Computers are hell

[porphy]

Hi

I have a computer problem. Today I suddenly got the idea to merge two partitions with Partition Magic 7. I was using their wizard to do this, easy point and click. I should have known better...:damn: The program merges the two partitions and is supposed to put the data from the second one in a folder I called "Part2". Ok, the program reports errors and cancels the process. Now I'm stuck with a merged partition that doesn't show in explorer. After some work I managed to access the data from the partition by renaming the label so the partition shows up in Explorer as well, but I can't access the stuff that is supposed to be in "part2" folder. The folder is there, but access denied. If I try the defrag program I can see that it shows files that are in "Part 2" so they are in there, just that I can't get to them. Anyone have a idea how to proceed?
Most of the data isn't very important, except a lot of my digital photos, some backed up, some are not. I want them back:yep: .
Stupid program to cancel the merge and not undo the process.:down:

Cheers Porphy

[Gizzmoe]

Boot to Safe Mode, perhaps then you can access the folder. You could also try BartPE, a bootable live windows CD, or Knoppix, a bootable Linux CD, with them you should be able to access that folder.

BartPE:
http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/

Knoppix:
http://www.knopper.net/knoppix/index-en.html

[Skybird]

Porphy,
can't help you, but once you have fixed it I recommend to use Acronis True Image to create an image file of your HD, to a separate HD. I do that since longer time now, and I'm happy with it. Safe, easy to handle, comfortable when worst case scenarios take place. All fears of needing to reinstall, or data losses, are gone. :)

[porphy]

Hi

Thanks for the advice. Safe mode didn't work though.

I think I have found a way to get it all back. Using "Tools" on the disk and partions properties menu I tried the backup tool. I could access the "part2" folder with this one and make a backup file of the content, saving it on a another disk. Then clicking the backup file gives me the option to restore its content to a new place than the original (which obviously isn't a good place :nope: ). Works fine, the files and folders I did this with are now back "online". Will be a matter of time untill it all is back. And the it is time for serious backups as you suggest Skybird. One day wasted with this crap because I got the splendid idea to merge two perfectly working partitions... But I did learn of the backup and recovery wizard :roll: Thank you microsoft, your stuff works better than Powerquest's so called "partition magic", that simply bugged out and left a mess behind.

Cheers

[Immacolata]

Unfortunately the results of Partition magic is unpredictable. I have lost loads of data with that POS program as well. So I never touch it again. Sorry for your troubles man. I know the feeling :cry:

[porphy]

Hi
Everthing is fine and dandy again. :up: I managed to recover all data with the backup tool. Partition Magic went into the bin and then I treated myself with a new Hdd, Seagate Barracuda 320 Gb, which will house some good backup images. Start to think of a new graphics card as well... oh well, will see about that. I need to save money for a new mountain!

Cheers Porphy

[bradclark1]

I was going to do that too, but I read up the reviews on PM 7 and decided against it because of all the horror stories about it. You came off pretty good actually. A majority lost everything. Consider yourself half lucky.:-?