I have been working with testdisk (windows-version) to recover data from a 3tb hard disk of Western Digital with one NTFS partition.
Testdisk finds all files and enables me to copy them. I have recovered what is essential to me, but it would be nice if I could also keep the rest (old photos). However, my current set-up does not allow me to copy all of it, so I was looking into repairing the filesystem.
By using the step-by-step guide and the manual of Testdisk, I have found that both the boot sector and the backup boot sector are bad + the number of bytes per sector mismatches. I am avoiding to change the geometry of the disk, because I am afraid I would not be able to change it back and lose all the files.
Could anyone confirm if you can undo changing the geometry of a disk?
Do I have any other options?
Disk /dev/sdc - 3000 GB / 2794 GiB - CHS 364797 255 63
Current partition structure:
Partition Start End Size in sectors Warning: number of bytes per sector mismatches 4096 (NTFS) != 512 (HD)
Error: size boot_sector 732558080 > partition 4294967295
Invalid NTFS or exFAT boot
1 * HPFS - NTFS 0 32 33 267349 121 35 4294967295
1 * HPFS - NTFS 0 32 33 267349 121 35 4294967295
I can list all files (and copy them) through a quick search.
However, rebuilding the boot sector does not work. When I request a list of my files, it says 'Can't open filesystem. Filesystem seems damaged.'
Disk /dev/sdc - 3000 GB / 2794 GiB - CHS 364797 255 63
Partition Start End Size in sectors
1 * HPFS - NTFS 0 32 33 267349 121 35 4294967295 Boot sector
Warning: number of bytes per sector mismatches 4096 (NTFS) != 512 (HD)
Error: size boot_sector 732558080 > partition 4294967295
Status: Bad 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.
When looking into this post: https://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/Advance ... MFT_Repair, I though repairing the MFT would be the next step, but there is no such option in (my version of) Testdisk.
All tips are welcome, thank you!
bad boot and backup boot sector - sector mismatch
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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
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Re: bad boot and backup boot sector - sector mismatch
Buy storage! Period.Krikke wrote: ↑22 Jan 2023, 16:44 I have been working with testdisk (windows-version) to recover data from a 3tb hard disk of Western Digital with one NTFS partition.
Testdisk finds all files and enables me to copy them. I have recovered what is essential to me, but it would be nice if I could also keep the rest (old photos). However, my current set-up
Did you remove a hard disk from the external housing it came with?does not allow me to copy all of it, so I was looking into repairing the filesystem.
By using the step-by-step guide and the manual of Testdisk, I have found that both the boot sector and the backup boot sector are bad + the number of bytes per sector mismatches.
You can't change the geometry of the disk - except where some interface electronics in an external housing is manipulating the sector size.I am avoiding to change the geometry of the disk,
Based on your current knowledge it is not a wise idea trying to "repair" your disk. The fact that you are lacking storage for a backup is already an important ingredient for an upcoming disaster.because I am afraid I would not be able to change it back and lose all the files.