[abernut]

So I came into work this morning and the Q partition on my SQL server was not accessible.
When I open it in Disk Management, it shows online and RAW.

Using TestDisk I am able to access all the data and I am currently in the process of backing up my mdf, ldf, and .bak files.

There is still a ton of configuration files on this partition (I had multiple network programs installed here) So it would be awesome if I could just fix it. But just to be safe I am backing everything up before I attempt any sort of fix.

I am new to TestDisk.
1. Is there anything else other than the files I should be backing up before I attempt to fix what ever is wrong.

2. How exactly do I fix it with testdisk, do I just click "Write"

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[allen2]

Yes write should do the trick but you might want to do additional steps:
- before doing write with testdisk, you should create disk image as explained there by Jaclaz.
- do the write with testdisk
- do a chkdsk /F or if you have more time /R of the partition.

[abernut]

Write did not work.
After reboot Windows still shows the drive as RAW.

I can still access all the files via TestDisk (thank God)

Where is the article by Jaclaz on creating a disk image?

Thanks,
Mike

[jaclaz]

abernut, on 18 July 2012 - 11:29 PM, said:

Write did not work.
After reboot Windows still shows the drive as RAW.

I can still access all the files via TestDisk (thank God)

Where is the article by Jaclaz on creating a disk image?

Thanks,
Mike

We are doing something very similar right now here:
http://www.msfn.org/...w-vista-32-bit/

From the screenshot you posted, you are NOT having a "partition table" issue, so "write" will simply write the SAME (already valid) values (no difference).
What you should check, like on the mentioned thread, is the bootsector or PBR/VBR of the parition/volume, either manually or following this:
http://www.cgsecurit..._NTFS_Partition
Recovering An NTFS Boot Sector On An NTFS Partition Using Its Backup

jaclaz

[abernut]

what are the chances of me loosing the data I have not backed up?
There is still an .LDF file that I have not finished backing up yet, 250GB.

But at the rate it is copying, I might be sitting here for another 12 hours.

Is there anywhere we can pay for additional support. I would hate to make things worse that an expert might be able to fix.

Thanks
Mike

[abernut]

Does it matter that the partition in question is a RAID 5

[jaclaz]

abernut, on 19 July 2012 - 02:58 AM, said:

what are the chances of me loosing the data I have not backed up?
There is still an .LDF file that I have not finished backing up yet, 250GB.

But at the rate it is copying, I might be sitting here for another 12 hours.

That is strange (250 GB in 12 hours is SLOW).
A "normal" imaging/copying rate on modern hardware is usually above 20 Mb/s, i.e. around 120 Gb/h.
HOW (through which means) are you doing the copy?
If you are not using an extremely slow connection/bus (maybe you are doing it through the lan/network?) it could be a sign of possible issues.
Normally there is no risk to lose data, but if not otherwise justified it may mean a sign of some issues with the actual disk(s).

abernut, on 19 July 2012 - 02:58 AM, said:

Is there anywhere we can pay for additional support. I would hate to make things worse that an expert might be able to fix.

Naaah, we do it for the glory .
But of course, you would be very welcome (of you want/can afford it) to contribute to the "forum bandwidth/hosting/etc. costs):
http://www.msfn.org/...=setup_donation
(though appreciated you won't have a "better" treatment, though )

abernut, on 19 July 2012 - 03:01 AM, said:

Does it matter that the partition in question is a RAID 5

No, if it is - as I presume - a "hardware RAID".
Should it be a "software" one, it may .

jaclaz

[abernut]

The boot sector test does not show any errors.

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[abernut]

jaclaz, on 19 July 2012 - 03:15 AM, said:

A "normal" imaging/copying rate on modern hardware is usually above 20 Mb/s, i.e. around 120 Gb/h.
HOW (through which means) are you doing the copy?

A USB drive plugged directly into the server.

[jaclaz]

abernut, on 19 July 2012 - 03:22 AM, said:

A USB drive plugged directly into the server.

Strange.
Maybe it is a USB 1.1 port?
The difference would be bigger, I think, as 480/12=40
It is very possible that the "progress bar" or "remaining time" (or whatever) of the *whatever* copying app you are using is inaccurate, like:
http://windows7profe...ut-bloody-time/

abernut, on 19 July 2012 - 03:20 AM, said:

The boot sector test does not show any errors.

Also strange.
Once you have finished the image/copy of the file, do post the MBR and VBR, as per the other thread, you can use Hdhacker for this.

jaclaz

This post has been edited by jaclaz: 19 July 2012 - 05:31 AM