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Well today when I started my Windows 8 desktop it went to diagnosing/automatic repair (no reason, just on at start up it did this automatically). It now says something like: repair can not repair this computer automatically. I only have the option to do system restore it seems (everything else doesnt work :-[). They give me an option to Reset my system, but I can't do this as I will lose all my data.

Now comes the worst: I didn't backup the wallet. How do I get my bitcoins back safe?
If I do a system restore, it says it will uninstall my programs but keep my personal data? Does this mean the wallet.dat will be saved and it will just uninstall Multibit? (client I used).

Please help me what I need to do, yes i am an idiot for not creating back up, life lesson. Please help me out on this one as the amount is pretty severe.



0.25 BTC reward for the solution

You should be able to either start up Windows in recovery mode or use a linux boot CDROM (for example Knoppix) to access the files on your hard drive.
From there you could copy the wallet.dat file to a memory stick (I hope you know where to find the file...). Of course any other important files can and should be copied as well.

Good luck!

Onkel Paul

Can  you give me a little bit more in this Linux Boot CDROM, never heard of this. How / where do I get this ? I was looking to access Safe Mode earlier like you describe here. Does it only work with this CDR? or can I use the Windows 8 installation disk for this aswell ? (for example, have not tried this as I lost the installation disk somewhere in my house, will recover that later this day though i am sure)

This should help some what...

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/31804/the-10-cleverest-ways-to-use-linux-to-fix-your-windows-pc/

The bootable disk let you run a Linux OS out of RAM which then can be used to access your files on your windows disk...

There is a section on that url called - Access or Backup Files from Your Dead Windows PC

This goes into further detail in terms of mounting your windows HDD under the boot disk.

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/

So essentially you need to download the boot disk, burn it to cd, make sure you system is set to boot from CD first (set in the BIOS) and then the Linux OS will load.

The above link will then allow you to find you wallet.dat file and take it off - copy it over to a thumb drive or external HDD.

What client were you using, do you know where you wallet.dat file is located on your windows hdd/partition?

I'm actually not a Windows expert, only know as much as needed to fix the Windows PCs of family members (argh, why don't they listen to me when I recommend Linux?).
My experiences with Windows recovery/installation CDs have been mixed, their only purpose seems to be to install a squeaky clean Windows on a machine, but I don't know how to use them for serious data recovery.

@beltin's advice should lead you a bit further on how to actually do it.

Onkel Paul

The data should be in tact. It sounds like the systems files may have become corrupted, did you carry out any windows updates recently?

9/10 when I patch a windows server it takes forever and sometimes get a corrupted file that I need to repair.

However, yum update, reboot if new kernel - 10 minute job :-)

Also back up your wallet + private key from now. In the "cloud" somewhere if its secure.

Just read your post again - dont try and do anything Windows says without trying to recover your file yourself first using boot disk.

If you have another pc, take the hard disk out, plug it into another windows 7/8 pc, and copy the wallet.dat over. Then put everything back, do a restore, and done.

Thanks for the help, jbrnt I highly appriciate it.
Will the data just show up, like memory stick files no difficult things if i put it in my WI 7 PC?( i have a seperate wi7 pc)
Is it easy to take a HD out without breaking the entire pc in components?

Sorry for these beginner questions, i am planning this very seriously before I execute.

The easiest way to rescue your wallet without disassembling your PC would be to install Puppy Linux on a USB stick and boot off of it. Then it's just a matter of navigating to your windows partition and wallet file, and copying it to your USB drive.

I've done this before - the whole process takes less than 20 minutes if you know what you're doing.
If you need live help with any of those steps, just PM me.

even easier and smaller, use slax.

slax.org, download it, unzip it on a flash drive, go to boot folder, there is a .bat script ready for you to click, after finishing take the usb to the computer with the coins.

Go to quick boot (usually F12, Select the usb drive, slax boots, press enter if stuck at terminal, use the file manager to browse your hdd and just grab the wallet, voila

- Lophie

The hard disk is usually mounted on a frame with two screws on either side. You just have to unplug the 2 cables, one power one sata data cable, unscrew 4 screws and slide it out. Sometimes, the hard disk is mounted on a removable frame which is fixed by one 1 or 2 screws. If it is not on a removable frame, the tricky bit is reaching the hard disk screws on the blind side.

After the hard disk is free, open the other working pc, and unplug the dvdrom's cables on the dvdrom's end not on the motherboard end. Plug the cables into the hard disk, rest the hard disk on a piece of paper to prevent short circuit, and switch on computer.

When the windows bootup, there will be new drives automatically added. Find and copy wallet.dat file. Make multiple copies to different usb flash drives if you want. Then switch off computer, and put everything back.

If you are not entirely sure what to do, takes photos of the inside of the computer before you begin. When you are stuck, post the photos here and I am sure loads of members can help.

