unable to read hard drive due to bad clusters

Earthfree · #1 Feb 13, 2007, 12:19 PM

I have a data only drive (no OS) that has developed bad cluster section.
Due to this, windows xp cannot see the drive altho it is seen in BIOS.
Due to this problem, I am unable to back the drive up to save my data, anyone know a way of getting at the data before I re-format the drive.
Have tried HDD recovery it just freezes at the bad section.
Also tried Seagete Tools Util, it sees the drive and scans it , identifies 40,000 bits bad but it cant recover it.
I want to recover the data from the rest of the drive I am not bothered about loosing the data in the bad section
(sorry its long winded just wanted all the info to go out there.)

HVAC888 · Feb 13, 2007, 12:37 PM

Have you tried Windows own error checking? Open My Computer, right-click on your data drive and select properties. Under "tools" select error checking.

If that doesn't work, then boot from your Windows XP CD and choose "R" to to "use recovery console". Run the chkdsk program, using chkdsk C: /r. See Microsoft support site for more info. on the recovery console.

Earthfree · Feb 13, 2007, 12:51 PM

Thanks for your quick answer, as I stated in the original question one of the problems is that windows does not "see" the faulty drive (altho its seen in BIOS )so I am unable to act upon your suggestions

Curlyben · Feb 13, 2007, 12:54 PM

Earthfree, as HVAC suggested, boot to your XP CD and use the recovery console.
His link gives directions on how to access and use it.

With the console, as long as BIOS can see the drive then it should be visible to the recovery system. This is a sub windows system.

phillysteakandcheese · Feb 13, 2007, 01:23 PM

Short of sending the drive to a data recovery service, I would suggest a product called SpinRite.

It can really do alot of amazing things with a hard drive and might possibly help you recover the data.

Earthfree · Feb 13, 2007, 01:49 PM

Ah Ha now I undersatnd, I will try the recovery method and let you know how I get on.
I have tried spinwrite, it also freezes at the bad sector same as HDD regenerator does.
I need a recovery prog that will allow me to set it to "Ignore bad sectors" but dont know of one



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