Recovering data from a "internal disk needs repair" Time Capsule error

Question

Level 1

4 points

Recovering data from a "internal disk needs repair" Time Capsule error

I have a Airport Time Capsule model A1470, which has been functioning perfectly till today.

I got my macbook robbed this weekend, and today I arrived home to restore my Time Machine backups to an old macbook I had. I started the whole restoring process, but once I selected the Time Machine backup I wanted, an error was presented:

"The backup cannot be opened.

A unexpected error occurred trying to open the backup. (Error 2)"

I then cancelled it and logged into the network and into my Time Capsule disk. I had 4 different folders plus the Time Machine backup. I could access normally three folders (although it was very slow to read) however I cannot get any info into the 4th folder nor the Time Machine backup (for example, the size of it). The folder and file for the backup didn't even have an image for the files (like folders which have a blue folder icon as image), they had just plain blank images like they were unrecognized files.

After browsing a while about this issue, I read reseting the Airport maybe could fix the issue. Well, after I did that it started presenting a new error, in the Airport Utility status it started showing "internal disk needs repair" with a flashing amber light on the device. I didn't notice if this was showing before, but the main difference that happened after I reseted it, was that I could not even see the Time Capsule disk in Finder anymore. It just would not mount, and now I don't have access to anything, not even those other folders that were working.

I tried plugging in another external disk at the back of the Time Capsule, so I could use the Archive function before erasing it and trying to get it fixed, however the Archive also gave an error right on the beginning and it didn't work. However, this time the status light turned into green, but the "internal disk needs repair error" message is still showing and I still cannot access the volume with my files.

I really need my data back, any suggestions?

Oh, I had a password set to access the data in the Time Capsule disk, and I also had a password for my Time Machine Backup.

Please help me guys, they robbed my computer with all my data, and my last chance to get at least the data back is this backup that is in my Time Capsule failed disk :/ Worst weekend ever, unbelievable

null-OTHER, Airport Time Capsule model A1470

Posted on Nov 5, 2017 1:52 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 6, 2017 4:50 PM in response to Dauad

I would still plug it into your computer with a USB to SATA connecter.. <$10 and download the demo data rescue.. that will cost you nothing and will do no further harm to the disk.. even if it turns out to be unreadable.

Apple used one of the worst drives on the market.. I have to admit amazement when they had such massive issues with seagate barracuda drives in the iMac and were forced to recall and replace them.. they released the latest TC with an even worse version of the same drive.

https://www.backblaze.com/blog/3tb-hard-drive-failure/

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Answer 2

Nov 7, 2017 12:14 PM in response to Dauad

There are a lot of ifs here.

Plug it into the computer and see if you can get past the mechanical sounds.. if not the drive is not readable and it will have to go to a data recovery centre.

If you can read it.. check immediately if the drive is able to be read in Finder.. if so immediately copy out your most vital data.

If you cannot read it.. generally what will happen is two tiny partitions will show up but the main data partition is missing, then run data rescue demo version and see what is recoverable. If your file is available then immediately pay for the license and try a recovery of just your main files in order of most important to the secondary hard disk. If that goes well you can also do a clone to yet another drive. On the other hand it might simply not be readable in which case it has to go to data recovery anyway.. but you have spent almost nothing.. and you will also be fully aware of what is really the problem. This gives you a good idea of whether spending heaps of money is pointless..

If you are not in a situation where you want to go through the steps.. then sure take it straight to a recovery centre and see what they can manage. I have helped people recover files cheaply from dead disk in a TC in the past using the above technique.. but there is no way to predict outcomes. It all depends on how badly damaged the drive is. Some issues can be fixed relatively easily.. a new controller board for example. Others are such that only the most costly recovery effort is going to achieve anything.. and that very seldom will give you intact files.

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Answer 3

Nov 5, 2017 3:54 PM in response to LaPastenague

Just so you can see the kind of stuff you can buy. Very cheap from China but probably have US suppliers as well for about 2x or 3x the price.

USB 3.0 to SATA Adapter Card for 2.5 or 3.5inch HDD v#h9 | eBay

This is basically the electronics from a USB to SATA cradle/enclosure sold as a bare unit.. you need your own 2A 12V power supply with a standard 2.5mm DC plug..

