You may want to try this first...
Use the recovery console and run chkdsk C: /p /r
details here...
http://support.microsoft.c
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**ASAP** Obtaining "My Documents" Data on another Machine
My hard drive has failed me... or so it seems... this has prevented me from accessing Windows or from re-installing windows. Therefore, I need to get my valuable data off my Hard Drive so that I can re-format the drive and block off the bad sectors. However, I need help! How do I get the valuable data off the Hard Drive? Most of the data is stored under the "/Documents and settings/[my account]/My Documents"... A friend is allowing me to back up the data to his drive, however, I am unable to access the data under the My Documents folder... what steps or programs will allow me to obtain this data without booting up into the OS stored on that Hard Drive?
I need help, ASAP...
Ken
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Answers
Here's a DOS bootable disk to access an NTFS partition from DOS.
http://www.ntfs.com/boot-d
I recieve the following error:
"[folder name] is not accessible."
"Access is Denied."
As for chkdsk, I've tried running it to fix the errors, and it says it's run into an error and cannot continue.
It's not that the data I need to salvage has been destroyed... it is merely locked behind in a secure location designed only for that user to have access to...
Ken
I'd guess that it's stuck behind XP's security (ie not-simple file sharing) - had a similar problem after a reinstall.
I recommend that you put the drive into a XP machine if possible, and have a look at the drive from there.
It will prob still say the same, so first check simple file-sharing is disabled (find the check-box under Tools > Options > View > Advanced Settings).
Then right-click the folder and view the Properties > Security.
You'll have to tell us what's there before I can help further...
Good Luck, J
Excellent, by doing that Jazzle, I was able to obtain ownership permissions. Much thanks. I am now copying the data to a safe place. Thank you.
One other question, when I format my hard drive and begin all over again with partitions... what program can i use to safely block off the bad sectors? does chkdsk do this?
Ken
>>>One other question, when I format my hard drive and begin all over again with partitions... what program can i use to safely block off the bad sectors? does chkdsk do this?
Use the low level formatter from your hard drive manufacturer and low level format that drive. This will run a diagnostic as well as block bad cluster and sectors.
gemarti... yes, I read your first post, and I have now recovered the data. Not long after I acquired this hard disk, I noticed it had bad sectors on it, and Maxtor refused to replace it. At that time, I used a low level format and microsoft's scandisk utility to grab bad sectors and isolate them such that I don't use them. I am now running windows XP and when I reformat the drive at a low-level, I will lose the isolation of these sectors. I am simply asking if chkdsk will isolate these sectors or if I will need to find a third-party application to do this.
The data is recovered and safe, I'm simply looking for a way to make certain all the bad sectors are isolated before i install programs or data back onto the disk.
dew, yes I read your comment as well; however, prior to your most recent comment, none have indicated any manner in which bad sectors or clusters can be isolated. You say the low level format isolates these clusters/sectors... do you know for a fact if the Maxtor PowerMax utility does this? I have some experience with the tool, but have never found a method to isolate bad sectors. Any suggestions?
Ken
gem, meant to give you some points... here they are.
http://www.experts-exchang
Ken
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by: gemartiPosted on 2003-09-02 at 15:19:20ID: 9270622
Is your OS fried, but your HD is still operational?
Do you know if the partitions on the HD were NTFS or FAT32?
If NTFS then your going to have to put the HD into another machine running XP or 2000.
If FAT32 then windows 98 will do.
Remove the hard drive from your PC.
Connect the Hard Drive to your firends PC. Use the secondary IDE. That way you won't need to change any jumpers on your hard drive. The second IDE is probably connected to the CD ROM.
WHen you boot the PC the BIOS should recognize the Hard Drive. If it doesn't then you need expert help http://www.drivesavers.com
Go ahead and boot the system and log on.
You should be able to get to the hard drive's data and move it.
Good luck.