Chkdsk & Quicktime Dilemma

[jdizzle921]

I recently have been trying to transfer some footage I took with a camera off a MicroSD card to my computer, but when I go to copy the file, I get an error bubble on the taskbar saying

"QuickTimePlayerMain: QuickTimePlayer.exe - Corrupt File
The file or directory /DCIM/100MEDIA/FILE001.MOV is corrupt and unreadable.
Please run the Chkdsk utility"


I opened up Chkdsk on my laptop and opened up Chkdsk as administrator (Whenever I just double clicked the command prompt box for Chkdsk would just appear then dissappear)

I tried to type in a command prompt after Chkdsk asked me the file type in the fist line but no input would occur. It then began to check itself and everything on the computer.

I would really like to retrieve the footage on the card since I will never be able to capture those memories again.

Any help is greatly appreciated guys.

 

[niemiro]

Hi,

I will work with you until we have a success. First, DO NOT copy any files to that SD card. That may irrepairably wipe your video. I will send you a link to repairing a .mov file soon. In the meantime, follow the instructions I gave to someone on how to use Recuva here: http://www.vistax64.com/media-center/269845-memory-card-error.html#post1231788

However, I think your best bet is to try and repair that file. Try this command from command prompt:

"chkdsk F:\ /f /r" (replace F:\ with correct drive letter)

Good luck and will give you more details soon, as I am busy now,

Richard

 

[jdizzle921]

Thanks Richard!!!


I downloaded and tried that recovery program and ran both scans. It hasn't worked thus far but I'm running another scan just to triple check.

I'll be trying the command prompt in a few minutes. I'll update on how things turn out.



EDIT: Started the command prompt and here is what I have so far.

I entered in the code you gave me above (F: was the correct drive actually ) and pressed ENTER

It gave me this message:

" The type of file system is FAT32"

"Volume Serial Number is 38A2=9F48
Windows if verifying files and folders...
The \DCIM\100MEDIA\FILE001.MOV entry contains a nonvalid link"

 

[jdizzle921]

Richard- I did the scan a few more times selecting different types of file types (Video, 'All', etc.) and haven't gotten anything yet.

Also tried the command prompt method again and received a different message. It seems that the comp. isn't finding anything wrong with the F: drive in regards to it needing repair and now I'm stumped...Haha

 

[niemiro]

Hi,

Sorry for my late reply, you slipped through the net! If this ever happens again, just send me/them a PM or reply again saying "Any suggestions?" This is not considered rude. It just brings the post back onto the todo list, or notifies us by PM.

Anyway, the first chkdsk error you got suggests a serious problem, though the file itself may be fine. This was probably casued by the card being removed from computer or camera while in use, a dodgy memory card, or unluckiness. There is only one piece of software that might have a very good chance of success, but at $149, it is a little expensive. Mov files are stored in hexadecimal. I would therfore try opening the .mov file in a hex editor (here is a good free one: How To Get Vista Hex Editor | HHD Software reviews and free downloads but you may use your own hex editor. When it asks for your e-mail, don't enter it, click submit then OK, click on the grey outer box, then click download, and you can get away without entering your e-mail!)

Open the .mov file in the hex editor, copy everything, then create a new hex file on your (Desktop) and put everything into this new hex file. Rename to .mov. Things are not looking good at this point, though you should try this.

Tell me what happens when you try to play this .mov file.

Will try and come up with more ideas,

Richard

 

[jdizzle921]

Ok, the hexeditor is all downloaded.

One thing that I figured I would note before trying the program is I popped the SD card back in to use the hexeditor and when I opened up the folder with the video file on the card this time, the normal Quicktime Tile logo appeared in it's full size like the file was openable to view. (Before the logo was very small and centered in the tile)

I'm thinking thats somewhat of a good sign perhaps?

I will try the hex program and see what I get.

Thanks for all the help so far, I really appreciate it.


EDIT: Tried the editor and it gave me the same message that I received when I tried opening up the file directly like I mentioned above:

" Error -2048: Couldn't open the file .mov because it is not a file that QuickTime understands. "

 

[niemiro]

Hi,

I have found a repair tool that may work. It is not freeware, and the trial watermarks the image and cuts the sound after 3 minutes, but it is worth a try. Here is the download link: Media Conversion Software: Digital Media Converter
and here is a tutorial for its use: Digital Media Converter : Repair Media Files

It is worth a try, but most repair tools only fix a few basic problems, but it is still worth a try.

Richard

 

[jdizzle921]

Downloaded and opened up the program.

When I chose the video file for repairing, it started then after about 30 seconds, it gave me:

" Repair Failed. File could not be opened for Repairing. "

I Googled around the 2048 Error and some users were saying that downloading a $20 add on from Apple would allow you to play WMV files and such with Quicktime. I wouldn't have a problem downloading it if I knew for sure that I could get things sorted out with that but it doesn't seem that I'm having a problem playing WMV's since I can't even get the file to open in the first place...Haha.

 

[jdizzle921]

I tried contacting a private data recovery technician and unfortunately their prices were a bit too high to really warrant sending the card to them considering they still charge even if nothing useful is recovered from the card.

Any more possible suggestions?

 

[niemiro]

Hi,

Sorry for my late reply again. Unfortunalty your problem is turning into a rather big one. You could try this demo-ware program here: Fix broken MOV file in Win 7, Fixing broken MOV file in Win 7

This will give us an idea whether your video can be repaired at home or not. If this does not work, then there is not much you can do at home. However, if it does work, then we will continue to work on this problem.

Richard