Or this one.

USB 3.0 to SATA 2.5'' 3.5'' Hard Drive Converter Cable 12v Power Adapter S5E1 | eBay

Same thing but encapsulated.. you still need to plug in your own 12v power supply.. no idea what plug size.. but it will be standard 2.1 or 2.5mm.

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Answer 4

Nov 7, 2017 6:08 PM in response to Dauad

The partition must show in Finder.

You might get a note that the disk is unreadable and you need to format it.. DO NOT DO THIS!!!!

Even to get this far it would need to read track1.

Never leave it ticking.. after 3 or 4 tries it should stop itself.

I do power on and off a couple of times.. up to you on that.. but after 4 goes.. you are unlikely to succeed if it fails.. It is surprising sometimes if you wait 10min between retries.. it can sometimes get a reading and then it will run ok for the rest of the session.. as long as you never allow it to turn off or even perhaps spin down.. so keep it running if you have any success.

Also try different disk orientation.. e.g. first try disk flat .. label side up.. second try disk flat label side down.. third try vertical as in the TC.. 4th try vertical with connector down. I may even try on its side.. just to see if that slightly different orientation of the disk gets a better reading of the heads. Wait for the disk to spin down each time.. no moving it while spinning.. that could crash the heads.

MOST IMPORTANT you do not do anything to the disk.. you copy files from the disk.. and that is it.

So repeat.. DO NOT FORMAT .. DO NOT do anything at all on the computer.. to the disk.. Data Rescue is going to attempt to retrieve files.. To me that makes it better than Disk Warrior which attempts to repair the disk.. that is going to make things harder if disk needs to go to recovery.

When you plug a TC formatted disk into a computer it will show

APswap

APconfig

Data (or whatever you named the actual shared data partition).

As I said Data might or might not show up.. the other two should if the disk can read track1. None show up then straight to the data recovery. A recovery software cannot work if the disk is so bad it cannot actually read at all.

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Answer 5

Dauad Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 24, 2017 10:36 AM in response to LaPastenague

Yes, I am study the possibility of a Cloud backup x two different backup disks....

Just an update on what I have done so far: After researching and asking many people around, I took it to a data recover center here in Brazil that was recommended (HD do Hospital). They did a quick diagnose (it took them about 40 min), and came back with a negative result saying they wouldn't be able to recover it because the data disks had been physically damaged.

So they suggested me to send it to Seagate in US, as Seagate would have the resources to "fill up" these damaged parts so at least they disk could be readable again, and the date on the non-damaged parts could be recovered.

So here I am. My HD is already at Seagate, and am I waiting on their feedback.

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Answer 6

Dauad Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 6, 2017 2:53 PM in response to LaPastenague

Thank you LaPastenague!

Following your orientations, I decided to first try to open my Airport and plug the internal disk directly, but due to the importance of my data I took it so a Apple Service Provider.

Unfortunately, they diagnosed it as a mechanical problem and from what I read around, a software recovery tool won't fix this. Therefore I will start now looking for a data recovery centre, unfortunately....

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Answer 7

Nov 7, 2017 10:12 AM in response to Dauad

NO.. generally not.. if the HDD has a weak track one.. it can make unusual noises.. but you can sometimes find it will work particularly from cold. and once it does get started then it can keep going. If the disk is really bad mechanically the data recovery centre will be forced to remove the platters anyway. I still think the cost factor of that is so high and the chance of getting a viable TM backup out of it so small.. that anything is better.

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Answer 8

Dauad Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 6, 2017 5:00 PM in response to LaPastenague

But the technician from the Apple Authorized Service Provider mentioned that when he connected the disk with this USB to SATA connecter, they would listen to a noise from the disk that it is typically from a mechanical failure....

My concerns are that if connecting it to the PC again, would not damage the disk anymore... Because if it is trying to start and it is not achieving it, this process of trying to start might damage the disk everytime it happens. Or not?

And another thing, any software that you would recommend? Remembering that it probably would need a software that can face mechanical issues.

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Answer 9

Dauad Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 7, 2017 10:12 AM in response to LaPastenague

I see, well, you convinced me 🙂

Any tips about the best software to use? Because it is not a matter of finding deleted files since they are all there, but trying to "fix" the problem of the HDD.

