How can I recover my files on a external drive when it says to reformat it before you can use it

[1_X_1]

I am using a Win 7. The External drive is a 750GB Toshiba Canvio 3.0 HDD. It is compatible with USB 2.0 and 3.0. I use it as my backup drive. I have had it for about 2-3 years now I think.

Due to a network issue, I rebooted my computer. Both the C and D drive were reformatted as well.

When I plug in my External drive (F), it tells me it needs to be formatted.

I looked around on how to fix the issue and was told to run CMD in safe mode and use chkdsk f/r/c. This is what I keep getting:

Spoiler

Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601]
Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

C:\Windows\system32>chkdsk /f f:
The type of the file system is NTFS.
Volume label is TOSHIBA EXT.

CHKDSK is verifying files (stage 1 of 3)...
366784 file records processed.
File verification completed.
507 large file records processed.
0 bad file records processed.
0 EA records processed.
0 reparse records processed.
CHKDSK is verifying indexes (stage 2 of 3)...
73 percent complete. (389780 of 413554 index entries processed)
Correcting error in index $I30 for file 335316.
Correcting error in index $I30 for file 335316.
Sorting index $I30 in file 335316.
73 percent complete. (390023 of 413554 index entries processed)
Correcting error in index $I30 for file 340240.
Correcting error in index $I30 for file 340240.
Sorting index $I30 in file 340240.
413554 index entries processed.
Index verification completed.
CHKDSK is scanning unindexed files for reconnect to their original directory.
77 percent complete. (1 of 106 unindexed files scanned)
Recovering orphaned file EASTBR~1.DS (335318) into directory file 335316.
Recovering orphaned file EASTBR~1.PNG (335320) into directory file 335316.
Recovering orphaned file EASTBR~1.PZ2 (335323) into directory file 335316.
Recovering orphaned file EASTBR~2.DS (335326) into directory file 335316.
Recovering orphaned file EASTBR~2.PNG (335328) into directory file 335316.
Recovering orphaned file EASTBR~2.PZ2 (335331) into directory file 335316.
Recovering orphaned file EASTEN~1.DS (335333) into directory file 335316.
77 percent complete. (8 of 106 unindexed files scanned)
Recovering orphaned file EASTEN~1.PNG (335335) into directory file 335316.
Recovering orphaned file EASTEN~1.PZ2 (335338) into directory file 335316.
Recovering orphaned file EASTEN~2.DS (335340) into directory file 335316.
Recovering orphaned file EASTEN~2.PNG (335343) into directory file 335316.
Recovering orphaned file EASTEN~2.PZ2 (335346) into directory file 335316.
Recovering orphaned file EASTPA~1.DS (335347) into directory file 335316.
Recovering orphaned file EASTPA~1.PNG (335350) into directory file 335316.
77 percent complete. (15 of 106 unindexed files scanned)
Recovering orphaned file EASTPA~1.PZ2 (335352) into directory file 335316.
Recovering orphaned file East Passage Dgn D.png (335356) into directory file 335