It would be easier for you to make a boot disc and use that instead of taking your PC apart if you're unsure about taking your PC apart.

Ok guys. I managed to plug in my HD into my WI 7 PC. HUGE ISSUE: I dont see MultiBit AT ALL. No shortcut in the Desktop folder, which i 100% had, no data in program files. Help? Where is it located? Is it gone?

If you go to My Computer what disks do you see?

Can you see a new one that isnt normally there?

Read this  http://dottech.org/94596/windows-how-to-access-files-documents-data-when-windows-crash/

edit:  
https://multibit.org/en/help/v0.5/help_support_missingWallets.html

Use your computer's search tool to find ".wallet" and include hidden directories - you should see the automatically generated backups.

https://multibit.org/en/help/v0.5/help_troubleshooting.html

Where MultiBit stores your data

MultiBit stores user specific data such as logs and the default multibit.wallet in a "user data directory". This directory can be worked out as follows:

1.Check the the very top of the "Messages" tab for a message like "The user data directory is '/Users/jim/Library/Application Support/MultiBit'"
2.Navigate to the MultiBit installation directory and check for a file called "multibit.properties". If there is, use this directory as the user data directory. This is for backwards compatibility and for running everything from a USB drive.
3.If none of these reveal the answer, use the technical approach given below.

Technical approach

This section is for technical users proficient with accessing environment variables. These are enclosed in "[]" such that [APPDATA] references the APPDATA environment variable.
Windows

Try one of the following locations, remembering that you may need to enable hidden directories

    [APPDATA]/MultiBit. Windows (7,8): C:\Documents and Settings\jim\AppData\Roaming\MultiBit
    [APPDATA]/MultiBit. Windows (XP and below): C:\Documents and Settings\jim\Application Data\MultiBit


Ps: Try to unhide folders first, Maybe that wallet file is still there

Open Folder option -> Click on "View"  -> Select "Show hidden files,folders and drives"

The only thing missing on my computer is MultiBit. Literally EVERYTHING is present except multibit and the .wallet files. How is this even possible, it just vanished.. Not even the desktop shortcut is visible.. EVERYTHING multibit just vanished.. is this permanent corrupted data?  :-[

Can you do a search for it?

I can help poke around if you like using TeamViewer?

I would do a file search on the windows8 drive form "multibit.wallet" file. Remember to select options like:
Search all file types, hidden files, entire drive.... Something like that...

If you moved the hard drive from computer A to computer B and then booted computer B from its pre-existing drive, you should not expect to see multibit on your desktop.

That is because you are looking at computer B's desktop, not computer A's.

What you need to do is go into file manager, and locate the hard drive from computer A.  Then search for MultiBit under that path.

hint: ???/Library/Application Support/MultiBit/

There is no "documents and settings" on windows 7 and 8. I think it is just "users"

So, try to look for:
<drive>\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\MultiBit
or
<drive>\Users\<username>\Library\Application Support\MultiBit

Yes. That is what I meant: the Desktop directory from Computer A is not showing Multibit. All the other shortcuts and from Computer A are visible though.
Every directory I tried to look for the wallet, in the drive of Computer A in this case, NOWHERE multibit is found. I did have it in AppData Roaming (my wallets), Program Files (x86) (installed), and desktop (shortcut). NONE is visible in my drive. :(

Have you enabled view hidden files and folders?
http://m.wikihow.com/Unhide-Folders-in-Windows-7

Yes. These are unhidden.

I want to make clear I am absolutely not hacked: my address is safe (all coins are still in the address, @ Blockchain). Never downloaded anything but MultiBit on the computer. Daily scanning.

If you are absolutely sure it is not on the hard disk, it may have been deleted when computer crashed.
It is time to download a file recovery software...

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/filerecovery/tp/free-file-recovery-programs.htm
I would try Recuva and/or EaseUS

DO NOT use any other ones available on the internet. They may steal wallets.

Doing a scan now (deep scan enabled aswell). Reward is upped to 0.5 BTC. Man I really hope this works. Last hope I guess, would loading my computer in safe mode make any difference at all?  :-\

You can try http://www.stellarinfo.com/ too  (It's a paid software)

search for .wallet file.

One guy tried it and found wallet file but had some problems (thread is not updated)

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=159321.0

No difference in the chance of finding the wallet, safe mode might even be slower

New updates: some other programs are ''missing'' aswell. FireFox is gone aswell. Was in the DIR\Program Files (x86) of my crashed PC.
Just noticing this, what could have happened? The entire file folder in Program Files of FireFox is gone aswell (yes I checked x86 and normal Program Files, its really gone)

EDIT: Skype & Chrome aswell. Did it erase parts of my HD?

Try looking in the "\system volume information" folders. Windows search typically does NOT include those folders.  If you're lucky you'll find copies of your wallet there.

