Lost C: file error

[Lucianp]

Hi, I’m having an issue with my PC. It basically died on me. Not sure of the reason.
I was running Win 10 on a single 2tb ssd partitioned as C: system, D: Reserved and E: data.

I had a spare PC so I took the disk and moved it to the spare case. It didn’t load as there was a file error.

I had a spare 250gb hdd formatted as C: from an old pc. This works ok and I am back online.

I want to repair the missing file and reuse the 2gb ssd.

Looking in disk manager I have;
disk 1: System (C 231.94GB NTFS, 515MB Healthy recovery partition and 450MB Healthy recovery
partition.

Disk 0: System Reserved(D 579MB NTFS, Data (E: data. 1862.45GB NTFS

Disk 1 is my spare system disk and disk 0 is my original ssd.

It looks like the partition that was the c: on ssd has gone walkabout so is there a way to recover that partition and get me back to where I was before the power failure.

Many thanks

[Bruce]

if you don’t want to recover any data off the old SSD, why not just do a Quick Format?
or, using DISKPART, delete all the partitions then do a Quick Format to get the drive back to one partition of 2TB’s?

but it sounds like the SSD may have died, so doing a low-level format, where each cell would be checked may be a way to check the integrity of the unit.

[Lucianp]

thanks for the reply Bruce. I am actually using the data partition on the ssd so the drive is good. It’s just the system partition thats missing. I was hoping to find a way to restore that missing file but if there are no other options I will spend the weekend copying all the data off the ssd then doing a quick format.

[Bruce]

data recovery off a lost partition is very hit and miss - more miss than hit really.
you can recreate the partition as that simply makes a new file allocation table on the drive, but being the C:\ partition, you also need a master boot record.
all is done in DISKPART and once the partition is recreated, although the data ‘should’ still be there, it is ‘lost’ as all the file references that were stored in the FAT are now gone.

something like Defraggler will dig out all those lost file fragments but because it no longer knows the location on the drive and the addresses of all the file segments, it can’t stitch together the file again, so you end up with a complete pile of partially recovered files.
but, hey, maybe worth a shot if you want to spend about 12 hours down that rabbit hole. (and I do mean literally many, many, many hours)

let me guess, no backups?!?

while not helping with the lost files, is the SSD still under warranty - you may be at least able to replace it for free?

[PeterOz]

Win 10 on a single 2tb ssd partitioned as C: system, D: Reserved and E: data.

I had a spare PC so I took the disk and moved it to the spare case.

The way I read this is you took a working 2TB from 1 computer and put it into another computer.
The 2TB will now not boot.
This is what is expected to happen.
You have 2 choices.

1. Leave the current 260g as C drive and slave the 2TB as the data drive. IMO this is the best option.
2. you put the 2TB in and download the windows creation tool and repair the 2TB install.

You cannot move a hdd/sdd from one computer to another and expect it to work unless they have the same hardware or hardware that is very very similar.

[Lucianp]

Hi Bruce,yes I did have backups on a NAS. I can get to the NAS for Data Music etc. but cannot locate the backup folder. I’m still working on that. I have Macrium Reflect and also Recuva.
The computer was built for a xmas gift 2 years ago so the ssd will not be under warranty.

Hi Peter, yes that’s basically how it went. I am running choice 1 right now.
will otion 2 mess with the data that’s on there now.

I understand what you are saying. Both PCs were built by my son, one for his wife and later one for me. The configurations are similar but not exact.

I am still trying to find where my backups are hiding.

[Rustys]

I am still trying to find where my backups are hiding.

why no create new ones?

when some backups are made, they are compressed into one file. If you are searching for a certain file that may be fruitless.

[PeterOz]

It should only repair the C: drive.

[Lucianp]

And since that particular C: is missing there is little point in trying a repair.
What I am doing now is using option 1 (above)
Copying my data off to a spare drive (belts and braces)
Review my backup plan maybe regular image files and data backups. I need to work on this some more. I don’t the way I had it set up was actually working.

[PeterOz]

You are better off setting up C: drive with windows and all the programs you use.
Then create a rescue usb with Macrium Reflect (are you using the free version?)
Boot from the rescue usb and create a backup of C drive.
You now have an image.
When you make changes to C drive - new programs etc you make a new image.
If the C drive dies you put a new drive in and boot from the rescue usb.
Reimage the new drive and you are back to where your last backup was.

You can have the data drive backing as often as you like. E.G hourly, Daily, Weekly etc.

Because you have a nas you could skip the rescue usb and have it network boot to make/recover the image.

This is my opinion only on backups. You need to ask some others for ideas, I could be totally wrong in my method.

I don’t the way I had it set up was actually working.

It is always wise to check your backups.
A simple and easy way is to make a folder and put a text file inside.
Let the backup run. The next day delete the file from the folder, then try to restore the file from the backup.

If you want to be 100% sure.
Create the image of C: as above with the usb rescue.
Format the C drive and see if you can restore it.
A lot of work now but will save a lot of tears latter on.

You will need to keep that usb as the rescue for your computer and use it only for that as it will have the drivers needed to boot your pc.

[Lucianp]

Thank you Peter. That looks like the plan to use. It’s running slower than a slug at the moment. Took 7 minutes from boot to logon screen then another minute for the task bar to load. And I have nothing in startup and nothing running. Going to be a long weekend.

[PeterOz]

is the 260 an ssd or hdd
Might be the right time to do a fresh install.
Reinstall Win 10 Fresh Install

Download the win 10 tool run it to recreate the flash drive – Must be minimum 8GB

Download Windows 10

Watch this video
How To Install Windows 10 From USB - YouTube
In the video at 2:54 you will notice it restarts the computer.
When you are doing this and you get to that point Remove the usb stick whilst it is restarting.
Also if you want to setup a local account instead of logging in with a Microsoft account
Turn off your wireless network and or remove the network cable.
This point is 3.32 in the video - Choose I don’t have internet.
If you want to log in with a Microsoft account then leave the network as is.

Before doing any install, it is a good idea to go to the support page for your system. Download the drivers you are going to need ie chipset, sound, video, wireless, etc. While win10 has a lot of native drivers, microsoft drivers are designed for ease of use and are NOT designed for any type of performance. Store these drivers on another usb or you can even just make a folder on your install usb when you are finished making the install usb. Copy the drivers into that folder.

When you are finished with the install, then install your drivers. Install the chipset first then the rest of them. Reboot each time when prompted.

From here a list on how to install Proper Installation Order for Windows Drivers

[Lucianp]

Thanks for the help Peter. It’s an HDD. I’ll try to get out for a usb stick tomorrow. None of mine are anywhere near that big. I’ll keep you posted. Thanks for all the knowledge.

[PeterOz]

Your welcome
Ask at any stage you need help.
If you reinstall windows when it comes to the part of where do you want to install windows
delete all the partitions.
I will see if I can find some of my pics for you.

[PeterOz]

You need to either setup your bios to boot from usb or you may have a boot menu on startup to allow you to boot from usb.
It is normally best to insert the usb stick into a usb 2.0 port - black
On your C: Drive it will have at least 3 partitions.
You delete all 3 for a fresh install. NB this will delete all data.
Then install on the unallocated space.