Write error: Can't overwrite NTFS backup boot sector

Using TestDisk to repair the filesystem
Forum rules
When asking for technical support:
- Search for posts on the same topic before posting a new question.
- Give clear, specific information in the title of your post.
- Include as many details as you can, MOST POSTS WILL GET ONLY ONE OR TWO ANSWERS.
- Post a follow up with a "Thank you" or "This worked!"
- When you learn something, use that knowledge to HELP ANOTHER USER LATER.
Before posting, please read https://www.cgsecurity.org/testdisk.pdf
Locked
Message
Author
RhysD
Posts: 2
Joined: 17 Apr 2018, 16:09

Write error: Can't overwrite NTFS backup boot sector

#1 Post by RhysD »

Hi all,

My external hard drive now takes very long to copy single files, often spending 5 minutes calculating the size of a tiny file before not even copying it. Large files or directories just doesnt work at all. I can see the files - but just loading a dir in windows takes a while.

So i ran TestDisk and choose the Boot menu ->

Drive E: - 1000 GB / 931 GiB - CHS 121597 255 63
Partition Start End Size in sectors
P NTFS 0 0 1 121597 5 8 1953456128 [My Passport]
Boot sector Status: OK
Backup boot sector ntfs_boot_sector: Can't read backup boot sector.
Status: Bad
Sectors are not identical.
A valid NTFS Boot sector must be present in order to access
any data; even if the partition is not bootable.
The attachment Capture.PNG is no longer available
I choose Org.BS - copy boot sector over backup sector ->

Write error: Can't overwrite NTFS backup boot sector
The attachment Capture3.PNG is no longer available
Is the unreadable backup boot sector the issue and if so any ideas how to fix? If not any further ideas?

Capture3.PNG
Capture3.PNG (10.28 KiB) Viewed 4580 times

User avatar
cgrenier
Site Admin
Posts: 5432
Joined: 18 Feb 2012, 15:08
Location: Le Perreux Sur Marne, France
Contact:

Re: Write error: Can't overwrite NTFS backup boot sector

#2 Post by cgrenier »

Your disk slowdown is probably due to bad sectors.
You should clone your disk to a new empty one using ddrescue as described in https://www.cgsecurity.org/testdisk.pdf
Once it's done, remove the original disk and try to access your data on the clone.

RhysD
Posts: 2
Joined: 17 Apr 2018, 16:09

Re: Write error: Can't overwrite NTFS backup boot sector

#3 Post by RhysD »

Many thanks. I will have a go at this and feedback!

Locked