Transferring Windows 10 backup files to Trisquel
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When trying to transfer my Windows 10 backup files on my external hard drive to my computer that is running Trisquel I had a lot of my files pretty unorganized inside of zip files. I have a lot of my files scattered about inside of approximately 1500 zip files. Is there an easier way to organize my files again so that I can get all of my Word documents back (probably what I need the most)? I did get some back but even then the files wouldn't open in LibreOffice Writer. Or is there a way to access the files again from my hard drive on my computer since all I did was an OS switch? I didn't see my files anywhere, that's why I transferred them from the external hard drive containing the backup. When I talked to a guy from Seagate (the manufacturer of the external hard drive) he said that I may be able to purchase some kind of converter to change the format of my hard drive from NTFS to XFS. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Unfortunately, the software that goes with the external hard drive doesn't support Linux. Only one partition on my hard drive is formatted in NTFS and that is the Microsoft Windows Recovery Environment. I have four other partitions. They are a EFI system partition with FAT (32 bit version) format, a Microsoft Reserved partition with an unknown format, a Basic Data partition with Ext4 (version 1.0) format, and a Microsoft Windows Recovery Environment with a Swap (version 2) format. Also, if my wording is a little off please let me know so I can be clearer to people in the future.
I'll do my best to help, although I'm no expert. By the way, your wording seems superb to me- a little dense, but I'd be a hypocrite to condemn that.
1. It would be possible to find and make copies of all MS Word Documents in the zip files, although I can't give you a solution straight away. At worst, a short script would do the job (though maybe not particularly fast).
2. Do you know how old the documents are? It wouldn't be surprising if Writer couldn't open a file, but neither can I say I've had trouble with opening files from the past decade.
3. The files might still be on your hard drive, but it seems unlikely. If you selected the "Use full disk" (or whatever the precise term is) option in the Trisquel installer, it'd be less effort to use your backups than to try and get your files back from the dead. If you need something you didn't back up, though, there may still be hope that you can recover *some* files from your hard drive.
4. Generally, it's not a good idea 'buy' software, or even get free copies of such software. Unless otherwise specified, any software you purchase as if it were a product is probably proprietary, and that stuff can be nasty (all the more so if it's funded by its victims).
In any case, I'm not sure you would need such software. Trisquel, as well as many other GNU/Linux distributions, has near-perfect NTFS support. You should be able to handle NTFS drives/partitions just like any other, without the need to convert them to XFS. If you can't see the files, it's safe to assume you'll need an undeletion tool to get them back.
I hope that helps!
What do you mean by a short script would do the job? The documents are only around 3 years old if that, I believe. I usually keep it fairly thin by deleting old stuff I know I don't need anymore. Is there an undeletion tool that you recommend for recovering my files on my hard drive? It's alright if you can't think of one off of the top of your head, I can do some research on my own. Thanks!
Try SystemRescueCD:
http://www.system-rescue-cd.org/
-- Testdisk and PhotoRec
http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/TestDisk
http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/PhotoRec
You say you can't open your backup files. They are compressed (zip). Is there a problem with extracting files or reading the extracted files in Libre Office?
Thanks for the links I'll check them out. If I try to open the files in LibreOffice Writer I have a pop up window say, "General error. General input/output error." If I try to open the files in my documents under home I get a pop up window in archive manager say that there is no applications available to open the file and to click "Show other applications" for more options or "find applications online" to install a new application. Only thing is there is no option of "find applications online" and I've tried many of the available applications already.
OpenDocument files are ZIP compressed files: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenDocument_technical_specification#Document_representation
It makes little sense to zip them again (no additional gain).
Check that you have the proper unarchiver installed.
