Al Trudeau

Thanks Richard.

Yes, I do have this version of Partition Magic, but I have to ask an
important question regarding this method: Will it still work with my XP OS?

I am using removeable SATA HDD racks, and this is how I keep the OS's from
fighting (Linux 'Ubuntu', Windows XP Professional, and Windows Vista
Ultimate). I am using two rack setups; one as the 'Primary' or 'Master' and
one as the 'Slave' or 'Secondary' HDD. So all I have to do (with the
computer off) is take one tray out, and put in another tray with the OS that
I want to work with in a particular computing session....

Sooo, after performing the steps that you laid out, will this drive ALSO be
recognized in Windows XP?

Thanks.

Al Trudeau


"Richard Urban" wrote:

> The drive has lost it's partition structure or it's partition "type".
>
> This happens occasionally. To my knowledge no one has ever figured out "why"
> it happens!
>
> The fix is not for the faint of heart and there is one thing that you
> absolutely need to know before you begin. What TYPE of FILE SYSTEM was being
> used on the hard drive? If you are 100% certain that you know there is (may
> be) a way to recover.
>
> There is a little DOS program included with Partition Magic 8.01. It is
> called ptedit. This program can only be used from within "pure DOS". When
> you use Partition Magic 8.01 to create the 2 disk floppy set (the DOS
> version of Partition Magic) this little program is placed in the set.
>
> You have to boot the computer from disk 1 of the floppy set. Then insert
> disk 2 when asked to. After you are in Partition Magic, EXIT from the
> program. You will be back at the A: prompt. Re-insert floppy disk 1.
>
> Now, type in ptedit and press enter. The program will start. This program
> allows you to change the drive "type". It is imperative that you are certain
> that you are working on the correct drive. You can choose drives at the top
> of the program window. Once you have chosen the correct drive, click in the
> **Line 1 | Type** box.
>
> This will energize the "Set_Type" box at the bottom. Now click the mouse on
> the "Set_Type" BOX. Look for the file system that you KNOW was being used.
> There are many choices. Choose the correct file system and follow the
> instructions from there.
>
> NOTE: If you choose the wrong file system, and commit the change, you may
> corrupt any information that is on the drive.
>
> I have successfully recovered about a dozen drives that have gone RAW, or
> otherwise lost their partition structure, by using this great little DOS
> program.
>
> NOTE: This program CAN NOT be used from within Windows.
>
> And "shame" on the computer manufacturers who deliver new computers without
> a floppy drive installed!
>
>
> There is also a Windows version of ptedit called ptedit32. The usage is the
> same. Search Google to find a source for this utility.
>
> Addendum:
>
> I have since been using Acronis Disk Director 10.0 2160 to do these type of
> repairs. I have successfully recovered a handful of drives that have become
> "confused" as to what they are and what they contain. This program is usable
> from within windows.
>
> --
>
>
> Regards,
>
> Richard Urban
> Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
> (For email, remove the obvious from my address)
>
>
>
> "Albert Trudeau" <AlbertTrudeau@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:9A99B2F4-AADF-4737-BD5C-306EE55B6F46@microsoft.com...
> > I'm still looking for a solution for my problem.
> >
> > I have installed a 'secondary' SATA HDD and though you can see it in the
> > "Disk Management" window (Computer Management Console), there isn't a
> > drive
> > letter assigned, nor can I assign a drive letter.
> >
> > The 'Volume' column shows the drive (without an assigned drive letter)
> > The 'Layout' column shows "Simple" (just like the C: drive)
> > The 'Type' is "Basic" (just like the C: drive)
> > The 'File System' is blank (whereas the C: drive shows NTFS)
> > The 'Status' is "Healthy, (Active, Primary Partition); (whereas the C:
> > drive
> > is listed as "Healthy (System, Boot, Page File, Active, Crash Dump,
> > Primary
> > Partition))
> >
> > The only anomaly listed above is under the "%Free" column; this is at 100%
> > -- which is, of course, false. This is my Backup D: drive that is listed
> > in
> > Windows XP Professional, etc.
> >
> > The 'pop-up' menu will only list 'Delete Volume' and 'Help'. All other
> > selections are unavailable (ghosted out).
> >
> > This 'glitch' is preventing me from running Vista full-time. I would love
> > to hear a solution as soon as possible. Thank you.
> >
> > Albert Trudeau
>
>