Help Ubuntu 20.04: File got corrupted when moving to external HDD

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a user experiencing file corruption after moving a video file from a laptop to an external HDD using Ubuntu 20.04. The user seeks assistance in recovering the corrupted file, which is a significant screen recording. The scope includes troubleshooting, data recovery methods, and user experiences with file management on Ubuntu.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster describes a failed file transfer resulting in a corrupted .mp4 file, expressing urgency for recovery options.
  • One participant suggests rebooting from a live boot Ubuntu USB stick and using extundelete for recovery.
  • Another participant confirms the need for a larger pen drive to run the recovery tool, while the original poster initially only has a smaller pen drive available.
  • A later reply indicates that a 4 GB pen drive is sufficient for Ubuntu, suggesting the original poster can proceed with recovery.
  • The original poster later finds an 8 GB pen drive and inquires about the steps to follow after installing extundelete, expressing concern about potential harm to existing data.
  • The original poster updates that they no longer need to recover the file as a friend has a copy of the recording.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the steps to take for recovery using extundelete, but there is a discussion about the availability of appropriate hardware (pen drives) for the recovery process. The original poster's urgency and eventual resolution through a friend's recording indicate a shift in focus away from the technical recovery discussion.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the original poster's initial lack of a suitable pen drive for recovery and the uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of extundelete in this specific case of file corruption.

Who May Find This Useful

Users experiencing file corruption during transfers on Ubuntu, those interested in data recovery methods, and individuals seeking advice on file management practices.

Wrichik Basu
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I wanted to move one file from my laptop to an external HDD. Using the file manager, I started the move operation; and after it completed successfully, I unmounted the HDD. When I plugged the HDD to our Windows 7 desktop, I found that the file was corrupt! The 8 GB .mp4 file had reduced to 372 MB, and could no longer be played by VLC.

The file was very important — it was a screen recording that I was supposed to share with my classmates. I am tearing off my hairs for doing a move operation instead of copying, but I really need some help now. I tried testdisk on Ubuntu, but it showed a deleted file of 10 MB size. Anything else I can do?

P.S.: I dislike putting any sense of urgency in the thread title/body, but this time I had to make an exception.
 
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  1. Shut down the system.
  2. Reboot from a live boot Ubuntu USB stick (if you don't have one, prepare one from the Windows desktop).
  3. Install and run extundelete.
 
pbuk said:
  1. Shut down the system.
  2. Reboot from a live boot Ubuntu USB stick (if you don't have one, prepare one from the Windows desktop).
  3. Install and run extundelete.
That won't be possible, I am afraid. The 16 GB pen drive is not with me at the moment. I only have a 4 GB pen drive.
 
Wrichik Basu said:
That won't be possible, I am afraid. The 16 GB pen drive is not with me at the moment. I only have a 4 GB pen drive.
Can't you leave it shut down until you do have the 16GB pen drive?
 
4GB is enough for Ubuntu.
 
Okay, I found an 8 GB pen drive. I have already shutdown the laptop. What steps do I need to follow after installing extundelete? It won't harm existing data, right?
 
Just wanted to post an update that after all, I don't have to take all the trouble. One of my friends too recorded the class, so this time, he will share the recording. Phew!
 
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