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Recovering files using puppy 4.2


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#1
VehoNex

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Hello all,

I'm trying to recover files from my shop computer using a cd booted version of puppy. Ive done some google-fu and I really can't seem to find an answer to my problem. Could be how I'm wording it or it could be I'm the first to run into this issue, which I hope is not the case.

The computer I'm trying to recover from has Win XP SP3 installed but won't get past initial boot due to it missing a sys32 file. I am missing the recovery CD and I figured downloading and using a cd boot for linux would be faster than downloading and burning a recovery cd. I burned a copy of puppy and booted with it without any problems. I went to menu then filesystem and selected pmount to mount the C: drive. The issue I've run into is it shows the floppy drive as a mountable drive. It doesn't detect the hard drive at all in the pmount menu.

I thought that maybe the HD was totally dead and not being picked up at all, so I did some trouble shooting. The BIOS detects the HD and the puppy hardware detector also detects the HD. I'm kind of at a loss as to how I can brute force it into detecting the HD so I can recover some data. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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#2
phillpower2

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:welcome: VehoNex

Sorry for the delay in you receiving a reply :(

Couple of questions if I may;
Did you use the Puppy directions that I have included below.
Is this a brand name computer such as Dell or HP, if it is can you tell us the brand and model name or number so we can do some research which will hopefully help us to help you get the computer working correctly again.
Have you tried Last Known Good Configuration.

===================
***Required Hardware***
CD Burner (CDRW) Drive,
Blank CD,
Extra Storage Device (USB Flash Drive, External Hard Drive)

===================

1. Save these files to your Desktop/Burn Your Live CD:
  • Download Latest Puppy Linux ISO (i.e.: lupu-528.iso)
    Download BurnCDCC ISO Burning Software

    There are instructions on how to boot from flash drive with puppy here; http://www.pendrivel...e-from-windows/

  • Open BurnCDCC with Windows Explorer
  • Extract All files to a location you can remember
  • Double Click Posted Image BurnCDCC
  • Click Browse Posted Image and navigate to the Puppy Linux ISO file you just downloaded
  • Open/Double Click that file
    IMPORTANT: Adjust the speed bar to CD: 4x DVD: 1x
  • Click Start Posted Image
  • Your CD Burner Tray will open automatically
  • Insert a blank CD and close the tray
  • Click OK
Puppy Linux Live CD will now be created
2. Set your boot priority in the BIOS to CD-ROM first, Hard Drive Second
  • Start the computer/press the power button
  • Immediately start tapping the appropriate key to enter the BIOS, aka "Setup"
    (Usually shown during the "Dell" screen, or "Gateway" Screen)
  • Once in the BIOS, under Advanced BIOS Options change boot priority to:
    CD-ROM 1st, Hard Drive 2nd
  • Open your ROM drive and insert the disk
  • Press F10 to save and exit
  • Agree with "Y" to continue
  • Your computer will restart and boot from the Puppy Linux Live CD

    Posted Image

3. Recover Your Data
  • Once Puppy Linux has loaded, it is actually running in your computer's Memory (RAM). You will see a fully functioning Graphical User Interface similar to what you normally call "your computer". Internet access may or may not be available depending on your machine, so it is recommended you print these instructions before beginning. Also, double clicking is not needed in Puppy. To expand, or open folders/icons, just click once. Puppy is very light on resources, so you will quickly notice it is much speedier than you are used to. This is normal. Ready? Let's get started.

    3a. Mount Drives
  • Click the Mount Icon located at the top left of your desktop. Posted Image
  • A Window will open. By default, the "drive" tab will be forward/highlighted. Click on Mount for your hard drive.
  • Assuming you only have one hard drive and/or partition, there may be only one selection to mount.
  • USB Flash Drives usually automatically mount upon boot, but click the "usbdrv" tab and make sure it is mounted.
  • If using an external hard drive for the data recovery, do this under the "drive" tab. Mount it now.
3b. Transfer Files.
  • At the bottom left of your desktop a list of all hard drives/partitions, USB Drives, and Optical Drives are listed with a familiar looking hard drive icon.
  • Open your old hard drive i.e. sda1
  • Next, open your USB Flash Drive or External Drive. i.e. sdc or sdb1
  • If you open the wrong drive, simply X out at the top right corner of the window that opens. (Just like in Windows)
  • From your old hard drive, drag and drop whatever files/folders you wish to transfer to your USB Drive's Window.
For The Novice: The common path to your pictures, music, video, and documents folders is: Documents and Settings >> All Users (or each idividual name of each user. CHECK All Names!) >> Documents >> You will now see My Music, My Pictures, and My Videos.

Remember to only click once! No double clicking! Once you drag and drop your first folder, you will notice a small menu will appear giving you the option to move or copy. Choose COPY each time you drag and drop.

YOU ARE DONE!!! Simply click Menu >> Mouse Over Shutdown >> Reboot/Turn Off Computer. Be sure to plug your USB Drive into another working windows machine to verify all data is there and transferred without corruption. Congratulations!



Posted Image

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#3
VehoNex

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Hello Phillpower2,

I have followed the guide you posted up to step 3. That's where I run into my issue. It doesn't show my hard drive as being mountable. It doesn't even show the hard drive.

If I go to system information it list the hard drive as being there and even shows the size and how much is being used. That's the part thats confusing me.

As for the computers brand, its a custom build. I have tried everything I think I could without creating a repair disc for it.

Edited by VehoNex, 14 July 2013 - 11:53 AM.

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#4
rshaffer61

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Just to add something is there a SDA0 or SDA1 on the bottom left of the Puppy desktop?
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#5
phillpower2

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Hello VehoNex

Can you answer the question asked by Ron please before I chime back in :thumbsup:
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