Copy files between hard drives - Please need help!

[ZenixNet]

Ok, so I have been trying to copy all files from one hard drive to the main one. Everytime I try and copy, there is always one file in the folder that windows gets stuck on copying. After a while, explorer stops responding and I have to hold the power button to turn the computer off.
I really need these files off the hard drive and onto the main one.

 

[profdlp]

Try TeraCopy. (The free version is great.) Not only is it faster, it automatically skips any troublesome files and keeps on going.

 

[ZenixNet]

EDIT: Oh, I see how it works, I am dragging files over but its staying at 0.0%, is there like a start button?
Is there some instructions on how to use Tera copy? Im kinda confused on it...

 

[dnorris]

just select the files normally in Windows Explorer, then right-click drag them to the target, release and select Teracopy Here

 

[ZenixNet]

Teracopy isn't doing anything, It still is at 0.0%

 

[WindowsStar]

Beyond Compare is a great software for this too: www.scootersoftware.com

 

[ZenixNet]

Oh no! I forgot to say that this hard drive is FAILING. Please, I need these files!
EDIT: I think it is failing, it grinds, is very slow, but Windows says it is still good.

 

[ZenixNet]

When ever I try and copy something from hard drive to hard drive, either Core 1 or Core 4 get's maxed to 100%, does this help?

 

[profdlp]

How important is the data on the drive? I know you said you "need" them, but what I'm asking is do you need them bad enough that you'd pay (possibly big) money to get them back?

The reason I ask is that if the drive is indeed failing - and from your description it sounds like it is - your best chance is professional data recovery. If you are willing to pay for that your best option is to shut down the computer and disconnect the drive right now. The less you mess with it the better your chances of getting anything back.

If you're like most people, paying hundreds of dollars to get your stuff back may not be an option. In that case, you can let teracopy keep on trying and see what happens. (Or try the program WindowsStar mentioned. I'm not familiar with it but it's worth a shot.) Teracopy will eventually give up if nothing is happening, but just might start finding stuff it can save for you. If you are talking many gigabytes of data it might take a while.

An old trick is to leave the hard drive in your freezer overnight. Seal it tightly in a ziplock bag first. I know this sounds weird, but freezing the metal components of the drive sometimes releases whatever is binding and making the grinding noise.

As I said before, if you have the money and really - REALLY - need this stuff, turn it over to a professional data recovery company before you mess with it. The longer a dying drive runs the closer it gets to final total failure.

 

[ZenixNet]

I think I'll get it done by a pro. I have never had a good time with Geek Squad, will I have take it to them or is there someone else?

 

[WindowsStar]

Here are screen shots to use Beyond Compare:

 

[profdlp]

I would not consider Geek Squad to be "professional" data recovery. You will probably end up paying them $125 to have them stick the drive in a freezer and do the same thing I recommended earlier.

Google "Data recovery" and see what else is available locally. You may also check out national firms, who are much more likely to have the equipment necessary for a thorough job. I will warn you that it is likely to be quite expensive.

 

[ZenixNet]

I'm trying WindowsStar solution right now, if not I'll take my drive into "LapTeck". It's a small computer store near me that has good reviews on Google.

EDIT: WindowsStar's program worked for the most part, until it froze on a 14 MB MPG video clip, now I cant get it to do anything.

 

[ZenixNet]

I just froze my drive, nothing changed. Here is something I did find out, I can copy any file without problem expect MPG files recorded by a sony handycam.

 

[profdlp]

Is the Sony you have a hard drive based camcorder or does it use mini-discs or flash media?

 

[ZenixNet]

Hard Drive and a Flash Memory.

 

[profdlp]

...I can copy any file without problem expect MPG files recorded by a sony handycam.

Is the Sony you have a hard drive based camcorder or does it use mini-discs or flash media?

Hard Drive and a Flash Memory.

Just a couple late-night random thoughts.

1) The Sony Handycam files may be located contiguously on the drive, coincidentally in the area of the platter(s) which is failing.

2) There may be some sort of file corruption taking place when the .mpg files are transferred to the computer or there is something peculiar to the way the Sony copies files which is throwing Windows .
for a loop

3) There may be a permissions problem with the files originating on the Sony Handycam.

If #1 is what is happening then it is just a straightforward data recovery problem, as in: The drive is failing and some data is not able to be read properly. All the earlier advice would still apply.

If the problem is #2, this presents a glimmer of hope. Is it possible to transfer any of the .mpg files back to the Sony, preferably using whatever program Sony provided (if any)?

For #3, try using "Take Ownership" and see if anything good happens.

 

[profdlp]

Having any luck at all?

 

[ZenixNet]

Nope, none at all

 

[profdlp]

Since you obviously really want to get your stuff back, I would recommend professional data recovery. Wish I had a better answer.