Corrupted partition table

BTW i had since formatted C: but couldn't even see the hard disk as a
secondary drive with a separate hard disk as primary running Windows. I have
also tried using Phoenix FAT & NTFS to repair the partition table - ran for
a few hours but came up with no results

"X" <a RemoveThis @b.com> wrote in message
news:4469bcc4$0$26942$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
> Hi, my hard disk crashed in the middle of Windows one day. I have multiple
> partitions so i tried to format and reinstall Windows to C: so that i
> could retrieve my data on the other partitions, but the hard disk will not
> even boot up from the Windows XP CD because the partition table is
> corrupt. What can i do?
>
> Also, I have considered using a 3rd party program to overwrite the current
> partition table with a new one (i know the approx sizes of the old
> partitions), will this work or will the data still be innaccessible?
>
> If there is a better newsgroup for me to be asking, please let me know
>
 >> Stay informed about: Corrupted partition table 

Hi, I have tried putting it in as a secondary drive but it doesn't even show
up in Windows Explorer as the partition table is corrupt


<dj_lord_2000 DeleteThis @hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1147783886.814716.235850@u72g2000cwu.googlegroups.com...
> Hi, I think the safest way would be to slave this disk and copy it off
> from there.Do this either in another pc or by installing windows on a
> second drive in your pc. When stuff like this goes wrong it really goes
> wrong and the more you play with it the greater the chance you'll lose
> it all. (I'm spreaking from experiance here, recently lost about 100GB
> of data when I had a similar thing happen and kept playing with it)
>
> Hope this helps,
> Dave
>
 >> Stay informed about: Corrupted partition table 

"X" <a.DeleteThis@b.com> wrote:

> Hi, my hard disk crashed in the middle of Windows one day. I have multiple
> partitions so i tried to format and reinstall Windows to C: so that i could
> retrieve my data on the other partitions, but the hard disk will not even
> boot up from the Windows XP CD because the partition table is corrupt. What
> can i do?

I suppose you didn't bother checking the capacity of the C: partition before
formatting because if it was the only partition that showed then it contained
the entire disk capacity. "Fortunately", formatting C: doesn't overwrite the
entire disk, only a limited area, mostly at the beginning of the disk /
partition. This would allow to recover the higher partitions by appropriate
methods and tools. The content of the C: partition may not be recoverable,
depending on how much damage you did already by hyperactivity.

> Also, I have considered using a 3rd party program to overwrite the current
> partition table with a new one (i know the approx sizes of the old
> partitions), will this work or will the data still be innaccessible?

Guessing will not work, it will only cause more damage. Besides, why guessing
when there are tools to find out the exact partition configuration?

Someone offered Joep's DiskPatch. Another option is my ResQdisk /ASSESS. Take
your pick.

> If there is a better newsgroup for me to be asking, please let me know

This is the correct group.

Regards, Zvi
--
NetZ Computing Ltd. ISRAEL www.invircible.com www.ivi.co.il (Hebrew)
InVircible Virus Defense Solutions, ResQ and Data Recovery Utilities
 >> Stay informed about: Corrupted partition table 

In news:4469beae$0$26945$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au
Plenn typed:
> BTW i had since formatted C: but couldn't even see the hard disk as a
> secondary drive with a separate hard disk as primary running Windows.

Hi Plenn or X,
Drive C: cannot ever be seen as secondary drive when You want to use it
as System partition ie. bootable drive!
Respectively the "bootable flag" is the triggering event as bootable device.

> I have also tried using Phoenix FAT & NTFS to repair the partition
> table - ran for a few hours but came up with no results

Win XP gives a repair function by "fixmbr" via System recovery console.
But if You ever planned to reinstall XP then there should be no need for
this.
The Reinstall will reestablish the Boot partition and recognize other
partitions.

> "X" <a.DeleteThis@b.com> wrote in message
> news:4469bcc4$0$26942$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
>> hard disk will not even boot up from the Windows XP CD because the
>> partition table is corrupt. What can i do?

Your HD will NEVER boot from a CD, because this is a BIOS function!
Only Your OS might be able to do this.
And if You plan a new setup, then there's no need for any previous setup.

>> Also, I have considered using a 3rd party program to overwrite the
>> current partition table with a new one (i know the approx sizes of
>> the old partitions), will this work or will the data still be
>> innaccessible?

This is a REPAIR action but has nothing to do with "new" setup/format.
So if You looked for a XP Reinstall then forget all of these.
Reinstall will set up a new environment.
Horst
 >> Stay informed about: Corrupted partition table 

In news:446b0391$0$26933$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au
Plenn typed:
> The hard drive is 1-2 years old. I think the problem was a faulty A:\
> cable connection, as every week or so at random times it made weird
> noises and the A:\ light flashed on, hanging Windows and eventually
> corrupting Windows. It also did this with my previous hard drive. I
> have since disconnected A:\ and it hasn't been a problem with my 3rd
> hard disk.

