[QCLUG] Save a drive

[Jim Hall]

On 11/15/08, Mark Riedesel <mriedesel@gmail.com> wrote:
> Boot from knoppix or some live cd and try running gpart (not
> gparted!), it scans the disk contents and attempts to rebuild the
> partition table. If that works, then reinstall grub and all shall be
> well.
>
> Although you say you can read the drive's contents by means of
> mounting the partitons, then your partition table is probably fine so
> it's likely just a grub issue.
>
> If you think the drive is physically failing, smartmontools might
> provide some info regarding failures, just an idea.
>
> On 11/15/08, Jim Hall <volunteer.jim@gmail.com> wrote:
>> I had so much fun at the meeting I only mentioned this briefly near the
>> end.
>>
>> I have a Debian Etch install with what appears to be a seriously trashed
>> MBR. No longer boots, even from floppy or CD. It's readable from a live CD
>> or as a slave drive. Also have another drive the same size. Methinks I
>> should be able to copy bad to good, reinstall Grub and have a working
>> drive
>> again. This is based on theoretical Q&A from a long time ago.
>>
>> Any command or program recommendations?
>>
>> Jim
>>
> _______________________________________________
>


That was interesting. Ran gpart, scanned and wrote new partition
table, reinstalled grub. No change <sigh>.

It looks like I'm back to the idea of getting this install onto
aanother drive. I have another drive the same size. Im leery of a bit
for bit clone because I don't know what the bad sector tables look
like. If I can do a "pick up the contents of a partition and drop it
in a partition on another drive", then it might work.

Anyway, I'm going to keep researching.

Jim