Computer Help and Support

Galileo126

(2,016 posts) Sat Oct 8, 2016, 11:45 AM Oct 2016

CRC error on my HD - UPDATE

Last edited Sat Oct 8, 2016, 04:40 PM - Edit history (1)

Hi folks.

While cloning my primary hard drive to my secondary as part of my weekly backup, I got a CRC error (Cyclic redundancy check). Chkdsk was ran, and Windows masked the errors, which is why it'll still boot up and access the files. I ran a SMART test on the primary, which failed (as well as a couple of other tests). Obviously, my primary drive is about to crap out.

Since I can't clone with the CRC error (I was using DriveImage XML in byte-to-byte cloning mode), I'm wanting to avoid rebuilding a new primary drive by reinstalling my OS, and moving my personal files from the secondary to the primary. (I ordered a replacement drive from Newegg, should be here in a couple of days.)

My question is: Since the CRC error negates cloning, what's the least painful way of saving items on the primary? My secondary drive is error free using SeaTools (Seagate).

Will another cloning program ignore the CRC error, or all will not?

OS: Win XP Pro (yeah, I know, shut up)
Desktop: Dell E510 (yeah, I know, shut up)
RAM: 4Gb
HD: Seagate 465 Gb SATA-II (both primary and secondary)

Thanks in advance for any advice! Let me know if you need more info...

ps: The failed clone attempt (this week) wiped out the last good clone on the secondary drive. Ugh. Now my secondary is empty right now, but I formatted it (NTFS) to start anew...

UPDATE: I tried Egnever's idea of using Macrium's Reflect Free software. It took 2 hours in clone mode, without any errors (CRC included)! All looks well on the secondary, and I was able to boot from it too. Looks like the bad sectors were ignored by Reflect.

My other idea was what ucrdem suggested, but I was going to use that if Macrium gave me an error.

THANKS! *WHEW* The secondary is now the primary, and the new HD will be the new secondary.

It's beer-thirty!

4 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

CRC error on my HD - UPDATE (Original Post) Galileo126 Oct 2016 OP

If your primary HD is now the only copy of your data, ucrdem Oct 2016 #1

ooof Egnever Oct 2016 #2

hey thanks for the update. ucrdem Oct 2016 #3

Nothing wrong with XP canetoad Oct 2016 #4

ucrdem

(15,703 posts)

1. If your primary HD is now the only copy of your data,

Reply to Galileo126 (Original post)

Sat Oct 8, 2016, 01:45 PM

Oct 2016

I'd stop using it immediately. If it's gonna go, it's gonna go soon and take everything on your PC with it. Not irrevocably for eternity maybe, but beyond any simple copy operation. Since you have an empty secondary, why not exchange the primary with the empty secondary, load your OS onto #2, and then very carefully move your data from the former primary to the new primary? Then when you get the drive, you can either use it as the secondary or primary.

Basically you're taking your chances by running your PC from a failing disk and you want to focus on getting your data off of it before it tanks.

Egnever

(21,506 posts)

2. ooof

Reply to Galileo126 (Original post)

Sat Oct 8, 2016, 01:47 PM

Oct 2016

losing the good clone you had is rough.

I have had decent success on damaged drives with http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx

If it fails as well the quickest way to move your personal data is to just copy the user folder. You will have to reinstall any software but unless you saved stuff to custom places that will get all your pics and docs. Be careful when restoring it though there is a hidden folder in there called app data that can bring over issues you had from your old install. I typically just drag the folders that have the data I want back to the new drive(pics docs etc) and leave out the app data folder.

The user folder is typically in c:users and then the folder will either have your user name or sometimes will be called default. there should only be a couple of user folders if you dig around in there you will will find the right one fairly quickly.

On the plus side as long as you don't erase the old drive you can always go back to it if you missed anything important.

Rebuilding is a pain but at least you have a nice fresh install that is error free.

ucrdem

(15,703 posts)

3. hey thanks for the update.

Reply to Galileo126 (Original post)

Sun Oct 9, 2016, 02:22 PM

Oct 2016

I was worried we wouldn't be hearing from you for a while.

canetoad

(18,122 posts)

4. Nothing wrong with XP

Reply to Galileo126 (Original post)

Mon Oct 10, 2016, 09:51 PM

Oct 2016

Still got it on my main work machine.

Could be something to do with SATA drivers.

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