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slofsky
08-17-2005, 01:03 PM
One of my computers developed overnite while left online an inability to boot.

When turned on the ME boot menu comes up and safe mode choice comes up. it then informs me of missing programs to run (windows programs and suggests I check my registry for errors. Running restore off the boot diskette doesnt work at all "file not find" as I assume it cannot find that program on my disk.

I tried Norton DD and it found a whole lot of errors but in the end it could still not boot. PC inspector was able to look at the files. Norton antivirus on the Norton systemworks cd could not find any viruses.

Here's where I screwed up. I copied the "missing" file from another ME computer and when the prompt came up about the missing file and asked for the windows loader, i typed in the name of the missing file on the floppy diskette, and I assume the loader tried to write to the disc. Then got the announcement,that the system was stopped for a serious error.

When i ran Norton again, it tried to analyze it and said only a low level format will solve the problem. I guess that means complete wipeout.

I put the HD into another computer IDE on the same IDE port as main drive and the computer (with all jumper settings tried) just says no system disc. On the secondary IDE it doesnt recognize it.

Using a USB disc convertor, it sees the drive, but PC inspector vastly overestimates the drive size and I cant recover.

I thought i would be able to reload Windows ME, over the previous instllation but it dont look good.

My main question, is there anyway to extract some files from this disk?
If I am able to use FDISK, and format, will PCinspector be able to find some files.

I may be able to do a low level format using the CMOS from an older computer, and I assume all will be erased irrevocably.

Any thoughts from the experts?

Stan

Ken_ver_1_5
08-18-2005, 08:04 AM
I think with all the work you have done so far there is no chance in recovering
lost files. the hd itself is bad so you shouldn't expect to put the os back and
have it run for very long.

one thing you could try forget norton and download the hd manufactures
diagnostic to see how bad the drive really is. and go from there.

Just Doug1
08-18-2005, 08:53 PM
GetDataBack will likely be able to recover your data files without problem, but you will need to have it installed on a second system and you will have to install your problem HDD in that system.

http://www.runtime.org/gdb.htm