File recovery after partitioning external drive. Topic is solved

Using PhotoRec to recover lost data
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bigdavesgusset
Posts: 4
Joined: 22 Mar 2012, 08:22

File recovery after partitioning external drive.

#1 Post by bigdavesgusset »

I had 1TB external drive with 69G of files on one FAT32 partition.
These files were a variety including images, text, applications etc.
I attempted to partition this drive, using Partition Magic 8.0, so that my files were retained as FAT32 on partition No1 with a 50G NFTS partion No2 and the rest of the drive unallocated.
After carrying out this process the 70G partition No1 was converted to NTFS, 50G partition 2 is unallocated and the rest of the drive is unallocated.
The entire drive is now showing unused apart from 66.7MB on partition No1.

I have managed to recover most, if not all the files, using PhotoRec and saved on a different external hard drive over 100 recup_dir. folders of files.

The data is obviously still on the original 1TB external hard drive and my question is can TestDisk recover this data in its original folder/file structure and if so could you advise a computer illiterate, such as myself, how this could be achieved?

PS - I have attempted using TestDisk to recover this data, with no success, but I am worried that I could corrupt the information further and then have to spend the next 3 years of my life sorting through the 69G of recup_dir. folders I have generated!

Regards.

BigDave.

bigdavesgusset
Posts: 4
Joined: 22 Mar 2012, 08:22

Update on File recovery after partitioning external drive.

#2 Post by bigdavesgusset »

Using the advice on the link below I have managed to locate my lost files!

http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/Data_Rec ... _partition

BUT the the otion to "choose write and confirm" does not appear to be available to me after "List" and "If you can see your files (I can!)."

Where do I locate the "write" command for the lost files and do I specify where they are saved?

I think that I am getting there - slowly!

Regards.

BigDave.

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

Re: File recovery after partitioning external drive.

#3 Post by Fiona »

Partition magic is obsolete.
So, don't use it anymore.

There is no button to save listed files.
That's easily depend on, did you diagnose any partition or boot sector?
Only there is an option Write to write your partition or boot sector.
Boot sector only after Rebuild BS.
Otherwise to repair a boot sector is using Backup BS, if a boot sector is damaged and your backup ok.

If you are able to list your files, you are able to copy them.
Destination is your TestDisk folder.
If you want to change it, check that two dots and press enter. so you can change directories.
To get into any folder use your arrow keys.
When you list files, at the bottom of your screen you can find all commands.
Advantage of copying files is, folder and filenames are available.
But copy it to another intact disk or partition.

To diagnose that your partition containing your data will be found, I think it might be approriate to use Deeper Search.
Then check partitions found by TestDisk and press p to list files.
Please let me know which partitions contain data?

bigdavesgusset
Posts: 4
Joined: 22 Mar 2012, 08:22

Re: File recovery after partitioning external drive.

#4 Post by bigdavesgusset »

Hello Fiona,

Thank you for your reply.

I wish I had known that Partition Magic was obsolete before I started this sorry business.

I am in the process of copying my folders/files as I type.

I used "a" to select all files and "copy" to save in my TestDisk folder.

I was trying to locate the "write" command to save my "list" of files instead of using the "copy" command.

I will re post once the coping is complete.

Regards.

BigDave.

bigdavesgusset
Posts: 4
Joined: 22 Mar 2012, 08:22

Re: File recovery after partitioning external drive.

#5 Post by bigdavesgusset »

I appear to have retrieved everything in the original folder/file format - what a blinding piece of kit!

Partition Magic has been completely erased from my life forever.

Thank you very much.

BigDave.

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