Hello again, I installed the unarchiver you mentioned as well as aptitude since it was recommended to do so with unzip. I was able to extract many word files from the archive manager into my documents and I'm able to open them in LibreOffice now. However, it takes a long time to fish through my 1500 zip files to find the word files and other files most relevant to me and extract them. That's why I've also been trying out photorec and testdisk to hopefully speed things up. Unfortunately, I have no experience with this kind of computer work and I don't want to mess my hard drive up if it's not already and create a bigger problem than what I started with. I've read quite a bit of documentation and some of the forum topics on testdisk but I still am a bit lost. What comes up in my terminal doesn't always match the documentation that is in the testdisk step by step page. For example, the step by step page shows more options than I have available after doing a deeper search in Testdisk. The only options I have is to delete or make primary partition with the partitions that were recovered. I had no idea that switching to Trisquel was going to be so much work. This is only one of many problems that I've been having. Other problems include but are not limited to, sometimes when opening a tab in my browser it doesn't show the tab up top to switch between tabs (for all I know I could have a bunch of them open and not even know it), sound that carries over from one page on the internet to multiple others even when I pause the video, my browser simply not working because one or more of my CPU cores are running at or near 100% under resources in system monitor in system settings, my keyboard sometimes won't let me type anything and certain search bars let me type more than others when I open a new tab or on any website in general, often pages on the internet jump back up to the top of an article I'm reading at random which makes it almost if not impossible to read online, and my built in mouse doesn't work all the time. I hate to say it but if I can't get my computer back to functioning normally I might have to get my computer fixed through geek squad which could cost anywhere from $30-$200 according to the manager (if they even know what to do, I told them about the problems I was having and they said they don't know much about linux and to ask the forums or try another web browser because there's probably a bug in the program. I also asked them about any recommended anti virus software but they said linux doesn't really get viruses or malware. I'd like to be on the safe side and still have something in place even if just a VPN.) or go back to Windows if I'm able to at this point [when I start my computer up it says, "Recovery Your PC/Device needs to be repaired A required device isn't connected or can't be accessed. Error code: 0xc000000f You'll need to use recovery tools If you don't have any installation media (like a disc or USB device), contact your PC/Device manufacturer. Press Enter to try again Press F8 for Startup Settings Press Esc for UEFI Firmware Settings." I then press Esc which takes me to another window where there's a list with things such as BIOS Settings, Boot options, etc. I go to boot options and this takes me to another window where I can choose an OS to boot. If I try Windows it takes me right back to the window that popped up as soon as I turned on my computer but if I hit enter over Trisquel it takes me to GRUB where I can boot into Trisquel but not into Windows again even though it gives me the option.] I'm going to be starting a summer class soon that will require a laptop with a bunch of requirements since it's an intro to computer science class that will require programming and probably online homework. I can't have my computer acting like this for my summer class and I'm beginning to wonder if this idea was a mistake. I was trying to do the right thing but maybe I'm not experienced with this kind of stuff enough yet. Maybe it would be easier to buy a new laptop off of ThinkPenguin or some other website that is more free software friendly. I don't even know if that would fix the problems I'm having but if it did then maybe I'm better off buying one of those and selling my laptop after I get it fixed by someone. At first I liked learning as I go by fixing the problems but I wonder if I'm wasting too much time. Can anyone offer any suggestions to this forum topic or to whether or not it seems like a good idea to get my laptop repaired by someone and buy one that is more free software friendly? I only have about a month and a half before my class starts. Thank you all for your time.
Hi again!
Firstly, in regards to the fishing through the zips, I've almost got the script for that ready- I should have mentioned it, but I wasn't sure if you were still here. I'll post it as soon as I finish it.
As for your computer woes, they are unfortunately common in switching OSes. However, there appears to be hope for resolving them.
I'm reasonably certain sounds carrying between pages in the browser is normal functionality. There's likely a setting to stop it happening, if that's the case- I'll get back to you unless somebody else can be of more assistance.
The problem with pausing the video not stopping sound, the keyboard randomly freezing, (maybe) the tabs not showing up, and the browser sometimes locking because of high CPU usage are possibly signs of a slow computer. Do you know how much RAM you have and what processor you're using- you can find them under 'Details' in system settings if necessary.
The built in mouse (I presume a touchpad) not working could be one of several things. Is it completely unusable, not clickable but movable, or just a pain to use?
For the pages randomly jumping to the top, I can't say I have a clue. There might be a trigger, such as touching the mouse (to scroll down, or just be accident) or rubbing an arm/hand on the keyboard. If not, then I honestly don't know.
EDIT: I've attached the script. To use it, save it in your Downloads folder. Open a terminal in the folder where all the zips are (right-click inside the folder, and select 'Open in Terminal'), then type (no quotes) '~/Downloads/gmsWord.sh' or- if your zips don't have a main folder buried inside like most do- '~/Downloads/gmsWord.sh -l'. This will copy all of the Word docs, in the original directory structure, to a folder called 'DocsFound' inside your Downloads.
| Allegato | Dimensione |
|---|---|
| gmsWord.sh | 1.52 KB |
Hi there, thanks for creating that script for me I really appreciate it! Under details in system settings I have 7.7 GiB of memory. I'm not sure if that is the RAM but I think so. Sounds like the right number. The processor is Intel® Core™ i5-4210U CPU @ 1.70GHz × 4. The mouse is working most of the time it just doesn't click always when you want it to or it might be really delayed in its reaction time. That may be an issue caused by something else though such as when the computer is under a lot of stress during multiple programs being open. I never had any of these problems when I had Windows 10 though and I had that for at least a couple years. As far as the page jumping goes, I know it's not caused by accidentally rubbing or touching anything because often I don't even have my hands or arms on the keyboard when reading an article until I have to scroll down and its happened before when there is no contact.
