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[activemind]

I have been using the DNS for almost a year now with 2 HD configured as standard format.  All of a sudden, one of my volume disappeared and DNS-323 no longer recognize it.  I tried system restore, unplug adaptor, remove both disks etc, and no luck.  No when I start up with both HD, it seems to recognized the one that disappeared as a new HD and ask whether I would like to format it?  I didn't want to do that as I will lose all 1.5 TB of data.  Both of my HD are WD Cavier Green 1.5TB.

My question is, is there any way for me to recover my data from the missing volume?  I don't want to reformat it before recovery my data.  I tried to connect the failed drive it to my windows Vista, unfortunately, I cannot see the hard drive (probably because it was formatted for the DNS which might even be running in Linux).  I don't have a Linux OS, so I can't try that either.  Any suggestion as to how I could ...
1. Get the DNS-323 to recognize my HD volume again
2. Have some other mean to recover this data?

Your help will be very much appreciate it.
Thank you!!!

[jamieburchell]

Download a Linux file system driver for your Windows box so it can read the failing hard drive.

http://www.fs-driver.org/

Tip: When given the choice, opt to mount the drive as read-only to avoid any accidents.

Backup your data, and from the other drive too for when that fails.

Download the WD diagnostics software from their website and check the drive is defective.

Repair or replace drive.

Insert new drive back in DNS 323 and proceed to reformat.

Make sure you have backups of everything.

[activemind]

Thank you so much for your quick response.  At least now with your comment, I felt like I have some hope.  I will definitely try this.  Do I install the Linux file system driver prior to connecting the HD or after I connect the HD, boot to windows and then install the driver?


Thanks again for your help!

[gunrunnerjohn]

Install the EXT2/3 driver first, then connect the drive.

[activemind]

Thanks again for the instructions.  Unfortunately, I have upgrade my PC to windows 7 and now http://www.fs-driver.org/ doesn't support Windows 7.  I have another PC that have Vista, but it only have one HD connector.   

I'll find another PC, or if anyone have another suggestion.  I can create dual boot on my desktop to include Vista or XP; which is also a possibility.

[gunrunnerjohn]

Here's the EXT2 driver I'm using on Windows 7 Ultimate, works like a champ.  http://www.ext2fsd.com/

[activemind]

Really??  That's great, I will have to try that.  I'll let you guys know how it turns out.
Thank you everyone for their input and I sincerely appreciate all your help.

[activemind]

I was so excited with all the great feedback, and can't wait to try it out.
I tried connecting the failed drive and then try to start up my windows 7; but I can't get it to boot into my windows.  I am not a hardware guy, but is there something I need to do in advance.  Please advise....

[jamieburchell]

Hi

The FS driver I linked to before does work in Windows7, despite it not being listed. ext2fsd has more options and supports more things, but I find is generally a bit more clunky to use.

I'm assuming you have inserted your suspect drive in addition to the one containing your W7 installation?

You may have to go in to the BIOS settings of your PC and enable the SATA ports/change boot sequence. I have no idea why your Windows 7 wouldn't boot assuming all you did was add this second drive.

Jamie

[gunrunnerjohn]

FWIW, I tried the one you listed, and it didn't work for Win7 Ultimate 64-bit for me.  That's why I mention the other one.

[activemind]

Thanks Jamie.  I tried this and it didn't work for me also with Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit.
However, I was able to install http://www.ext2fsd.com/.
But issue now is booting up in Windows 7.  I connected the suspected drive as you have mentioned and starting up Windows; unfortunately it doesn't startup and screen seem to freeze.  I says Pres F10 to enter setup, which I did and nothing happens. :-(

I tried removing the suspected drive and put one that I know didn't have a problem, it started up fine.

[gunrunnerjohn]

If the suspect drive is preventing the system from booting, it's most likely really dead if it's not configured as the boot drive.

[pcncarolina]

@gunrunnerjohn: You are my hero!

The Ext2FSD saved over 16 years worth of pictures from Africa! God bless you my friend for sharing your knowledge among we Linux neophytes.

[gunrunnerjohn]

Well, I'm not exactly a Linux expert, but I do know how to use the EXT2 driver package to read the disks.