Anything better than READNTFS?

[JTM]

I've got a hurt Win2k system which won't complete the boot up (it gets to the
splash screen and freezes). I have already received an advanced replacement
unit so I don't need to try to repair the failed system. I have a few files
which I would like to recover. So far I've tried to use READNTFS.exe from a
bootable dos floppy and have found it to be virtually unuseable. Unless I am
missing something it fails to work on large drives >60GB--it hangs at about 50%.
In any case it appears to have a sector based hex reader type interface (copy
one sector at a time...arrgh).

Are there any DOS based NTFS reader programs that will allow me to see the hard
drive from the C: prompt and copy the desired files to the floppy?

Regards,

John

 

[Rick]

You've probably already tried these, but can you boot in
either Safe Mode or Last Known Good configuration?

Rick

 

[Guest]

There is a linux type program that I have used just the other day. It is called knoppix version 3.3. They have a website that is knopper.net. You can use their program. Just make a cd-rom and it will boot off of it. It is real easy to use. It even supports USB. You can buy these hand held USB sticks that works kind of like a hard drive exept no moving parts.

 

[JTM]

You've probably already tried these, but can you boot in
either Safe Mode or Last Known Good configuration?

Rick

No, it completes POST ok but all choices under F8 result in a blue screen lockup
after the splash. The drive light appears to be active as though it is trying
to read the disk. I'm guessing the boot sector(s) have been trashed but with
any luck maybe the file structure is intact and readable. I've got backup of
everything but the work in progress between backups.

Regards,

John

 

[JTM]

There is a linux type program that I have used just the other day. It is

called knoppix version 3.3. They have a website that is knopper.net. You can use
their program. Just make a cd-rom and it will boot off of it. It is real easy to
use. It even supports USB. You can buy these hand held USB sticks that works
kind of like a hard drive exept no moving parts.

I thought that might be the ticket but so far after trying a dozen different
ftps I cannot find one which will even connect as fast as dialup. A 700MB iso
is going to take a day at the speeds I've been seeing. Where did you D/L it?

Regards,

John

 

[Rick]

No, it completes POST ok but all choices under F8 result in a blue screen lockup
after the splash. The drive light appears to be active as though it is trying
to read the disk. I'm guessing the boot sector(s) have been trashed but with
any luck maybe the file structure is intact and readable. I've got backup of
everything but the work in progress between backups.

The next step would be to boot off a Win2K CD and run
either a repair or an in-place upgrade. Either one will
recreate your boot sector.

Rick

 

[JTM]

The next step would be to boot off a Win2K CD and run
either a repair or an in-place upgrade. Either one will
recreate your boot sector.

Rick

That was my first thought but since the computer was work related and a recent
garage fire resulted in major smoke damage and subsequent cleaning and
rearranging by someone who shall remain nameless that was not a good option.
The hot swap unit came bare but preloaded with the necessary software.
Hopefully MS will provide a replacement Win2k disk for a nominal cost.

Regards,

John