How To Fix Your How To Save Scewed Up Hdd And Your Valuable Data. The instructions

[Baniboy 3]

Hi trappers!Well this is a problem I had a while ago, my computer restarted just before it got to the log in screen.After I've solved the problem, I want to help other trappers/people browsing in search engines. So if you have similar problems or you just have screwed up hard drive, follow these instructions: (will work for xp and vista)1. Get a windows xp/vista installation CD (you can easily get these from a library or borrow from your friend, of course in case the CD didn't came with the computer ) Don't worry about serial keys, the only one you really need is located on the sticker on your pc. (or the one that came on the CD case)2. Just stay confident and carefully open up your desktop/laptop pc (you might have to remember to turn off your pc first if you haven't already had the brain to do so , if you have a laptop, you might have to move other stuff to access the hard drive) HDD isn't usually hard to identify, if you know the manufacturer of your HDD, you can just take a quick peak and you'll know where it is (Btw if you're having problems identifying your HDD, look for a sticker that has something like "serial ATA" or "ide" on it)3. Now, if you want to save your data, go buy an external HDD case which can be connected via USB to another computer if you already don't have one. (you can find external HDD cases from a basic computer/electronics store) Remember to get the one compatible with your HDD (you can ask from someone to show you where the SATA/IDE cases are. And it doesn't even have to be a case, it can just be a group of wires that you can attach to you HDD4. Carefully detach your HDD from the computers guts and attach it to your external HDD case (just connect the wires/push the HDD in it's place)Then connect it to another computer via usb.5. It might take some time to have the permission to access your files but it'll evantually work, just follow the instructions. In your HDD, go to "documents and settings" for xp ("users" for vista) then just browse around and copy your files to another computer. You can transfer them to a stick or DVD/CD.6. Put your HDD back in it's place and then fire up your computer. (or should you can just turn it on but it won't be as exciting as "firing it up", believe me!)Now put the Xp/vista intallation CD and reinstall your crappy windows! Vola! You've just turned your computer from a totally wasted one, to a less wasted one! :DIf you think this is difficult think about me, I had to hack my own HDD because all of the crap I used to secure it with! SO STOP WHINING!

[RJM 0]

I've done something similar on more than one occasion. Usually I just throw it in the secondary of another computer, clean it up, reinstall winblows, and get back to work. No need to buy the external case.

Edited March 4, 2009 by RJM (see edit history)

[cyber_electrons 0]

What do I do if the MFT (master file table) is screwed up?

[Baniboy 3]

What do I do if the MFT (master file table) is screwed up?

What do you exactly mean by screwed up, what kind of error you're getting?

No need to buy the external case.

Well if you have a laptop like me, you'll probably have to buy an external case.
I recommend that you buy an external HDD and backup all your important files in it, saves a lot of time when you don't have to worry about data.

[cyber_electrons 0]

My friend had an external hard disk and the master file table is corrupted, ie inaccessible. The MFT is used to record the file's name and location - path.With the MFT corrupted, the HDD is pretty much dead. All data are theoretically gone, but not physically. (But never mind much, because I am probably talking more about software than hardware. Nevertheless, I appreciate your help and support)Thanks.

[Baniboy 3]

My friend had an external hard disk and the master file table is corrupted, ie inaccessible. The MFT is used to record the file's name and location - path.
With the MFT corrupted, the HDD is pretty much dead. All data are theoretically gone, but not physically.

(But never mind much, because I am probably talking more about software than hardware. Nevertheless, I appreciate your help and support)

Thanks.

Well, if MFT is really screwed up, I don't see any ways to access the files nor save them, since file table is pretty much the only thing keeping them together. I suggest that your friend reformats the HDD and moves on, sorry.

EDIT: If the MFT is totally destroyed, reformat, if it still excists, a disc specialist might be able to recover it. It might be expensive tho, but if your friend's data isn't worth it, then I wouldn't recommend it, since it isn't even sure that a specialist can recover them and he/she might still charge for the work.
Edited March 7, 2009 by baniboy (see edit history)