Can't find partition

How to use TestDisk to recover lost partition
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Author
Azzara7
Posts: 7
Joined: 05 Jun 2012, 17:37

Can't find partition

#1 Post by Azzara7 »

Hey guys,

I'm not extreemly good with computers so i might need some help here.
Some days ago i dropped my Samsung S2 portable 3 external harddrive (500 GB), since i dropped it it wont show up at my computer but i can still see it at the safely remove hardware thingy and at Device manager...
So i tried scanning the disk with testdisk so i said it was a intel/pc partioning format and made him analyse, after multiple tries testdisk wont find any partitions, all it says just before scanning is Partition: Read Error.

So i tried something else, i said it has no partitioning format, now when i try to analyse hes done instantly and shows me a partition format FAT32 with the name which I gafe to the partition myself! but when i say continue ( which i guess will start testdisk to attempt to fix the error?) it says cannot write to dis because no partitioning format has been selected..
I really dont know what to do =( can anyone help me? there are alot of pictures and other personal files on my disk so i would like to have them back without having to purchase a new harddisk.

User avatar
Fiona
Posts: 2835
Joined: 18 Feb 2012, 17:19
Location: Ludwigsburg/Stuttgart - Germany

Re: Can't find partition

#2 Post by Fiona »

Would it be possible to upload a screen from your disk management console?
It helps to determine your situation before we're going to diagnose your disk using testdisk.

Fiona

Azzara7
Posts: 7
Joined: 05 Jun 2012, 17:37

Re: Can't find partition

#3 Post by Azzara7 »

http://postimage.org/image/m8ff6cdyl/

http://postimage.org/image/8gjdtl19f/

The disk dosnt show up in Disk management, it only gives a Data redundancy Error

Hope this helps? or need anything else?

Edit:
the error i get is: Data error (cyclic redundancy check)

Edit2:
I'm an idiot :P is does show up:
http://postimage.org/image/nl1kmytzl/

User avatar
Fiona
Posts: 2835
Joined: 18 Feb 2012, 17:19
Location: Ludwigsburg/Stuttgart - Germany

Re: Can't find partition

#4 Post by Fiona »

Thanks, would it be possible to initialize your disk first?
It only writes 4 bytes to your MBR which is not available at the moment.
After initialization, windows would be capable to use your disk.
This behavior is since W2k,
It can improve the results.
Please have another try to run a diagnose.
I'd need infos from Analyse and Quick Search.
If you run into read errors, please let me know.
Don't stress your disk as much.
You can also check the S.M.A.R.T-values using CrystalDiskInfo;
http://crystalmark.info/software/Crysta ... dex-e.html
After dropping down your disk, it might be advisable to check the status of your disk also!

Fiona

Azzara7
Posts: 7
Joined: 05 Jun 2012, 17:37

Re: Can't find partition

#5 Post by Azzara7 »

Ok, so i tried to initialize it, first tried with the MBR, but that didnt work so i tried EPI GPT which works because testdisk says it has detected that type, now i can make a new partition in Disk manager, should i do that? or do i lose all my data? Also i now have the choice to convert it to dynamic?

User avatar
Fiona
Posts: 2835
Joined: 18 Feb 2012, 17:19
Location: Ludwigsburg/Stuttgart - Germany

Re: Can't find partition

#6 Post by Fiona »

Please don't change anything to your disk, if you don't know that exactly.
It can increase damage or make a recovery impossible.
EFI GPT is intended for disks larger as 2.2 TB.
Until yet, you shouldn't make any changes to your disk.
Have you been able to initalize your disk?
Also you should test CrystalDiskInfo.
Your partition table is empty.
Please use partition table type intel first.
If you have initialized your disk, please check the left square from your disk in your disk management console and right click it.
I'd need a screen shot too to determine, do you already have an Intel-MBR or not.
From TestDisk I'd need infos from Quick and if nothing is found from Deeper Search also.
If TestDisk hangs due to read errors, please let me know.

Fiona

Azzara7
Posts: 7
Joined: 05 Jun 2012, 17:37

Re: Can't find partition

#7 Post by Azzara7 »

Yes only GPT would work to initialyse, so now running a quick scan with intel selected, takes awhile only at 6% now, but previous tests didnt show anything, also deeper search showed nothing... so ill post something as soon as its done, maybe something else will happen now its initialysed.

Edit:

This is what i get from CrystalDisk

http://postimage.org/image/tren986t1/

User avatar
Fiona
Posts: 2835
Joined: 18 Feb 2012, 17:19
Location: Ludwigsburg/Stuttgart - Germany

Re: Can't find partition

#8 Post by Fiona »

Do you have an option to convert it to mbr?
You can run testdisk in the background and upload another screen from your disk management console and a right click in the left square of your disk.

Fiona

Azzara7
Posts: 7
Joined: 05 Jun 2012, 17:37

Re: Can't find partition

#9 Post by Azzara7 »

Yes i do have the possibility

User avatar
Fiona
Posts: 2835
Joined: 18 Feb 2012, 17:19
Location: Ludwigsburg/Stuttgart - Germany

Re: Can't find partition

#10 Post by Fiona »

Would it be possible to do that?
You should stop testdisk.
Because a GPT disk is different.
The volume containing your data is called MS Data and it's a different handling.
Afterwards run TestDisk again.
Even if you receive an Read Error from your partuition table.
Important might be to find a partition.
Then it's advisable if TestDisk lists your data to copy/backup them to another intact disk or partition.

Fiona

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