Permission Denied. How do I fix this?

Looks like your hard disk partition table (file indexing table) crashed. Files are still on the hard disk, but the index is lost, so windows don't know they existed, that may be why you cannot see them

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/47017-63-system-volume-information-folder-access-denied-windows

Also this tool may help.  Saved me a few times:
http://nicbedford.co.uk/software/systemrestoreexplorer/

Doesn't let me add my self in the Security Tab. Followed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjtvinInks4 tutorial.
In the guide: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/47017-63-system-volume-information-folder-access-denied-windows
It doesnt show up:

2) Right-click "_restore{xxx-xxx-xxx-xxx-xxx}"

Just accessed Sys Volume Info. No wallets.

How about the recovery scan? Any luck?

Are you sure you have the correct partition? It sounds like you are looking at a different partition than the one that holds your windows 8 installation. You may be looking at a partition from your win 7 drive.

I suppose you may just don't have permission to view some user folders in Program Files (old harddisk).

So you can try to take full ownership of Program Files (old harddisk) first by following the steps here:

http://superuser.com/questions/210993/lack-of-permission-to-open-user-folder

Hope this can helps.

I am looking at the right partition unfortunately 100%. When I plug in the hdd from the crashed wi8 pc is shows up as "e:/". All other files are present, I now found a multibit shortcut in menu start and it leads to program files x86. Havent looked at the results of the deep scan, done with work in 3 hours. Really a nightmare guys I really hope any of you guys will have the answer. Bounty is 0,5btc

Very simple:

1. Unplug your existing harddrive.
2. Plug an empty harddrive.
3. Install windows
4. Plug your old haddrive and search for the wallet file

You should stop using your win 8 hard drive. Shut down your computer and physically disconnect the SATA and power cables. Then contact a professional data recovery company and get them to look at it. This is much better than offering a bounty to strangers on the Internet.

You are right, thanks for the advice, I don't write or change anything on this drive. I have back upped the drive.
Risk with a professional data recovery company is that they will have access to those coins. I hope I can figure it out myself, but indeed the final solution is this.

Did you have your wallet password protected or not? If you did you should be fine with professional data recovery services, if not you may have not be able to trust them not to steal your coins if they do find your wallet. What recovery program are you using at the moment?

Perhaps the Multibit folder was not deleted but somehow moved to a different path on the HD.

So, one more thing definitely worth trying - especially as it takes only a couple minutes:

Get "Everything Search" (portable version) from http://www.voidtools.com/
And just search for "multibit".  The search is extremely fast and comprehensive.

Hey fanaat,

Always remember this thing, Never give up until you succeed. There is a way always for any problem. If you had wallet file in the old hard drive, then there is no way it will be removed. There will be the wallet.dat file some or other way in the pc.

Just use file recovery software to get the wallet back. This happened to us once on early time at 2012, which one of worker corrupted the whole system, the whole hard disk got corrupted, and all the .dat files were corrupted. But then, after 3 days of hard search using several softwares, we finally discovered it. The same problem happened to you again.

Don't format completely, as you will loose all the files. Just use recovery software, that is the best thing to get back your files completely. It is sad that at the age of 18, it will be very painful to loose $35k.

Just try using different ways. I wish i can suggest you, but the process is very lengthy and some of the suggestions are already given my pro members here and i appreciate that. Just try file recovery software, that should be the best thing.

you should try this
assuming its not encrypted

Make sure if you are able to recover the wallet for sure using the professional data recovery service, if not you will be loosing another 750 euros, that will be more painful. I wish you good luck.

The file is definetly hidden in the hard disk, but you need someone experience to recover it, because you are just doing the wrong step according to your message, or be ready to risk your coins.

I think it is unlikely that your harddisk has a hardware fault or platter failure.
Cos it is fairly new and you haven't mentioned any strange noise from the hard disk.

I would try more reliable recovery software first, but it is your call.
Best of luck!

SDFSDF

Try as many recommended scanning/recovery applications you can find.

I've known people to drop their external disk and knock the head off it and manage to send the HDD away to get the data recovered off it.

There is plenty of hope still.

Not sure but try last known good configuration it worked for me but my situation was different and also you can try to take your computer in safe mode in networking and there get the wallet backup and and then hen reinstall your windows !!!

do you know where to look for the wallet?
search option won't always find the file on your hd if the files are not indexed.
i think multibit does not install itself in program files by default.

enable showing hidden folders and go here:

C:/users/*user*/AppData<- hidden folder/Roaming/Multibit


hope this helps :)


 

Think he's already tried that...

it was worth a shot :)

Any joy?

There is a paid package for hard disc recovery you can buy at www.grc.com.  It has been around for years.  If you have thousands of dollars in bitcoins, it is worth the $89.

OP don't leave us in the dark

did you get your coins back?