Hi Plenn, an A: drive cable has nothing to do with the HD!
A: stands for a Floppy drive/connection!
Horst
 >> Stay informed about: Corrupted partition table 

In news:44969476$0$12259$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au
Plenn typed:
> Unfortunately i tried all of the tools in this thread and none
> worked. Most wouldn't even let me select the drive for repair, it
> simply didn't show up in the select drive lists.

Hi Plenn, what was You looking for?
On a Re-Install there's no need for any other tools.
For a repair most of the tools looked useable.
So it looks like You should provide more details on Your specific problem.
Horst
 >> Stay informed about: Corrupted partition table 

Horst Franke <nospam@invalid> wrote
> Plenn wrote.

>> BTW i had since formatted C: but couldn't even see the hard disk as a
>> secondary drive with a separate hard disk as primary running Windows.

> Hi Plenn or X,
> Drive C: cannot ever be seen as secondary drive when You want to use it as System
> partition ie. bootable drive!

Wrong.

> Respectively the "bootable flag" is the triggering event as bootable device.

Repeat in pure engish.

And you're just plain wrong there too with modern
bios that can boot secondary drives fine.

>> I have also tried using Phoenix FAT & NTFS to repair the partition table - ran for a
>> few hours but came up with no results

> Win XP gives a repair function by "fixmbr" via System recovery console. But if You ever
> planned to reinstall XP then there should be no need for this.
> The Reinstall will reestablish the Boot partition and recognize other partitions.

Wrong again if the reinstall cant see the original install.

>> "X" <a RemoveThis @b.com> wrote in message
>> news:4469bcc4$0$26942$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
>>> hard disk will not even boot up from the Windows XP CD because the
>>> partition table is corrupt. What can i do?

> Your HD will NEVER boot from a CD, because this is a BIOS function!

Wrong again, there are in fact a few systems that can do that fine.

> Only Your OS might be able to do this.

Wrong again.

> And if You plan a new setup, then there's no need for any previous setup.

>>> Also, I have considered using a 3rd party program to overwrite the
>>> current partition table with a new one (i know the approx sizes of
>>> the old partitions), will this work or will the data still be
>>> innaccessible?

> This is a REPAIR action but has nothing to do with "new" setup/format.
> So if You looked for a XP Reinstall then forget all of these.
> Reinstall will set up a new environment.

Not necessarily.

And your bizarre approach to quoting has left an obscene mess too.
 >> Stay informed about: Corrupted partition table 

In news:4fu449F1l98o8U1@individual.net Rod Speed typed:
>> Hi Plenn or X,
>> Drive C: cannot ever be seen as secondary drive when You want to use
>> it as System partition ie. bootable drive!
> Wrong.

Hi Rod, why? An OS needs an "bootable drive"!
Please explain Your objections.

>> Respectively the "bootable flag" is the triggering event as bootable
>> device.
> Repeat in pure engish.

This is HW matter! Boot-Flag is common knowledge!

> And you're just plain wrong there too with modern
> bios that can boot secondary drives fine.

No doubt, but only ONE drive can be selected!
What should the Bios select on multiple choices?
Only ONE can be valid! This is a NOGO!

>>> I have also tried using Phoenix FAT & NTFS to repair the partition
>>> table - ran for a few hours but came up with no results
>> Win XP gives a repair function by "fixmbr" via System recovery
>> console. But if You ever planned to reinstall XP then there should
>> be no need for this.
>> The Reinstall will reestablish the Boot partition and recognize
>> other partitions.
> Wrong again if the reinstall cant see the original install.

Rubbish. A NEW-Install reflects *no previous selections*!

>>> "X" <a.TakeThisOut@b.com> wrote in message
>>> news:4469bcc4$0$26942$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
>>>> hard disk will not even boot up from the Windows XP CD because the
>>>> partition table is corrupt. What can i do?
>> Your HD will NEVER boot from a CD, because this is a BIOS function!
> Wrong again, there are in fact a few systems that can do that fine.
NO never. This is only an OS/BIOS function! A HD never decides this!
Only via BIOS You can select the bootable device!

>> Only Your OS might be able to do this.
> Wrong again.
And WHERE is Your opposition/statement?

>> This is a REPAIR action but has nothing to do with "new"
>> setup/format.
>> So if You looked for a XP Reinstall then forget all of these.
>> Reinstall will set up a new environment.
> Not necessarily.
And again! What ist Your opposition/statement?
How should we discuss, if You don't state any personal ideas?

> And your bizarre approach to quoting has left an obscene mess too.
This is slang that I don't understand - sorry.
Please repeat in pure English.
Horst
 >> Stay informed about: Corrupted partition table 

Horst Franke <nospam@invalid> wrote:
> In news:446b0391$0$26933$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au
> Plenn typed:
>> The hard drive is 1-2 years old. I think the problem was a faulty A:\
>> cable connection, as every week or so at random times it made weird
>> noises and the A:\ light flashed on, hanging Windows and eventually
>> corrupting Windows. It also did this with my previous hard drive. I
>> have since disconnected A:\ and it hasn't been a problem with my 3rd
>> hard disk.
>
> Hi Plenn, an A: drive cable has nothing to do with the HD!
> A: stands for a Floppy drive/connection!

