Don't try this at home? - Swapping HDDs from a T40 to T42

[Marc_G]

My own approach to the data storage issue is to partition my HD such that the system partition (which is the one that usually crashes) is separate from my data partitions. Data Partitions, plural. I have several.

One is for general data, correspondence, etc.. Another is for method files for a particular piece of software related to my work. Still another is for Lotus Notes databases (large files that get highly fragmented).

I image each data partition periodically (<10 minutes per partition, generally much faster than file copy). I image the system partition before I make any significant change. Copies of these on DVD go into my safe deposit box once in a while. Other copies go onto an external USB drive I've got.

Always (!!) I travel with a copy of the system partition image on a storage partition of my HD. This gives me a quick, easy restore if I do something stupid and hose my system. It's happened. Of course this doesn't protect me from a complete loss of the HD, so my other media backups are my hedge against that. I usually have a DVD with my system when I travel, if not the data. But, the most common problem I'll have is that I screwed something up that is recoverable by re-imaging the system partition from an image on a separate partition. My data are rarely affected.

True story: Marc goes in to see a customer in a hospital research lab. Sets computer down bag near a wall. Works with customer. Hears buzzing sound from other side of the wall. "What's that noise?" Answer: "NMR machine."

Marc gets back to hotel. Boots computer. No OS. NMR wiped computer HD clean. Fortunately, Marc had burned CDs the night before, and they were in his bag. But wouldn't restore. HD Media failure. Marc uses Kinkos to download low-level format tool, prepares disk. An hour later, Marc re-images his HD. Works like a charm. Total computer work lost: 15 minutes of data.

Ever since then, I've been a backup fiend.

Marc

[baertracks]

And you don't have a current backup of vital data somewhere else???

Yes, all the data files and original programs (but not the intalled program files) are backed up regularly on a Maxtor external drive and on a desktop. However, for convenience purposes (and to capture the very latest changes) it would be a lot easier if I could copy from the original drive placed in the ultrabay.

So, back to my original question. What is causing this copy error? And is there anything that I can do to workaround it?

Regards,
FRANK

[Marc_G]

Hi Frank-

I'm betting the error relates to windows security issues, but this one's outside my realm of experience. I usually steer clear of putting data on my system partition, and this is one of the reasons...

Hopefully someone else on the forum knows more about this aspect.

Marc

[gazingwa]

Good luck in recovering your data, in some cases NTFS can stop you if you aren't using the same logon and password as you were when you put the data on the drive. Also, download Knoppix (linux on cd) it saved my rear a couple times, it can read ntfs partitions and send the data over your network somewhere else or on another local drive.

I answered that one already if i remember correctly.

[CoolRunnings]

Hey Frank, I just sent ya a PM about this. Get back with me when ya can...

[baertracks]

I'm betting the error relates to windows security issues... Hopefully someone else on the forum knows more about this aspect.
Marc

I think that I xhave found a relatively easy workaround to this data transer problem. I can back up the data folder that is on my "D" drive (the 80GB HDD in the ultrabay from my T40) and save it to a backup folder on my "C" drive (the new 40GB HDD in my T42). This backups everything without any "access denied" messages.

I can then restore the backup file to another data folder on the "C" drive and at the same time remove any file protection attributions. I've tested this with a couple of data folders and it seems to work fine.

Thanks again for all the advice!

Regards,

FRANK

[Marc_G]

Great. Have an awesome weekend. Sorry we couldn't salvage the OS on the 80 GB.

[baertracks]

Marc;

Send me your mailing adress in a PM and I'll send you an offical BeMoreCreative mug as a small thanks for your assistance.

Thanks again,

FRANK

[Marc_G]

Hi Folks-

Here's a thread on the Acronis website related to the discussion here.

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=53326

In the case of the listed thread the FixMBR tool worked to correct the messed up drive assignment (actually he used a Win98 boot disk and used FDisk/MBR... same thing).

Marc

[Marc_G]

Hi Folks-

I know this thread has been idle for a while, but some of the issues brought up in it left me feeling unsettled in my knowledge of the subject. Eventually I found this page that explains it all, including solutions for various scenarios.

http://www.goodells.net/multiboot/partsigs.htm

Ahhh. Now I can sleep again.

Marc