Frequently
Asked QuestionsRecovering Files with the Disk Repair Station
The Disk Repair Station is located in the Malaspina Commons, across from the Reference Desk.
A program called “Bad Copy Pro”, installed on the Disk Repair Station, can very often recover files that have been corrupted, mistakenly deleted, or stored on damaged storage media (e.g. floppy disks, USB drives, CDs, etc.) BadCopy Pro works very well most of the time; however, there is no guarantee that it will be able to recover your files.
Consider using a USB drive (aka “flash drive”, “jump drive”, “keychain storage”). They are expensive ($60-$100), but are much more reliable than floppy disks, and will last a long time.) Remember, no storage medium is foolproof, so always save backup copies of your files in different locations, and print a copy of important drafts.
Please note: if you are prompted to format your floppy disk, choose “No”. Do not format your disk as you will lose all files on it irretrievably.
When do you need the Disk Repair station?
- When you can see a file listed on your floppy or other storage device, but you can't open it. Usually there will be a long delay while a program – e.g. Microsoft Word – tries to open the document, your floppy disk may make grinding, clicking or groaning noises, and you get an error message similar to:
- You can't open your floppy disk or other storage device in My
Computer to see your files listed. You may get one or both of the
following error messages:
"The disk in drive A: is not formatted.
Do you want to format it now?
Yes No”"There is no disk in the drive. Please insert a disk into drive A:” [appears when there already is a disk in the drive; i.e. the drive doesn't recognize the presence of your floppy disk.]
- You have deleted a file from your floppy or other storage device by mistake.
“Word was unable to read this document. It may be corrupt.
* Open and Repair the file.
* Open the file with the Text Recovery converter."