With bart PE, you need the XP operating sytem on CD/DVD. You should have one with an XP system, - should have came with it. Bart builds from that. You have to copy your disk to the computers HD I believe, - Wait! You should, you don't have to. I believe bart will build right from cd ? I can't remember exactly, but it will tell you when you install. I've used that build to fix allot of comps in the past. Best out there, -that's free.

 

Go back to my computer/ right click/ -expand or explore drive. There may not be anything on their ?

 

I know that there is something on there. At least 19gb of something.

If I go MyComputer>R click>Manage>Disk Management it leads me to this screen



Disk 3 is the OneTouch, however it says "not initaillized", when I try to initialize it, it gives me two choices MBR (Master Boot Record) or GPT (GUID Partition Table) no matter which way I go it gives me an Incorrect message. If the disk isn't partitioned, will I not be able to read it? It seems like that's the issue. Is there anyway to partition it without formatting?

 

Well if the partition table is actually gone you can rebuild it, but I would try accessing it from a Linux Live CD or install and see if you can get into it from there. Rebuilding a partition table is probably a little over your head. That's why I recommended plugging in the laptop drive and trying to recover stuff off of that from Linux. Won't have to worry about the password on the Maxtor drive that way.

 

Yea, it's going to want you to format to initialize. I would try everything posted previously first ,since there easy enough. Try letting your computer search for a driver online, if you haven't already. It might be the enclosure isn't compatible with W7, that's what seems to be going on or it partially is since DM sees it, but won't read. Strange. - That cheap little adapter would fix that I bet. Try uninstalling and letting it load it's own driver again. Not sure what else ? - Try running windows update with the external plugged in.

Damn, you have to fix XP man lol. Give me that thing, I'll fix it lol. Or let you use my adaptor. My Bart CD would fix XP.

19 g. - That's not a boot partition is it? Just personal files ? Doesn't matter, should be able to read it. I was just thinking maybe XP can boot from it, if that's what's on their..

 

Problem is, he needs to read what's on their currently. He has backed up files that he's trying to access. - In case you missed that , or are you saying LL will read it somehow?

 

Linux should be able to read the laptop drive and possibly even the Maxtor external(although I'm unsure about the password portion on that drive). I realize he has to get info off of it, that's why i said if the partition table is shot, it can be rebuilt.

 

Where do I get one of these Linux CDs? Am I installing an entirely new OS or just a program?

If that cheap little adapter that GLC posted is my best option I'll go with that. It seems to be the simplest option for me, which is going to be the best option

 

Okay - fer chits & giggles.

Go to a Command prompt (run > CMD)

type 'diskpart' ( no quotes)

type 'list disk'

for the disk number of the connected maxtor drive,
type 'select disk' < the number above> no brackets

type 'detail disk'

Post the screenshot.

Diskpart can assign drive letters and do a few things that Disk Management can't do. For a list of commands type help at the Diskpart prompt.

type 'exit' to exit.

This may give us some more info on that drive structure.

MGD

 

Edit: ^^Good thought MGD. Give that a try before you set up the live CD.

...otherwise...

Follow these steps:

http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download

If you have any questions getting it set up just let us know. A live cd does not install the operating system, it lets you "trial" it. Just make sure you set your bios to boot from cd/dvd first (or usb if you use a usb drive).

 

Ok I went ahead and followed MGDs directions, after I typed "detail disk", this is what I got...



I told windows to try and find a solution on line, after fiddle fartin around for a minute it went ahead and just went back to command prompt

 

Oh boy!

That's a first - even with a hidden/encrypted/etc partiton on that device, it should have displayed some low level drive structure & interface info. The fact that it's not is not comforting.
(For an example, do the same thing for the OS partition.)

Hmmm - I sure hope Ubuntu works ... this looks to be a little more convoluted than first thought....

MGD

 

Ieyyiyii, here -



W7 freakin rules

 

That doesn't sound good

Careful, last time I saw a hand grenade and a latex glove I had flashbacks

 

Yes, I think so. That's what I use. And that little kit has the RIGHT SATA connectors.

How did you password protect ? Is everything encrypted on the external ? The external backup might only open on the comp it was made on. Maybe that's the type of lock that's on it. (?)

In that case, fark it! Yea, get those cheap connectors and plug in your laptop sata to W7. W7 should immediately ask what you want to do with it ? Open in file view. That's how it's suppose to work.