jmc
Joined: 4 Jan 2010
| | Hi,
First off, outstanding work on your website and programs, and for all those sharp folks out there who have helped with improvements – I wish I had the skill set to write code and create apps, etc.
I’m requesting some advice on which of your apps to use for the following problem. If none are appropriate, please advise accordingly - such as, there is no solution for the problem and all that is left is to wipe and reformat the hard drive.
Problem Description:
A Hitachi 80GB Deskstar internal Hard Drive has been corrupted through either malware or electrical surges (common occurrence from the weather or the pathetic power company). There was no UPS available to prevent/isolate the PC from Mother Nature or the power company. Brother-in-law left the system on and connected to the internet all day, and when returned from work, the monitor displayed the windows start up error.
The Critical data to be recovered includes – family pic’s (most of which were not backed-up) & business files.
Some basic spec’s - Windows XP OS, Intel Celeron 2.66GHz, 1GB RAM, Phoenix Award BIOS v6.00PG
Symptom:
Upon start up, the system attempts to boot up – It recognizes the Hitachi HD model, DVD ROM, & CD RW drives, then PCI device listing, & Building DMI pool, then goes into windows start up options
I. Start Windows Normally - when selected, shows the Window XP icon screen for about 10 seconds or so, then goes into error screen – “ a problem has been detected and windows has to shut down to prevent damage to the your computerâ€
UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME
II. Start in Safe Mode – when selected, starts to load drivers and dll files then goes into the same error as above.
III. Start in Safe Mode with DOS prompt – when selected, starts to load drivers and dll files then goes into the same error as above.
Actions To Date:
I tried the simple stuff – making the bad HD a slave and installing into another system; or connecting the bad HD through a USB port via the external HD USB adapter. In either case the HD type/model is recognized but it cannot be accessed/ viewed under windows explorer (e.g. my computer), or accessed via command line.
Also, I ran Hitachi’s drive fitness test (dft) software during which the test stops and returns a “defective component (drive)†response. I believe the storage media of the HD is ok and the data is still there but cannot be accessed because HD circuit board is defective or its firmware corrupted.
Please advise what if any utility can be used to retrieve the data on the HD and if so how to accomplish this.
Thank you kindly,
Jmc
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