I saw in your first message that you mentioned Disk Warrior and also Data Rescue 4, with a slight recommendation towards Data Rescue 4. For this specific situation, would still be this one?

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Answer 10

Dauad Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 7, 2017 10:42 AM in response to Dauad

Oh and one more thing:

I see that the Data Rescue 4 has an option named "Clone", which it clones a failing HD into a new healthy HD, before trying to recover any data. It seems that this would be the ideal option from reading it.

However, there are tons of Gbits in the HD which I don't mind losing (videos and stuff), whereas there are crucial data where I really need... for example, there might be around 500 gb of data that I need (from my backup) and 1,5 TB of data that I don't need (videos, photos, and stuff).... If i clone, it will probably copy the whole 2 TB of data with the risk of failing somewhat in the middle of the process.

While if I just try to recover the 500gb, it will be probably faster and safer since it won't have to run through the whole HD

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Answer 11

Dauad Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 7, 2017 1:49 PM in response to LaPastenague

Awesome, well, first of all, I must say your words have been very conforting and giving me hope! And have been directing me in each step I take.

Today I got my Airport back from the AASP, and guess what? (well, I think you already must have known that), the HD inside it was exactly the same model as the one mentioned in of your messages above (https://www.backblaze.com/blog/3tb-hard-drive-failure/)

The tech guy from the AASP mentioned he did two tests: first he just plugged the Airport as it was at the powersouce, and then he said he already heard the noise (something like a "pop" noise, similar to "tec, tec, tec...", something like it). He then took the HD out of the Airport case, and tried plugging it in the PC, still the same noise, and still no access to the HD. He thought it might be the "reader arm" of the HD that might have some mechanical defects and per my instructions, said he didn't do anything else as to not damage it anymore. He even mentioned that if it is indeed the arm, they can just replace it and get it working again...

I got the case to plug the HD here with me right now (it has the power source and the adapters), and I also downloaded the Data Rescue 4 demo. I am holding myself so much not to plug it in and try it, due to being afraid of damaging it more. Let's SUPPOSE it is the arm, and if I plug it now, the process of it trying to start will get this arm to damage even more the disk...

Considering this new feedback from the AASP, any other recommendations or do you still think I should just plug it in right now?

oh btw, at this point I am not really concerned in spending money on it. My data is much more important then any couple of thousand dollars I could spend in it.... It is expensive, **** yea... but my data is worth it...

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Answer 12

Dauad Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 7, 2017 3:11 PM in response to LaPastenague

ok, you convinced me... just one more doubt:

I will put the HD in the case, and plug it in my MacBook... if I cannot see any new disks in my finder or in the menu of the recovery software (i.e. Data Rescue 4), it is because it didn't work right?

The only way I could get any data using the software is if I can see the HD in Finder or in the software chosing menu of HDs, otherwise, no luck and then go to a recovery center?

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Answer 13

Dauad Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 8, 2017 2:52 AM in response to LaPastenague

Well, no luck. I ran 4 power on/offs tests.... trying different positions.... each time something different happened, but nothing showed up in none of them.

1st try (flat): it emitted 2x beeps

2st try (sideways): I heard it trying to move for two times, then stopped. the noise was similar to a scratch

3rd try (opposite sideways): 1x beep, and 2x move tries with scratches noises

4th try (working position in Airport): 2x beeps, and 2x move tries with scratches....

I believe that my only solution now is trying the data recover center, unfortunately 😟

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Answer 14

Nov 8, 2017 11:06 AM in response to Dauad

All the best with it.

You did everything right.. and still got caught out..

Let me recommend into the future you use a Cloud backup service.. and/or a bootable clone on USB disk using software like Carbon Copy Cloner.

People do steal Macs as they have much greater value second hand than any PC. And you need to plan for the loss.

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Answer 15

Dauad Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 19, 2017 5:06 AM in response to LaPastenague

Well, unfortunately not a positive feedback. They didn't manage to recover anything at all. They said the HD had several damages to all of the platters, and that they couldn't do anything to solve it....

Lost it all, sadly.

Now all my backup is on the cloud, no more HDs for backups....

The sad thing is that I lost important photos, as the birth video of my first child for example... but... well, **** happens.

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