External HDD Problem.

Mephisto_Helix

Mephisto_Helix

Resident Postwhore
Joined
Jan 29, 2008
Messages
33,893
Reaction score
11,780
Location
UK
Ok, I'll try my best to explain this, because I myself don't understand the problem much :o


My brother has a 1TB external drive that is acting weird. When plugged into any PC and accessed, it freezes up and denies access. If by some miracle you do manage to access it, when you click on any file, it freezes and denies access. He took it to someone in the UK and they checked it for hardware failure ..... result was - nothing physically wrong with the drive. The guy mentioned something about - "it looks like a virus has messed up the windows tables" - whatever that is.


My question is - how do I go about trying to retrieve the media off this drive before a format without endangering other PC's if it is a virus? The media data is hugely important, everything else can vanish in the format. Any info would be muchly appreciated.
 
Try accessing it using a Linux Livecd to copy the info over if possible,then format that sucker
 
I just barely know what a Livecd is ..... any further info on how to go about that method?
 
Download an Ubuntu Livecd,boot the PC from it while the external is plugged in,the External should be listed under "Computer",see if you can browse the stuff in there,if yes Copy and burn to dvd or whatever using the builtin burner,if you've used windows you'll be able to use a livecd with little effort
 
Had two external hard drives - both Seagate 500G drives. The first one died on me while still under warranty. I was able to get a replacement for that one free of charge. Now that one has also died..... Lost my data on the second drive - although I did have backups of what was on there. The second one I opened up saw "marks" on the platters. I am now running another sata drive using the interface card from the stripped second drive.
Can't say that I have had very good luck with external drives. Never had any problems with my internal Seagate drives though.... For me - I am done with externals for life now.
 
I'm tempted to call BS on the guy saying no hardware damage. Sounds to erratic for virus damage.

If feasible take the hdd out & plug it straight into the PC. That will eliminate possible USB/controller issues.

If you care about the data on it try GetDataBack.

If you want to check for phy damage, try Spinrite.

Would also help if you describe the freezing & access denied in more detail. Have you checked the security permissions on the hdd?

I would leave the livecd thing till the end. Ubuntu sometimes locks NTFS partitions & then windows doesn't want to read them anymore. Rarely happens & easily fixed but nonetheless...
 
HavocXphere said:
I'm tempted to call BS on the guy saying no hardware damage. Sounds to erratic for virus damage.

If feasible take the hdd out & plug it straight into the PC. That will eliminate possible USB/controller issues.

If you care about the data on it try GetDataBack.

If you want to check for phy damage, try Spinrite.

Would also help if you describe the freezing & access denied in more detail. Have you checked the security permissions on the hdd?

I would leave the livecd thing till the end. Ubuntu sometimes locks NTFS partitions & then windows doesn't want to read them anymore. Rarely happens & easily fixed but nonetheless...
Click to expand...

I'm only gonna be able to take a look at it myself today, just thought I'd get some general info on what to do if I'm stumped like.

1) The hardware chap took it apart and checked it all proper, it was a proper tech, not some backroom chop.
2) It can't be plugged right into the PC as it is a laptop.
3) is GetDataBack free or a paid for app?
4) been checked for hardware fault/s
5) will check permissions and all that
 
Mephisto_Helix said:
I'm only gonna be able to take a look at it myself today, just thought I'd get some general info on what to do if I'm stumped like.

1) The hardware chap took it apart and checked it all proper, it was a proper tech, not some backroom chop.
2) It can't be plugged right into the PC as it is a laptop.
3) is GetDataBack free or a paid for app?
4) been checked for hardware fault/s
5) will check permissions and all that
Click to expand...
Both apps mentioned are paid. There is a free equivalent to GetDataBack. Something on the FOSS scene, but can't recall the name & no experience w/ it.
 
Ok, used the Ubuntu Livecd but it's showing every folder as empty, when they aren't (900gb used) ..... any ideas on why the files aren't showing?
 
The FS may be corrupt, try a data recovery package if the linux method above does not work.

Alternatively send it to a pro if you are not comfortable (or knowledgeable) enough to diy.
 
I kindda agree with HavocxSphere....this does look like a hardware problem to me as well... it can't get this bad just bcos of software issue.... all the best... Mitch
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X