previewing jpg files while recovering

[Guy_Philly]

RMF is running on my other computer. It is up to over 150,000 files found. I think I had about 220,000 when the hard drive died, so a couple more hours until it is done, I guess. My question is this: I can only view picture files that are smaller than 5kB, the others show only a portion of the picture. Does this mean it is scrambled intentionally until purchased, or that all my picture files are all corrupt? I do plan to buy this if it has recovered the JPGs.

The way I am using this is I have the failing drive set up as a slave in another computer. I may not have one of the strappings set right - (15 or 16 cylinders... will this affect the results if I guess wrong?)

BTW, I am also writing a column about this utility for a daily paper in PA and want to be able to give this an accurate review.

[GDH]

I am not sure what type of search you are running. It sounds like you selected one of the Format Recover options - which is the right type of search if your problem relates to a formatted, corrupt or missing hard drive.

When you run a Format Recover search you are asked to search for the default selected file types. The program finds these files by searching for their header and footer - and the files are given a name starting with "Recovered....".

The program then uses the "Recovered..." files to track down and identify the old Operating System MFT records (which are called OS in the progress window). At then end of the search the program rebuilds the old file system (including all files - not just the ones selected) and displays them to you in "Folder View" of the results screen.

The reason that I am telling you this is as follows:

Every file on a PC has a MFT record which contains the name of the file and the storage location on the disk which the file occupies. If a file is fragmented (i.e. parts of the file are stored in different locations on the disk) the only way to track the fragmentation is by finding and reading the MFT record for that file.

So the explanation for your partially corrupt files could be one of the following:

1. The files are fragmented, which means that the "Recovered..." files may not display correctly. In this instance at the end of the search you need to look in "Folder View" for your files which are the ones that have been recovered using the OS MFT records.

2. The files have been partially overwritten by other data - meaning that the files have been damaged and do not display correctly.

The best thing to do is at the end of the search check both "File View" and "Folder View". What you see in the preview window is what you will get back. The only limitation on the evaluation version is the ability to save the recovered files.

I hope this helps. There is a more detailed explanation here: http://www.recovermyfiles.com/data-r...techniques.php

[Guy_Philly]

I started RMF using the Evaluation Version with the intention of buying it if it works. I switched to the Full Recover Option (I think that is what you call it) and was able to preview entire pictures of what would be recovered (unlike what I was experienced in the shorter Recovery option I initially tried where RMF could only show the first 5KB of a file). The problem I am having, is that RMF seems to restart the "Analyzing System frament number ....", and preceeds to count away. It has gotten to 72 hours, and 48 hours, before restarting (frustrating!). Many full files have shown up in the "File Type View". This is encouraging, but ALL still have the prefix "Recovered" in front of the recovered file, and therefore I do not see the original name. I understand what you mean when you say:
"The program then uses the "Recovered..." files to track down and identify the old Operating System MFT records (which are called OS in the progress window). At then end of the search the program rebuilds the old file system (including all files - not just the ones selected) and displays them to you in "Folder View" of the results screen."
This gives me some hope for when/if the process concludes.

Any ideas on why it keeps restarting?

Will I ever see the original file name?

When I buy the software, do I have to run this all over again?

I am reviewing this product both as a user, and as a columnist for a newpaper in Pennsylvania, USA. The paper reaches about 100,000 readers. I want to be able to give this software a very favorable review (because I need my files back). I will be happy to send you the finished text in email (it is written, I am just awaiting the results to send it in). If you think it is appropriate to provide me with a complimentary copy of your software for evaluation purposes, I would certainly be willing to accept such an offer.


Thanks,
Bruce

[Guy_Philly]

The part that gets restarted is the "Time Elapsed" counter. Nothing else restarts (Files found is at 99811, and O/S Items Found is at 579758).

[GDH]

From what you have desribed you should get your files back with full file names and folder structure. However, in your case something is wrong as no search should run for more than 24 hours.

I suggest you stop the current search to see if you are able to save the current search results. Check both in File View and Folder view of the results screen for your files.

You do NOT have to run another search. The "evaluation version" is fully functional except for the ability to save files. When you enter your product activation details (a key is purchased at www.recovermyfiles.com) this activates the ability to save files.

I do not know what is causing your search to run so slowly or freeze up. In your case you will probably need to run a new search. Please do the following:

1. Check that you are using the latest version of Recover My Files. On the main program screen, click on the UPDATE button and it will check for the latest version.

2. Do you know if the problem drive was originally FAT or NTFS? If you know the answer to this question click on the OPTIONS button on the main program screeen and in SEARCH - FORMAT RECOVERY set the type of file system to search for as one or the other. If you do not know the answer, just leave it as it is.

3. Now start a search and select "Complete Format Recover". Click NEXT.

4. In the drive selection window put a tick next to the "physical drive". Click NEXT.

5. In the file type selection window, just leave the default file types selected and do NOT add any more file types to the search. START this search and let it run.

Unless you have a very, very large hard drive (eg 500gb) this search should not run for more than 24 hours. If you experience the same problem as before, then there is something on your drive that makes the program get stuck. In this instance I will need to send you a special debug version wich will send us a very specific error log and allow us to identify the problem.

If you are a journalist, please contact support to request assistance.

Thank you.