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    Unrepairable Vista Installation : Getting Data Off

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Nicholie, Jul 9, 2008.

  1. Nicholie

    Nicholie Notebook Consultant NBR Reviewer

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    Wow, been awhile since I posted on this board. I'm away from my home computer, so I can't test so i'm throwing it out to you guys.

    I have a customer with a Vista based laptop, of which the Vista installation has become corrupt or what have you. It runs its self repair attempt, then proceeds to tell him it is not repairable.

    I'm simply wanting to backup this data off his hard drive. It is more than likely a SATA drive, thus my PATA laptop to IDE ribbon cable adapter won't do me any good.

    Suggestion as to how to access the drive's files entirely and back them up to an external? A linux live disc maybe?
     
    Nicholie, Jul 9, 2008
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  2. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    A Linux LiveCD would do it, another way is to pop the damaged-Windows HD into the external and simply plug it into your desktop.
     
    Bog, Jul 9, 2008
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  3. Gregory

    Gregory disassemble?

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    I linux disc should work. The Ubuntu live CD is very popular. Or you could use BartPE.

    However, since it sounds like you're in the business of fixing computers (you refer to your customer) you really should invest in a SATA/PATA >> USB adapter. You can get them for around $20.
     
    Gregory, Jul 9, 2008
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  4. Nicholie

    Nicholie Notebook Consultant NBR Reviewer

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    Haha, used to be. Moved on to better opportunities.

    Quick question tho. The Ubuntu live disc in the past had some issues when it came to mounting the Windows partition, tho it would see it, can anyone confirm? This guys in a time crunch, so i'm getting all my bells and whistles ready now.
     
    Nicholie, Jul 9, 2008
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  5. swarmer

    swarmer beep beep

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    You may be able to use the command prompt in the Windows repair tool and move the files off via command line. Otherwise... there's this: http://www.sysresccd.org/Main_Page
    (I haven't actually used it though.)
     
    swarmer, Jul 9, 2008
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