Saving a file with a broken FAT table

[Molecule]

When my Mozilla email client notified me it could not download emails because it could not open the target file, I shut down my email client.

Then I opened a MSDOS window. Copy command runs for a minute or so, then says "Access denied - Inbox [CRLF] I file(s) copied". In the target directory, it writes a file that is 287,416,320 bytes of the source file's 291,034,817 bytes.

For additional information, I tried to use my trusty file manager (Christian Ghisler's Total Commander) to save the inbox file to an archive location.

With all other applications off, the copy operation produces a progress bar that gets to 98% (about 286± M), but then a popup interupts "Error: Cannot read C:\WINDOWS\...\pop.verizon.net\Inbox!" The new popup gives me the options to [skip] or [Cancel], both being the same for a single file operation.

I then tried to view the file in TC's file viewer, called Lister. While it is opening the file, it gives thumbnail popups which are titled Disk Read Error "[yellow-triangle !] Inbox." After clicking [OK] through 5 popups (5 breaks in the FAT chain?), Lister successfully opens whatever parts of the file that it could.

In the viewer, when I then try use Save As to save whatever is in the display, I get a popup titled with the full path+filename, saying "[yellow-triangle !] Read error!" Pressing [OK] aborts.

I assume I have a break in the FAT table for that file? (other possibilities?)

Any suggestions as to what's the best thing for me to do at this point, to save (copy to a save location) whatever I can from this file? I am using w98se SP2a.

[jaclaz]

I assume I have a break in the FAT table for that file? (other possibilities?)

Any suggestions as to what's the best thing for me to do at this point, to save (copy to a save location) whatever I can from this file? I am using w98se SP2a.

Not necessarily in the FAT table.

It could well be simply a disk error on the actual sectors that contain the DATA.

Having such a large, monolithic, not-plain file is of course a factor of risk.

First thing, NOT negotiable, is to make the disk "OFFLINE" and access it (connecting it as "slave" to another PC) from ANOTHER OS, not the one is installed on it.

You have two "paths" that BOTH are worth a try:

1. you should run a recovery tool on the file, I am not familiar with Mozilla, cannot say if there is a specific tool, how is the "inbox" file named?
   
2. you should attempt to use tools like Unstoppable copier:
   http://www.roadkil.net/program.php?ProgramID=29
   to create a "better" copy.
   

Then, I would try some filesystem repairing tool, like TESTDISK:

http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/TestDisk

http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/Advanced_FA...pair_FAT_tables

Then, I would try something like good ol' Norton Utilities and try re-constructing the FAT chain (if broken) manually. (you need to learn how, NOT easy)

Before the latter two above, I would make a 1:1 (dd like copy) of the WHOLE disk/partition, possibly using a tool like ddrescue:

http://www.boot-land.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=7783

(2K/XP only) and work on the image, NEVER on the original.

From DOS, you may want to try Partition Saving:

http://www.partition-saving.com/

Depending on the value you attribute to the data you have lost you may also want to:

• try some Commercial software
  
• try a Professional Recovery Data Service/Consultant
  

If you want to go the good ol' DOS way, an excellent program, that you may be able to find around was (several years ago, but still very, very good) TiramiSU:

http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=84345

jaclaz