Solved Drive C partition unallocated

[Kaktussoft]

Yup. Running the extended test now. Still 1 more hour to go before it completes. I usually perform a manual backup every few months. But for the past few months, I have some files which I haven't managed to backup. So if possible, I'd like to recover those files. It's quite important for me.

After the extended test is done, which I'll expect to be ok, I'll try to run file recovery tools, maybe TestDisk.

So you have a backup. Did you backup whole partition (with partition size,label... just everything) or just a bunch of data files?

 

[zirch]

Just a bunch of data files. I'd think that backing up the whole partition is a little too slow and space consuming. On a different matter, which is the better way to back up?

Btw, the extended test is still running. Approximately 15 mins more to go.

 

[Kaktussoft]

Just a bunch of data files. I'd think that backing up the whole partition is a little too slow and space consuming. On a different matter, which is the better way to back up?

Btw, the extended test is still running. Approximately 15 mins more to go.

partition backup is far more better! You don't have anything when backiing up dll files only. Or registry only. All is connected to each other.

Backup whole C (and compress automatically). Transfer my documents, my pictures, my videos, my music to another partition just after install. Just go in explorer to %userprofile% and cut the folders, past them on other partition afterwards. Install large games on another partition as well (they can be reinstalled easily). That way a C drive of maybe 40GB is large enough.

Use Macrium Reflect FREE as backup program. Very easy, flexible. You can even mount the image as virtual disk and copy one or more files from image.

 

[Kaktussoft]

You have Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit install DVD (the version you want)? Valid product key?

 

[zirch]

Just a bunch of data files. I'd think that backing up the whole partition is a little too slow and space consuming. On a different matter, which is the better way to back up?

Btw, the extended test is still running. Approximately 15 mins more to go.

partition backup is far more better! You don't have anything when backiing up dll files only. Or registry only. All is connected to each other.

Backup whole C (and compress automatically). Transfer my documents, my pictures, my videos, my music to another partition just after install. Just go in explorer to %userprofile% and cut the folders, past them on other partition afterwards. Install large games on another partition as well (they can be reinstalled easily). That way a C drive of maybe 40GB is large enough.

Use Macrium Reflect FREE as backup program. Very easy, flexible. You can even mount the image as virtual disk and copy one or more files from image.

I see. I'll definitely do whole partition backup in the future. Thanks for the recommendation.

Yup, I have the installation disc with a valid key.

 

[zirch]

Extended test completed. It says errors was found and the drive has been repaired. Error/status code: 0223. So, should I try file recovery now?

 

[jumanji]

Instead of Recuva - which can run only with Windows and that is closed for you - you may go with a live Linux CD/pendrive.

I would recommend that you go with it first and if it does not help, then PhotoRec, TestDisk in that order.

How to recover with a live-linux pendrive:

http://www.sevenforums.com/software/198909-lucid-puppy-way-recover-files-non-bootable-computer.html ( Note: download the latest version of Lucid Puppy (Ubuntu compatible and use Rufus to create the bootable pendrive with the bootable ISO)

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...ate-live-cd-dvd-usb-use-emergency-backup.html ( Here again you may use Rufus to create the bootable pendrive since you are already familiar with it)

You may use either of the above two. The choice is yours.

 

[Kaktussoft]

I think you have all the info you need and know how to reinstall in the unallocated space(?) Of cause let it update, update and upate till it's finished. Then goto "device manager" and check if all drivers have been installed. For missing stuff ... use the driver CD, the manufacturer site etc.

And make backups regulary. And make a backup rescue CD so you can restore in case of non booting win7.

 

[Kaktussoft]

Extended test completed. It says errors was found and the drive has been repaired. Error/status code: 0223. So, should I try file recovery now?

WD Support / Knowledge Base / Diagnostic Error Codes
223 Errors Repaired -Errors found, but have been repaired successfully. There were media errors that were within the repair capabilities of diagnostic utility. The drive should now be defect free.- Test complete Defect Free

You can do whatever you want. Since it has repaired something... I should try the partition wizard partition recovery (unallocated space, quick scan). It should find the partition within a minute. If not... try other tools suggested

 

[zirch]

I think you have all the info you need and know how to reinstall in the unallocated space(?) Of cause let it update, update and upate till it's finished. Then goto "device manager" and check if all drivers have been installed. For missing stuff ... use the driver CD, the manufacturer site etc.

And make backups regulary. And make a backup rescue CD so you can restore in case of non booting win7.

Yup. I'll search for more info if there's any issue. And I'll remember the backups. Thanks.

 

[zirch]

Extended test completed. It says errors was found and the drive has been repaired. Error/status code: 0223. So, should I try file recovery now?

WD Support / Knowledge Base / Diagnostic Error Codes
223 Errors Repaired -Errors found, but have been repaired successfully. There were media errors that were within the repair capabilities of diagnostic utility. The drive should now be defect free.- Test complete Defect Free

You can do whatever you want. Since it has repaired something... I should try the partition wizard partition recovery (unallocated space, quick scan). It should find the partition within a minute. If not... try other tools suggested

Okay. I'm running the partition recovery wizard one more time. If it doesn't work, I'll try other methods as suggested by @jumanji.

 

[zirch]

Completed another run of the Partition Recovery Wizard (quick scan, unallocated space). Result is still the same. Alright. I'm going to try file recovery tools. I'll try using Puppy Linux as suggested above.

 

[zirch]

Nope. Puppy Linux as suggested above could not work. It could not detect the lost partition. Going to use PhotoRec now.

 

[Kaktussoft]

Nope. Puppy Linux as suggested above could not work. It could not detect the lost partition. Going to use PhotoRec now.

You need special software that can recover files from a lost partition. PhotoRec can only recover photo, audio, video as far as I know.

 

[zirch]

Nope. Puppy Linux as suggested above could not work. It could not detect the lost partition. Going to use PhotoRec now.

You need special software that can recover files from a lost partition. PhotoRec can only recover photo, audio, video as far as I know.

Right. And I'm not sure how to proceed with PhotoRec anyway, because it doesn't see the lost partition, I think. What software can I use?

 

[Kaktussoft]

Recuva - Undelete, Unerase, File and Disk Recovery - Free Download
It's free if you recover photos only. But you can use it as a test if photos/images are still there

 

[zirch]

Recuva - Undelete, Unerase, File and Disk Recovery - Free Download
It's free if you recover photos only. But you can use it as a test if photos/images are still there

Most of the files I'd like to recover are not photos. They're documents and others.

 

[Kaktussoft]

Recuva - Undelete, Unerase, File and Disk Recovery - Free Download
It's free if you recover photos only. But you can use it as a test if photos/images are still there

Most of the files I'd like to recover are not photos. They're documents and others.

Just use it to see if it can find stuff.... paid version can recover documents as well

 

[zirch]

Recuva - Undelete, Unerase, File and Disk Recovery - Free Download
It's free if you recover photos only. But you can use it as a test if photos/images are still there

Most of the files I'd like to recover are not photos. They're documents and others.

Just use it to see if it can find stuff.... paid version can recover documents as well

How can I boot into Recuva from a USB drive?

 

[Kaktussoft]

system requirements: Runs on Microsoft Windows 8, 7, Vista, XP and 2000. Including both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

So attach problem disk to another (working) machine