Windows 2003 server failure

[bckauffs]

New to this site! Not sure where to place this thread

2003 server failed a couple of weeks back. I had been syncing the data onto an external DNS that does not connect to the domain. 99% recovered except for about 24 files that we cannot open, mostly XLS and DOC files.

We get that the files cannot be opened due to being locked, access denied. Any ideas on how we can move/copy or save these files.

Thanks if someone can help

 

[Zelandakh]

Take ownership first then change perms.

 

[bckauffs]

Thanks but already attempted this!

Also, forgot to mention that we have a new DELL server with 2003 and all updates. Still cannot change the permissions or add new.

The NAS is a D-Link DNS-323

 

[ArizonaGeek]

You can try some freeware called Unlocker it cant hurt to try for your situation, at least it's free. I had to move 3tb worth of data off a server and this worked on most of the files, a few it didn't.

Cheers
Rob

The answer is always "PEBKAC!

 

[bckauffs]

Thanks for unlocker idea but that was one of my first things to try.

Anyone know if I place these drives in a Linux box if I could force them to unlock? The DNS-323 uses the linux format.

 

[cmeagan656]

It sounds like the server crashed while users or your backup program had those files open.

Close all programs and use only Explorer. For the .doc and .xls files that are locked look in the folder that they are in for files with a ~ before them and delete those. The file with the ~ before it is what is causing those files to lock.

For example, if you have a file named budget09.xls that is locked look for a file named ~$Budget09.xls in the same folder and delete it.

Cheers.

 

[Amiel]

Amazing how so many problems with Windows OS's are resolved using some 'magical solution software' from some obscure web site on the internet....

First thing I would try is to physically move the drive to another machine capable of reading NTFS partitions. Yes, Linux can ...

Second, there is a thing called DFS (distributed file system) in Windows 2003 and I would wonder if this was not being utilized and does not come into play in this situation.


My guess is the there is little beyond physically moving the drive that will give you much benefit in this. All you really need to do is circumvent the permissions restrictions of the OS. Provided that the dysfunction is limited to OS induced causes vs. physical drive failure.

Amiel Summers

 

[bckauffs]

The resolution was to boot with a linux kernel and access the files. All have been recovered and replaced.

Unknown how or why these files had become locked. No computer was on with these opened and found no ~ files to remove.

Thanks for all replies!

This site is really free?
Bob