316.
Recovering orphaned file East Passage Dgn D.pz2 (335360) into directory file 335
316.
Recovering orphaned file 5O2NxVr.png (339551) into directory file 339550.
Insufficient disk space to recover lost data.
77 percent complete. (85 of 106 unindexed files scanned)
Recovering orphaned file PATCH-~1.SQL (340243) into directory file 340240.
Recovering orphaned file PATCH-~2.SQL (340244) into directory file 340240.
Recovering orphaned file PATCH-~3.SQL (340247) into directory file 340240.
Recovering orphaned file PATCH-~4.SQL (340248) into directory file 340240.
Recovering orphaned file patch-testrun.sql (340281) into directory file 340240.
Recovering orphaned file patch-ufg_group-length-increase-255.sql (340284) into d
irectory file 340240.
77 percent complete. (92 of 106 unindexed files scanned)
Recovering orphaned file patch-ug_group-length-increase-255.sql (340285) into di
rectory file 340240.
Recovering orphaned file patch-uploadstash-us_props.sql (340287) into directory
file 340240.
Recovering orphaned file patch-uploadstash.sql (340289) into directory file 3402
40.
Recovering orphaned file patch-up_property.sql (340292) into directory file 3402
40.
Recovering orphaned file patch-user_email_index.sql (340295) into directory file
340240.
77 percent complete. (97 of 106 unindexed files scanned)
Recovering orphaned file patch-user_former_groups.sql (340296) into directory fi
le 340240.
Recovering orphaned file patch-us_chunk_inx_field.sql (340299) into directory fi
le 340240.
Recovering orphaned file PATCH_~1.SQL (340300) into directory file 340240.
Recovering orphaned file patch_16_17_schema_changes.sql (340300) into directory
file 340240.
Recovering orphaned file PATCH_~2.SQL (340304) into directory file 340240.
Recovering orphaned file patch_create_17_functions.sql (340304) into directory f
ile 340240.
77 percent complete. (101 of 106 unindexed files scanned)
Recovering orphaned file PATCH_~3.SQL (340307) into directory file 340240.
Recovering orphaned file patch_fk_rename_deferred.sql (340307) into directory fi
le 340240.
Recovering orphaned file PATCH_~4.SQL (340309) into directory file 340240.
Recovering orphaned file patch_namespace_defaults.sql (340309) into directory fi
le 340240.
Recovering orphaned file patch_rebuild_dupfunc.sql (340311) into directory file
340240.
Recovering orphaned file patch_recentchanges_fk2_cascade.sql (340313) into direc
tory file 340240.
Recovering orphaned file patch_remove_not_null_empty_defs.sql (340314) into dire
ctory file 340240.
106 unindexed files scanned.
Recovering orphaned file patch_remove_not_null_empty_defs2.sql (340316) into dir
ectory file 340240.
0 unindexed files recovered.
CHKDSK is verifying security descriptors (stage 3 of 3)...
366784 file SDs/SIDs processed.
Security descriptor verification completed.
23386 data files processed.
CHKDSK is verifying Usn Journal...
99 percent complete. (1134592 of 30784880 USN bytes processed)
Unable to read the Usn Journal $J data stream.