You're welcome- I've been chronically bored lately, so it was nice to have something do.
Magic Banana covered most of what's worth noting, so I'll just note what else I can think of:
*It definitely sounds as though the computer might be under a lot of stress, especially given the mouse. It is somewhat strange though, given the amount of RAM (it was memory) and the processor, as well as the fact that Windows 10 worked fine.
*Just out of curiosity, do the page jumps ever occur when after a page is done loading? Firefox sometimes has a habit of shifting around while loading, at least on GNU/Linux.
Yes the page jumps occur even after a page loads. Sometimes I can't even finish an article without having to pull it up on my phone because it will pull up to the top after scrolling back to my spot within seconds.
I was unable to get that terminal to work. I did just as you said, and tried it both ways even but every time the terminal said permission denied. I have a main folder called the name of my computer where I have another folder that contains another set of 5 backup folders. I clicked in the white space inside every folder but still no luck. Also not sure if this helps but when I try to open your attachment in my downloads through LibreOffice or when I tried to open it in a new tab directly from the forum the tab and the document would say, "Forbidden You don't have permission to access /files/gmsWord.sh on this server."
I'll post the source of the script, with modified instructions, below. That was my fault- for some odd reason, attachments to the forum don't seem to give permission. I should have thought about that BEFORE posting the file. I am extremely sorry.
The script is now at http://pastebin.ca/3792624. The site works without JS enabled, if necessary.
To use it, copy the text in the paste (the code in the big box in the middle, without the line numbers) into a text editor, such as Gedit (not LibreOffice). Save the file as "gmsWord.sh" (no quotes) inside your Downloads folder, and then open a terminal inside the main folder you mentioned above. Run the following two commands, once again without quotes:
"chmod +x ~/Downloads/gmsWord.sh"
"~/Downloads/gmsWord.sh"
Sorry once again, and hopefully it works this time!
No need to be sorry, I just appreciate the help in any way. It didn't quite work but it appears that it is close. I tried the two commands in order by opening a terminal inside the main folder as well as an attempt inside the backup folder inside the main folder and an attempt in one of the five backup folders, that contain zips in each, that is inside the backup folder inside the main folder. Hopefully that's not too confusing. The terminal would say, "Handling Archive ./Backup Set 2017-02-22 193336/Backup Files 2017-02-23 093652/Backup files 8.zip..." and then repeat this many times but just a different zip number. I checked my Downloads folder for a folder called Docs each time but there was nothing inside the Docs folder that was created in the each of the three attempts. I had to move the Docs folder to the trash each time I would make an attempt otherwise the terminal would give me an error message and nothing would happen. Even though I didn't think this would help, I moved my main folder over to Downloads to see if that would make a difference but it didn't.
Thank you for being so patient with this- it is impossible to say with words how much I appreciate it, especially as a novice. I should have posted some sort of reply earlier, looking back, but there is little I can do now. I hope it hasn't caused any trouble.
In any case, what is happening appears quite strange. Your description of the file organization isn't confusing in the slightest, but for some reason the script appears to be finding the archives just fine and then failing to pick up on Word documents inside them. I've written a diagnostic script, uploaded at http://pastebin.ca/3793824, which should hopefully help. Before you run it though, be warned that the output will (if it works properly) list the names of all the files in your backups. It won't print what's inside them, but please don't hesitate to just say if you don't feel comfortable publishing the names of all your files- I know I wouldn't, and others would certainly feel the same.
Continuing on, if you are OK with the caveat: the script works much the same as before. The only difference is where the file is published (see above), and the command you have to run, which is (no quotes) "~/Downloads/gmsWord.sh > ~/Downloads/output". If it gives you a permission denied error, you'll need to run the 'chmod' command printed above again- "chmod +x ~/Downloads/gmsWord.sh"- but apart from that, there shouldn't be much, if any, output to the screen. The stuff that might then shed some light on the original script failing is what's in the 'output' file in your Downloads folder- open that with Gedit, and then (once again, only if you feel comfortable with doing so) paste it into a comment on this thread.
