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Old 02-03-2011, 12:19 PM   #1
arete
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Default Help defeating checkdisk.

I'm trying to boot up our computer with our storage drive installed. However, every time I do this, checkdisc runs and then freezes up the whole system. If I press any key in ten seconds, the system also freezes.

If I try starting in safe mode, the system freezes halfway through loading all the drivers.

If I unplug the power and sata cables, and restart, the system boots up fine.

I've tried going into command prompt while the drive isn't plugged in, and typing chkntfs /x e: but it tells me e drive doesn't exist, and won't turn checkdisk off on that drive. This is driving me nuts.

Any suggestions? I want to rescue my brother's stuff before he comes home from his birthday surfing holiday at Jbay. Thanks
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Old 02-03-2011, 12:41 PM   #2
The Fifth Horseman
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Obviously, something is fucked up on that disc. You could try to boot up your machine using a different operating system - such as Damn Small Linux (if you have more than 128 MB of RAM, it can run entirely from memory) - and see if it can access the data.

You could also try booting into command prompt (or into Damn Small Linux) and using the appropriate version of DMDE to recover the data from the drive.
Another option is stuffing the thing into an external enclosure (USB/eSATA/FireWire, whichever your machine can use is OK), starting the machine without that hooked up and then connecting and turning on the enclosure after the system boots.
If it freezes then and there, bad news (altough I'd suggest you try again under Linux if it happens under Windows - just to make sure).
If it tells you the drive is not formatted or doesn't recognize the partition (but recognizes the enclosure as such), DON'T agree to format the drive if Windows asks you about it. DMDE has some chance at recovering your stuff even then.

DMDE can be downloaded here: http://softdm.com/download.html
The trial version can't perform batch recovery or recover entire subdirectories in one go - you have to choose and retrieve one file after another - but has all the features of the full version apart from that.


I'd also suggest you use MHDD to check the hard drive's SMART readouts (post them here for reference): http://files.hddguru.com/download/Software/
Scanning it for bad sectors is another matter - possible if you read the readme and are CAREFUL which options you choose. Knowing your level of computer knowledge and the fact it's easy to accidentally wipe the drive, I suggest you only go into that if everything else fails (or else just leave it to your brother).
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Old 02-03-2011, 01:06 PM   #3
arete
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Damn. I just wanted a way to turn off checkdisk. The professional wants to reformat everything, but i'll forward this to my brother to show to him. Maybe he'll be able to do something, he's the best in my useless home town, and my brother trusts him. If only we'd just bought an external instead... But 500gigs at that price back then was a bargain, and externals were ridiculous. Gaah.
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Old 02-03-2011, 02:19 PM   #4
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If the "professional"'s first idea was to just format everything, HE IS A GODDAMN FRAUD. Formatting = loss of everything you have.
Please, do yourself and your brother a favor... the two of you are exactly as qualified to "format everything" as "the pro". Try recovery first.
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Old 02-03-2011, 04:09 PM   #5
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You're so cute when you completely lose your shit :3 Well, that was before my brother screamed and begged to keep our whole lives which are on that puter... Although google better not lose all the stuff i have stored in their cloud, or i'm kinda screwed
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Old 02-03-2011, 05:47 PM   #6
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I've been there two years ago... until now (when I finally have everything in duplicate), I was freaking out at any suspect sound from inside the PC casing.
Let's see the SMART readouts first.

Also, do keep in mind that there's also the possibility that the drive's circuit board is on the fritz. They're theoretically replaceable within some restrictions, altough the process may require someone with fine soldering skills to transplant the old drive's ROM chip to the new PCB.

If your "pro" has access to a class 1000 (ISO 6) or better clean room, and an identical drive can be acquired, then there's a slim chance of salvage through a rather extreme procedure (which should be saved for absolute last ditch, both because of the expense and the risks involved).

Bottom line: It ain't dead until we run out of options.
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Old 02-03-2011, 06:16 PM   #7
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I don't even know if they have a clean room like that anywhere in the country Except maybe in Cape Town. Or Joburg. I'll try get that everest programme but that means having spare internets to download it
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Old 02-03-2011, 08:31 PM   #8
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Lol, I find the title of this subject very funny.

Checkdisk is a utility tool. You can't "beat it".
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Old 03-03-2011, 01:53 PM   #9
arete
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Checkdisk is a bloody nuisance and needs to be roundhouse kicked in the face
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Old 03-03-2011, 05:19 PM   #10
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As a side note, Everest won't be of use at this point since it's a Windows program and you can't boot into Windows with that hard drive connected.
MHDD can run from a bootable floppy or CD, and thus you can use it without having to use Windows.
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