconnect your system drive is always safe. If you can communicate with the above instructions, I would prefer you do so.We would be safe.

From hereon follow the instructions already given by Anshad.

I shall come in only if I have a doubt. Not otherwise.

Canuck67 · 22 Jun 2014

okay, thanks for the clarification everyone.

1. Yes, I can open the File Manager and browse the various partitions and files...

2. attached are the two requested screenshots.
Disk Health and the Attributes screen
Terminal window fdisk screen