Hi there, would there possibly be another way to diagnose the problem without having to list all of my backup file names? I'd prefer to not publish them if possible. This script did work though, I got the output file in my Downloads and opened it up in Gedit with no problems. Thanks!
Indeed there is. Thank you for running the script though- even just knowing that it works is extremely helpful.
I've uploaded a script at http://pastebin.ca/3794338, which works exactly the same way as before- although the command "~/Downloads/gmsWord.sh" would probably work better here than "~/Downloads/gmsWord.sh > ~/Downloads/output". It's not so much a diagnostic as a rewrite of the original- it (should) do what the original script was meant to. If it doesn't, just say. Third time lucky hopefully!
I believe it worked this time! As far as I can remember from when I had Windows, it appears that the script found all of my Word documents but I'm unable to say for sure without comparing it to my backup on another computer. Only problem I had was that a few files were completely different from the originals. Instead of normal text they were just a bunch of random space and characters on multiple pages. Not a big deal however since I don't think I'll be using those files again or at least not any time soon. This was likely already a problem from transferring my backup to the new OS or perhaps a problem with the backup HDD rather than a problem with the script. Thank you very much for being so persistent!
Also, from the previous scripts you created, there are now 108 files in my downloads that I can't move to the trash or delete. It says permission denied. Do you know a way to do so?
Glad to hear it worked! Hopefully that's the last time anything arises- if there is still a problem, obviously don't hesitate to ask for help.
For the 108 files, you might have to open the file manager as root, which you can do with the command "sudo nautilus", and then try deleting them.
That did the job beautifully. Thanks for the help! You're a lifesaver.
I am sorry to write that but you should learn to write clearly, if you want more help. Such a huge block of text is indigestible. Go to the point, be precise, structure you text in paragraphs, write short sentences, etc. Notice that those are essential skills when you write code!
Also, you should not do anything without having a reason to do it:
- zipping OpenDocuments makes no sense (the files do not get smaller because OpenDocument files already are ZIP compressed),
- TestDisk and PhotoRec respectively recover deleted partitions and deleted files and, although your text is unclear, I am not under the impression you face these issues,
- you need no anti-virus either (on a GNU/Linux desktop system),
- a VPN preserves you anonymity, what has nothing to do with viruses,
- etc.
When a resource (here the CPU) is overused, see what process (simplifying, what program) is using it. E.g., use the "Processes" tab of the "System Monitor", in the "System Settings" (clicking on a column header orders it).
Buying a new computer will not solve your data problems. About your software problems, does the Trisquel Live system work properly? If so, just reinstall if you do not want to understand and fix the problems you face: https://trisquel.info/en/wiki/install-trisquel-windows-dual-boot-0
You keep on naming the whole system Linux. Linux only is its kernel. The whole system is named GNU/Linux: https://www.gnu.org/gnu/linux-and-gnu.html
Hello, I apologize for the huge block of text. I agree it is a bit indigestible. I've just been getting impatient with all of the problems I'm having as they seem endless. And with my class coming up soon and when I could be doing other things that are a little more important like spending more time finding jobs to make money for basic survival, I didn't think it would matter too much to have it look like a paper I'm about to hand in to the teacher or get published. I'll make it clearer in the future though as I should have. I certainly never want to waste anybody's time, so I'm sorry if I did.
As far as the zipping topic goes I never voluntarily zipped the files, they just were transferred to my computer from my external hard drive that way. That's why I was a bit confused by your first comment in this forum and didn't reply.
I didn't think I had any deleted partitions or files either but after running Testdisk, the program was unable to recover some partitions and files so perhaps there is some corruption.
A VPN preserving anonymity could prevent viruses that someone may have put on your computer if they were able to track you when you didn't have the VPN though, right? I'm still learning so correct me if I'm wrong.
I did take a look at the processes tab in system monitor but there wasn't anything that jumped out to me. The only programs that were using computer power were the expected programs I had open. Ex. Abrowser. I think the highest %CPU was maybe at 50% with all of the combined programs being open. Typically it's only around 25% total from my observations.
As far as the Trisquel Live system, I'm not sure if that works properly. I could try that but I really had no intention of going back to Windows unless I didn't have a choice. I didn't put Trisquel on any removable media, I just installed it following the directions from the same link you gave me: https://trisquel.info/en/wiki/install-trisquel-windows-dual-boot-0
I understand that Linux is only the kernel and the whole system is GNU/Linux. I even told Geek Squad that but I was just quoting without quotes what they told me. Thanks for correcting that though in case I didn't know or accidentally named it incorrectly somewhere else. It's easy to do when you see and hear everyone call it just Linux especially when you're new to much of this. I always want to learn something new.