He appears to be saying that it was indeed the
floppy drive/connection that was behaving like that.
 >> Stay informed about: Corrupted partition table 

In news:4fu469F1kfleqU1@individual.net Rod Speed typed:
>> Hi Plenn, an A: drive cable has nothing to do with the HD!
>> A: stands for a Floppy drive/connection!
> He appears to be saying that it was indeed the
> floppy drive/connection that was behaving like that.

OK Rod, but this has somewhat nothing to do with a HD problem!
Also there is a Bios option to disable a Floppy recognition.
Horst
 >> Stay informed about: Corrupted partition table 

Horst Franke <nospam@invalid> wrote:
> In news:44969476$0$12259$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au
> Plenn typed:
>> Unfortunately i tried all of the tools in this thread and none
>> worked. Most wouldn't even let me select the drive for repair, it
>> simply didn't show up in the select drive lists.
>
> Hi Plenn, what was You looking for?
> On a Re-Install there's no need for any other tools.

Not even possible if the drive doesnt appear anymore.

> For a repair most of the tools looked useable.
> So it looks like You should provide more details on Your specific problem.

He doesnt appear understand the system well enough to be able to do that.
 >> Stay informed about: Corrupted partition table 

In news:4fu4bcF1k7j29U1@individual.net Rod Speed typed:
>> Hi Plenn, what was You looking for?
>> On a Re-Install there's no need for any other tools.
> Not even possible if the drive doesnt appear anymore.

Hi Rod, then the PC is "dead"!
You will never be able to set up a system, when the HD will not
be recognized by the BIOS!

> He doesnt appear understand the system well enough to be able
> to do that.
Ok, then we will provide him with detailed infos what to do.
Horst
 >> Stay informed about: Corrupted partition table 

Horst Franke <nospam@invalid> wrote
> Rod Speed wrote

>>> Hi Plenn or X,
>>> Drive C: cannot ever be seen as secondary drive when You want to use it as System
>>> partition ie. bootable drive!

>> Wrong.

> Hi Rod, why?

Because it is. Novel concept for you no doubt.

> An OS needs an "bootable drive"!

No it doesnt.

> Please explain Your objections.

Plenty of boot managers can boot non bootable drives.

The NT/2K/XP family is quite happy to boot
a logical drive inside an extended partition.

>>> Respectively the "bootable flag" is the triggering event as bootable device.

>> Repeat in pure engish.

> This is HW matter!

Wrong, as always. Its actually a file system detail.

> Boot-Flag is common knowledge!

Pity you mangled the story completely. Plenty of boot
managers can boot partitions that dont have a Boot-Flag.

>> And you're just plain wrong there too with modern
>> bios that can boot secondary drives fine.

> No doubt, but only ONE drive can be selected!

Wrong, as always. Most modern bios allow you to specify a boot
order and the bios will go thru the list until it finds a bootable drive.
You are welcome to have more than one bootable drive in the system
and that happens all the time with a bootable CD in the OPTICAL DRIVE.

> What should the Bios select on multiple choices?

What has been specified in the boot order list.

> Only ONE can be valid! This is a NOGO!

Wrong, as always.

>>>> I have also tried using Phoenix FAT & NTFS to repair the partition
>>>> table - ran for a few hours but came up with no results

>>> Win XP gives a repair function by "fixmbr" via System recovery
>>> console. But if You ever planned to reinstall XP then there should
>>> be no need for this.

>>> The Reinstall will reestablish the Boot partition and recognize other partitions.

>> Wrong again if the reinstall cant see the original install.

> Rubbish. A NEW-Install reflects *no previous selections*!

Depends on what you mean by an reinstall. Many use
that term to refer to what MS calls an install in place.

>>>> "X" <a DeleteThis @b.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:4469bcc4$0$26942$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...

>>>>> hard disk will not even boot up from the Windows XP CD because the partition table
>>>>> is corrupt. What can i do?

>>> Your HD will NEVER boot from a CD, because this is a BIOS function!

>> Wrong again, there are in fact a few systems that can do that fine.

> NO never.

Fraid so,

> This is only an OS/BIOS function! A HD never decides this!

I never said that the HD decides anything!!!

> Only via BIOS You can select the bootable device!

Wrong again, a boot manager can allow the user to select what to boot.

There's even one that allows a system to
boot the CD when the bios cant do that.

>>> Only Your OS might be able to do this.

>> Wrong again.

> And WHERE is Your opposition/statement?

See above.

>>> This is a REPAIR action but has nothing to do with "new" setup/format.
>>> So if You looked for a XP Reinstall then forget all of these.
>>> Reinstall will set up a new environment.

>> Not necessarily.

> And again! What ist Your opposition/statement?

Most obviously when the install cant even see the drive anymore.

> How should we discuss, if You don't state any personal ideas?

I do that.

>> And your bizarre approach to quoting has left an obscene mess too.

> This is slang that I don't understand - sorry.

There isnt a single bit of slang in that particular sentence.

> Please repeat in pure English.

That is pure english.
 >> Stay informed about: Corrupted partition table