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I have a MyBook WD external hard drive (1 Tera) which i can't access anymore. Windows always ask to format it even though i have over 600 Gigs of stuff on it.
Since it seems to be an MBR problem, i first use GETDATABACK for NTFS and copy most of my stuff on another drive.
Now, i tried FIXMBR \Device\Harddisk1\Partition1 from the recovery console. It says then that a MBR was not present and the usual warning stuff. I just said yes and it wrote a new MBR but nothing. By drive is still not accessible by windows.
If it's not the MBR for an external hard drive, what could it be ?
Improper removal of an external hard drive can cause data corruption.
If you have recovered your data why are you trying to repair the partition? Why not just format? If you want to try repairing run chkdsk/r on the drive.
Now would be a good time to point out that all hard drives eventually will fail or become corrupted. You should always maintain at least two copies of any data you wish to keep.
Running testdisk on the drive may repair the file system. Before using testdisk read the tutorials (instructions) thoroughly BEFORE running testdisk. Get testdisk at the link below.
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Zenno: If it's not the MBR for an external hard drive, what could it be ?
MBR stands for Master Boot Record, and your PC only uses it to boot. While it DOES hold partition table, it has nothing to do with data integrity, or even file systems.
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Ok, i just tried testdisk.Here are the results:
Analyse: Disk structure is ok
List: Every files appeared....and i just found out that i could have save hours by using the copy function of testdisk instead of the software i used "getdataback from ntfs" which main function is to salvage lost files.
Advanced:
Boot Sector status: Bad
Backup Boot Sector: Good
Sectors are not identicalI tried the option "MBR Code" to write MBR Code to first sector, ask for reset after, nothing has changed, windows still ask to format the disk.
About simply reformatting, i didn't want the easy way out, i want to know what is going on and i hate to have to copy everuthing that was salvage using different names by the way all over again. Files in their original states and places are better for me.
Also i know about baking up files, but i didn't have until now, hd space to backup that many amount of Gbytes.
I'm still searching......
Do you have any other ideas ?
Thank you.
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yes, under windows xp.
I entered chkdsk e: (which is my external hd)
Result:
The type of the file system is RAW.
CHKDSK is not available for RAW drives.
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Go to the WD site and download the drive fitness utility that is suitable for your drive and run it.
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You already know the partition table exists; the partition(s) show up in Windows.
Your problem is the File System is too damaged for Windows to identify.
Here's what I'd do:
1. Remove the drive from the enclosure. Install the naked drive in your (spare) PC.2. Use some low-level type data recovery software. I'd use Spinrite, but I already have a copy, so I don't have to cough up the $80. This software might be on a bootable recovery CD; I hope you're not afraid of Linux.
3. Boot into Windows; run CHKDSK on the drive.
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i just went to wd website, didn't find "drive fitness utility" software but i downloaded one of their other called DATA LIFEGUARD DIAGNOSTICS.
Running tests right now....
quick test succesfully completed with no error.....
extended tests running......
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But fitness tests win't tell me if i have a startup or boot problem.....These tests seems to only check for the files on the drives and i already know these file are present and undammaged.
Are you sure this will not be a waste of time ?
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If you are trying to determine the condition of the drive and to determine what caused the initial problem then you need to eliminate drive failure as a cause. That test can do that. It is necessary if you need to RMA the drive anyway.
Chances are you corrupted the file system through improper removal of the drive but I think the test is worthwhile. Just run it overnight.
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Sorry but no, instead i will use the night to "copy" everything another time using testdisk.
My previous attempt using getdataback was successfull but incomplete due to some i/o errors. If it's still the case with testdisk, i will do the test with WD diagnostic and if it still not working, i will reformat.
Othehill, thank you for taking the time with me. There will be a few days before i reply again but i will.
Thank you also everyone elese for your inputs.
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'Advanced:
Boot Sector status: Bad
Backup Boot Sector: Good
Sectors are not identical'
At the bottom of that screen there is a option to fix boot "I think that is what it is called" do it. It will overwrite the bad boot sector with its good backup.
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Yes !!!!!
The BACKUP function of the boot sector you mentionned.
It Worked !!!!!
Everything is fine now, all files are back to where they were like nothing has ever happened.
I will proceed with WD Diagnostic extended tests now to see if the drive has sustained physical damages.
Have a nice day !!!
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