Data Loss in Windows due to Volume Block Manipulation during Boot Process

The manipulation of the volume blocks in Windows Vista and Windows 2003 server can result in volume corruption and ultimately the file loss. The volumes in this case may become un-mountable and the data stored on it becomes inaccessible. To overcome such problems a user is always suggested to go for File Recovery Software.

The File Manager provides a number of routines that allow you to manipulate volumes. For example, you can obtain information about a mounted volume, update the information on a volume, un-mount a mounted volume or place it offline, and so forth. Most applications don't need explicit access to volumes. The Standard File Package and the Finder handle most events related to the insertion and ejection of disks.

The programs which manipulate the volume blocks while booting the system, either directly or with the help of FSCTL_MOVE_FILE control code, might result into data loss and the hard drive volumes might become un-mountable. It can also happen that you might not be able to start Windows.

FSCTL_MOVE_FILE control code moves one or more virtual clusters of the file from one cluster to another in the same volume. It is used while defragmenting the hard drive.

Defragementation applications which work early in boot process, before Autochk.exe program completes, are examples of the type of program that might cause this problem.

Such a condition restricts the system from booting and ultimately results in loss of file.

Reason

Windows Server 2003 and Windows Vista use file in “volume name\System Volume Information” folder for storing information which is related to the snapshots which are created by Volume Shadow Copy service.

These system files contain name that have following GUID:

{3808876B-C176-4e48-B7AE-04046E6CC752}

If any utility changes the location of the blocks which are being used by these system files early in boot process, the problem could occur. This problem can also occur when a tool overwrites the blocks which are used by these files.

Solution

There are two options with the user to overcome this situation :

1. To carry out File Recovery to scan your hard drive and recover corrupt partitions and files from them.

2. Format your hard drive and reinstall the operating system that would solve the problem but cause further data loss.

The file recovery is best possible using third party File Recover Software. These software are efficient enough to scan your hard drive, locate the lost data and then recover it. These software are user friendly and safe.

Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery is a powerful tool to perform efficient recovery of your Windows files and partitions. It supports recovery from FAT16, FAT32, VFAT, NTFS and NTFS5 file system partitions. It is compatible with Windows Vista, 2003, XP and 2000.

About the Author:

Robin Watson a student of Mass Communication doing research on file recovery software. He is also a freelancer for Stellar Information Systems ltd. .

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Data Loss in Windows due to Volume Block Manipulation during Boot Process

File Recovery Software, File Recovery