C:\Windows\system32>chkdsk /r f:
The type of the file system is NTFS.
Volume label is TOSHIBA EXT.

CHKDSK is verifying files (stage 1 of 5)...
366784 file records processed.
File verification completed.
507 large file records processed.
0 bad file records processed.
0 EA records processed.
0 reparse records processed.
CHKDSK is verifying indexes (stage 2 of 5)...
413554 index entries processed.
Index verification completed.
0 unindexed files scanned.
0 unindexed files recovered.
CHKDSK is verifying security descriptors (stage 3 of 5)...
366784 file SDs/SIDs processed.
Security descriptor verification completed.
23386 data files processed.
CHKDSK is verifying Usn Journal...
16 percent complete. (1081344 of 30784880 USN bytes processed)
Unable to read the Usn Journal $J data stream.

C:\Windows\system32>chkdsk /c f:
The type of the file system is NTFS.
Volume label is TOSHIBA EXT.

WARNING! F parameter not specified.
Running CHKDSK in read-only mode.

WARNING! C parameter specified.
Your drive may still be corrupt even after running CHKDSK.

CHKDSK is verifying files (stage 1 of 3)...
366784 file records processed.
File verification completed.
507 large file records processed.
0 bad file records processed.
0 EA records processed.
0 reparse records processed.
CHKDSK is verifying indexes (stage 2 of 3)...
413554 index entries processed.
Index verification completed.
CHKDSK is scanning unindexed files for reconnect to their original directory.
77 percent complete. (3 of 104 unindexed files scanned)
Detected orphaned file ADJUST~3.DSF (325074), should be recovered into directory
file 325071.
77 percent complete. (4 of 104 unindexed files scanned)
Detected orphaned file ADJUST~4.DSF (325075), should be recovered into directory
file 325071.
77 percent complete. (6 of 104 unindexed files scanned)
Detected orphaned file 5O2NxVr.png (339551), should be recovered into directory
file 339550.
77 percent complete. (38 of 104 unindexed files scanned)
Detected orphaned file A.ufo (339554), should be recovered into directory file 3
39550.
77 percent complete. (40 of 104 unindexed files scanned)
Detected orphaned file A_G_11~1.BMP (339559), should be recovered into directory
file 339550.
77 percent complete. (42 of 104 unindexed files scanned)
Detected orphaned file A_G_1.2.bmp (339565), should be recovered into directory
file 339550.
77 percent complete. (44 of 104 unindexed files scanned)
Detected orphaned file A_G_1.png (339571), should be recovered into directory fi
le 339550.
77 percent complete. (54 of 104 unindexed files scanned)
Detected orphaned file BO6E3E~1.PNG (339602), should be recovered into directory
file 339550.
104 unindexed files scanned.
0 unindexed files recovered.
CHKDSK is verifying security descriptors (stage 3 of 3)...
366784 file SDs/SIDs processed.
Security descriptor verification completed.
23386 data files processed.
CHKDSK is verifying Usn Journal...
99 percent complete. (1163264 of 30784880 USN bytes processed)
Unable to read the Usn Journal $J data stream.

Is there something I can do in order to read "Usn Journal $J data stream"?

 

[scout_03]

did you try recuva http://www.piriform.com/recuva

 

[1_X_1]

did you try recuva http://www.piriform.com/recuva

No I have not tried any outside programs. I heard those were to be used as a last resort and wanted to find out if there were any other options I could try before doing that. Especially since I get to "99% USN scanned" I was hoping I could do something to help reach that 1%.

 

[scout_03]

check this from the forum same issue http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/295458-32-external-drive-longer-reading

 

[1_X_1]

I looked that thread over before creating this one. They never mention finding a solution so I did not get much out of it.

I am using the "Recuva" since I've not seen any other options on google (aside from taking my HDD apart) The lite scan found a bunch of unrecoverable files that 1) I didn't need, and 2) don't even know how or why they were there. lol

I am doing a deep scan in hopes that it will get the folders I really need (and maybe some of the ones I want).

 

[scout_03]

does this external hdd was part of the first network and did you remake the same settings after the reformat .

 

[1_X_1]

Yes it was working fine before the format. (I stored everything on it before I rebooted the computer) When i plugged it back in, suddenly it wants me to format it.

I'm not sure what you mean by remake the same settings, but, I didn't do anything different when installing the network again. I installed all the drives like usual, including the USB 3.0. I just didn't install the additional features like google chrome, and other stuff like that.

 

[scout_03]

this cavio was having driver on the c drive before you reformat did you reinstall them .

 

[1_X_1]

If your asking did I go to Device manager and make sure the drive was up to date, then yes, I did that. I also checked to see if there was a installation CD that came with the product just in case it needed to be installed again. There was no CD, and the device manager said that the drive was up to date.

I also uninstalled the drive hoping to install it again fresh but as soon as I plug in the drive, it installs on its on.

 

[scout_03]

could you test it with the toshiba test tool for drive and see what it will tell .

 

[1_X_1]

Since I am in the middle of a deep scan using recuva, I don't want to have the drive do anything else (Don't want to give it a reason to not find files). The deep scan said it would take 20 min, but is now saying 2 hours, so I assume its going to take all night. So far its at 62%.

I'll use the Toshiba test tool when it is done.

 

[scout_03]

let it do the job and we will see tomorrow how it goes .

 

[1_X_1]

I can't find a toshiba test tool for "Toshiba Canvio 3.0";Which is what I have. Instead I can only find the "Fujitsu Branded Toshiba". This is the site I found on the Toshiba site for the "Toshiba test tool"

 

[scout_03]

use the diagnostic one on top of the list .

 

[1_X_1]

It does not allow me to click the drive to test it.

