Another back-up problem

[Cornish Jack]

Mate's computer - Dell, running Win XP. Mate, plus mate's offspring, manages to generate a total shambles. Solution - total factory-level reset. Large amount of personal and business files need to be backed-up. This was done using Roxio's CD burning program and the resultant CD was checked on the machine to ensure that all files were there and accessible. Success!!:ok:
Machine was then reset to original factory state using the Dell CD. Insert back-up CD to copy over needed files .... %*!%+^$&..ing Windows Data Protection (or some such) pops up to prevent the backed-up files being accessed!!!:{ Have tried to read the CD on two other machines and on one running Linux Suse 9.1. The folder is seen but nothing can be accessed.:ugh:
Any suggestions, please? ... apart from garotting Mr Gates and his software engineers - I can do that myself!!
TIA

[green granite]

Without the exact error message not certain, but try this:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/309408/en-us

[Cornish Jack]

Thank you GG.
Unfortunately the problem occurred on my mate's machine and I can't remember the EXACT error message. I've had a look at your ref. but it doesn't seem to cover the area I'm after. I shall try on his machine tomorrow and make notes of the messages etc. and report back ... assuming that he doesn't kill me for losing his files!!!:eek:

[BOAC]

You may find some respite here (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457020.aspx)

You may wish to register here (http://whitepapers.zdnet.co.uk/0,1000000651,260059551p,00.htm) to see if the download is useful?

Has your mate created a 'new' user profile identical to the original, ie name and password? I don't know if that will help, mind you:ugh:

Loads at a Google for Windows Data Protection.

[Cornish Jack]

Thank you BOAC.
I think that all these references are for an encrypting/decrypting process and that isn't involved here. The inaccessible files were simply copied from their original locations in 'My Documents' onto the CD - no encryption. When the CD was checked in 'My Computer' on the same machine they were all readable. When the machine was put back to original 'factory' state, attempting to look at the files in 'My Computer' or Windows Explorer produced the 'Data Protection' error message and a blank folder respectively. The right click 'properties' check shows the CD as being full.
There is a Windows function whereby you can disable this 'protection' but doing so for 'Windows Explorer' didn't help.
Aren't computers just wunnerful??? :ugh::ugh::ugh:

[BOAC]

So, did you set up the 'user' profile?

[Saab Dastard]

Is the CD readable on another PC? Is it possible that you need to re-install Roxio before you can read the CD?

[Cornish Jack]

Thanks again, BOAC.
No, haven't set up a new user profile (not at all sure that I would know how:\) - although I originally installed the machine, mate and offspring modified it afterwards (against my advice!! :ugh:). If that is a prerequisite, methinks mate is going to be an unhappy bunny!!
SD, also thanks - have tried two other 'pooters' - same result, CD seen but unreadable. Re. Roxio reinstall, the complete factory rehash included Roxio as the incorporated CD burner so I would have thought that it would have been able to talk to its own offspring but maybe not. Will be able to try it out again on the machine in question this afternoon so will see what the 'helpful' Windoze message was.

[green granite]

You could try asking the support desk at Roxio: http://www.roxio.co.uk/eng/support/default.html.
Also there are forums available on the Roxio support page that you could try.

[Cornish Jack]

Thanks GG may well give that a whirl.
This is being sent on the machine in question - CD inserted and it doesn't repeat the error message, just shows the drive but no file details. I have just found my scribbles from when it first occurred and the message related to Data Execution Prevention. The 'help' bubble which accompanied it took me to Ctl Panel - System - Advanced - Performance - Settings - Data Execution Prevention. I tried selecting DEP 'OFF' for Windows Explorer (the only one on offer) and that had no effect. I've come across this particular nonsense before but can't remember how or, indeed, if, I resolved it:{
Will see what Roxio can offer.

[Saab Dastard]

To disable DEP by modifying the Boot.ini file, change the /noexecute policy level to always off.

/NoExecute=AlwaysOff

SD

[Cornish Jack]

Thank you SD - I'm now back on my own machine (also XP) but, interestingly, a search for the boot.ini file produces only one instance and that is the boot,ini backup. Looking through that doesn't produce any entries for "/no execute policy". I will have a look on my mate's machine but that won't be until tuesday.

[hellsbrink]

boot.ini is a system file so if you have the folder options "hide protected operating system files (recommended)" ticked then you won't see it when you search. Also, there is another option for displaying "hidden files and folders" so if the settings say "do not show ..." then you might not see the file. The file itself should be one of the first ones you see under all the folders in your c: drive (not the Windoze folder).

I'm guessing you know all that, but you would not believe how many hair-pulling moments I've had because I hadn't set up someone else's machine to let me see everything.....

[Saab Dastard]

To confirm what hellsbrink has said - it is a hidden file at the root of the C: drive.

Note also that it is Read Only by default, so you will need to change the attribute to write changes (and reset to Read Only when done).

SD

[Cornish Jack]

hellsbrink and SD - thank you both.:uhoh::uhoh::\:\
I shall keep taking the tablets!! Yes, of course, I'd left the brain in neutral!!
In a rush at the moment but will attend to things this evening.:ugh::ugh:

[Cornish Jack]

Hmmm!! Still problematical!!
Have ensured that hidden files are displayed and search parameters include system files etc. but still can only find a back-up copy of boot.ini and that doesn't include any entries for a 'no execute' policy.
Had a play with Disk Management to see what it could tell me about the CD. It was recognised and described as 'healthy' and Properties showed the file system as .UDF with 112Mbs used and the remainder unused, however, nothing will allow access:ugh::ugh:
Looking at it using the original Roxio recording program also 'sees' the CD but when a copy was asked for it was refused. Peculiarly, the reason for refusal was that the use of Drive Letter Assignment (DLA) prevents any copying. DLA was suggested during the original burning (by the program) as a means of "allowing the CD to be read on other computers".:{
I've now totally run out of ideas but would welcome any suggestions from anyone else.
TIA

[hellsbrink]

Jack, one will give you a possible reason for your issues (now I know it's UDF) and will get back to you when I figure out how to convert it


http://support.microsoft.com/kb/321640/en-us

[hellsbrink]

UDF reader (free)

http://www.download.com/Adaptec-UDF-Reader-Driver/3000-2100_4-10021086.html

http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/win/29410

Worth a try, CJ

[Cornish Jack]

Hellsbrink - many, many thanks.
The UDF reader looks promising. Will be back on the problem machine this afternoon so will give it a whirl and report back. I reckon that I owe you a beer or two for the research input - much appreciated:ok:

[Cornish Jack]

...... to continue ...
Both downloads completed and installed on this (the problem) machine. Unfortunately, no improvement:{ The downloads were both updates for Roxio and it still refuses to acknowledge its own offspring:mad:
While not being able to recover the files is irritating in itself, even more so is the fact that the parent programme promotes the problem:mad:
The club hammer solution is becoming increasingly attractive!!!:ugh:

[hellsbrink]

http://www.smart-projects.net/udf-reader.php

[Cornish Jack]

Again, many thanks, hellsbrink.
Downloaded the isobuster and installed it; looked at the problem CD and it 'saw' the folders and the two recording sessions but couldn't extract the files.
The pop-up box suggested purchasing a licence but that would seem to negate the point of a 'free' trial. I'll see how desperate my mate is for recovering his data. The users opinions appear to be universally positive so it might be worth it.

[hellsbrink]

http://www.cdroller.com/