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

[Wrichik Basu]

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.

 

[pbuk]

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.

 

[Wrichik Basu]

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.

 

[anorlunda]

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?

 

[pbuk]

4GB is enough for Ubuntu.

 

[Wrichik Basu]

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?

 

[Wrichik Basu]

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!