The site does say "It is only designed for use with Fujitsu Branded Toshiba ATA/IDE hard drives".

Mine is not a Fujitsu.

 

[scout_03]

found this on toshiba http://support.toshiba.com/support/viewContentDetail?contentId=4005441 let see if you could use the wd software or the seagate one .

 

[1_X_1]

The link is to "FAQ: Canvio AeroMobile FAQ's and Troubleshooting" and does not provide any information for me to use a program.

Also it says "Applicable Models
Wireless Storage HDTQ112XCWF1 - Canvio Aero Mobile" which makes mine uncompatable.

I checked my drive and it is saying it is RAW but healthy: NOTE THE HIGHLIGHTED PARTS.

I started seeking out topics about Raw drives and data restore and found these:
1) http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/280932-32-hard-drive-recovery
2) http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/257868-32-external-hard-drive-inaccessible
3) http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/278914-32-recover-drive-format


I am considering giving this program a shot once I finish reading up on it:
http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/TestDisk

 

[scout_03]

this one and the easeus are good ones if one does not work try the other .

 

[1_X_1]

I have completed the scan. I ran the partition restore and it found my partition with ease. To make sure nothing else was missed I ran the deep scan (took forever due to about 20 reading errors while it was checking the cylinders.) I then rebooted computer as instructed.

Sadly the drive was still RAW. I was curious about what files were deleted, so I used the recover lost files. The files shown were only things I deleted on purpose back when the drive worked. I found that all my files were never deleted and are there on the drive even though the drive says that it is RAW. Having checked that, I am now copying the files I wanted onto my computer. What I am coping is about 600GB worth of information so this will take some time.

I checked the folder to see how the recovery is going, and so far so good. It has not copied my most important files yet, however the other files (at least the pictures and the videos seem readable). Also there are no failed copies YET. Lets hope when it is all done the files will work and I'll have recovered all my data.

 

[scout_03]

this seams on the good way to recover your files let see when you have all them if you could reformat it to ntfs as a working drive or see if you could use the canvio software on toshiba .

 

[1_X_1]

So after what feels like forever. lol I was able to retrieve my files using TestDisk. I am currently still making sure every file is there (going to take forever), but all of the MOST IMPORTANT files are there.

Also, my F: drive is readable again. I don't know what happened, or why, but I came back when Testdrive was done retriving my files, and there was the F drive asking me what I wanted to do with it (You know that prompt screen you get every time you stick a USB in to your computer). Someone said just leaving it connected would fix the issue, but for it to take over 4 days is crazy.

Anyway, I checked the file total of the F drive and Testdrive. I seem to be missing 3 files. I have yet to discover which ones, however as stated earlier, all the important files are accounted. I also unplugged the F drive and returned it to its rightful place in the 3.0 USB slot. The drive loaded up like normal and none of the files seem to be damaged.

I don't know if I should be afraid its going to glicth or something. For now, I am looking for those 3 files that were not transfered before I do anything else. Should I format the drive still, or should it be fine(for now)?

 

[scout_03]

this seams that it recover the boot .ini files with the system you could use the hdd maker test tool before reformat it to see the health of it .

 

[1_X_1]

this seams that it recover the boot .ini files with the system you could use the hdd maker test tool before reformat it to see the health of it .

I will do that. Thank you for all your help. ^-^

Sorry for the late reply, been working out of state and trying to make sure every file on the external drive is accounted for before the format. I was given a warning about the drive so I think its a dying drive.

I'll be sure to use the program you suggested to check its health. One last question though. If the external drives health is really bad, does that mean my only option is to toss it and get a new one?

 

[scout_03]

if drive health report bad your better get a new one look at this http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=89554&promoid=1009

 

[1_X_1]

I FINALLY finished checking to make sure I got a copy of every file. I ran the WinDFT (WD Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for Windows).

Pictures from before the scan:







When I did run the tool I got this:



I clicked repair, but the program told me it could not fix the issue. Now my drive looks like this and says it is not accessible access denied.