First of all, thank you for the expression effort.
I didn't think I had any deleted partitions or files either but after running Testdisk, the program was unable to recover some partitions and files so perhaps there is some corruption.
What do you by "unable to recover some partitions and files". Is there an error message?
A VPN preserving anonymity could prevent viruses that someone may have put on your computer if they were able to track you when you didn't have the VPN though, right? I'm still learning so correct me if I'm wrong.
No, a VPN just hides your identity (well, assuming your are not the only one using the VPN!). Your ISP only sees encrypted messages to the VPN and the site you connect to talks to the VPN (it does not know you, unless you authenticate of course) that forwards its message to you. But you can still end up downloading malicious code (forwarded by the VPN) and a virus would still be able to communicate with the whole network (going through the VPN), for instance spams would still find their way out if a Troyan horse infected your system... but you do not have to worry about that with GNU/Linux, especially if you only run a desktop system with no server software installed and if you are not an especially interesting target (malware designed to specifically target you).
I think the highest %CPU was maybe at 50% with all of the combined programs being open. Typically it's only around 25% total from my observations.
Then, there is no problem with the CPU usage.
I just installed it following the directions from the same link you gave me: https://trisquel.info/en/wiki/install-trisquel-windows-dual-boot-0
You ran that installer from removable media, such as a live CD or a live USB. If, using that live system (e.g., Abrowser on the live system), there is no problem, then the problem really relates to you installation. Otherwise your hardware may not well supported and you can try to install a newer kernel from https://jxself.org/linux-libre/ or, worse, your hardware is defective and you can test it (in particular the RAM with memtest86+, which is in Trisquel's repository).
There wasn't an error message but after the Quick Search in the step by step Testdisk instructions it showed a pretty large list of partitions that weren't able to be recovered. I took a picture of it but the picture wasn't enough to capture the whole list. I can attach it if you think that would help.
I forgot that I put Trisquel onto a USB first through those instructions and then installed it, my mistake. I'll try the live system and let you know how it goes. If it doesn't go well then I'll try the other steps you mentioned. Thanks!
Hello again Magic Banana, I've been trying out the live system periodically (probably half a dozen times) and it definitely has less problems. Wouldn't say it's perfect but I think I only ran into a couple minor problems. My school's login page was completely broken to where I could hardly read anything but this was the case in my installed system too. This has only happened once with each system now, I've never had a problem previously like that. Only other problem I had that I can think of was that one of the search bars stopped letting me type in it but that was a huge improvement over the installed system where I run into that problem almost every time I turn on the computer.
Ice Cat browser worked much better in the live system. That browser hardly ever loads pages in the installed system so I barely use it. In my installed system I always get this in the first tab when I open the browser:
XML Parsing Error: undefined entity Location: jar:file:name at domain!/chrome/content/aboutIceCat/aboutIceCat.xhtml Line Number 288, Column 11:
----------^
Where do you think I should go from here, should I try to reinstall Trisquel and see if that makes a difference?
Does anybody else have an idea of what to do next in my situation? I'm not sure if Magic Banana is still here.
I am a member!
Magic Banana, I don't think JB was talking about backed up OpenDocument files. JB mentioned several times that the backed up files were Word document files.
I know ODF uses a compressed archive like ZIP, but does Word really do the same for its DOC and DOCX formats?
Hi!
The "short script" was just a reference to a shell script- somewhat like a small program. I'll see if I can write one today, although I'm not very experienced or knowledgeable in the area.
Gotcha, I'm not very knowledgeable in that area either but I have a little experience with writing code in a shell. Thank you for your help!
I am a member!
I have read that you can't find particular files in your backup. Were they disorganized when you backed them up?
To make sure I can find everything in backups or on my system, I use this file organization method:
https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/15677/zen-and-the-art-of-file-and-folder-organization/
No I didn't think so. But everyone has their own standards of organization. I would say I'm above average in my organization with just about anything I do though. I'll check out the link you gave me and see what I can improve upon in the future. Thanks for your input!
I am a translator!
I second photorec. It's incredible how much it can recover. Give that one definitely a go.
for windows try https://www.diskinternals.com/download/
Would someone be willing to document this process on the wiki? People who are new to using Trisquel from Windows would probably appreciate it! I know I would've.
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