Need Help Accessing Linux Files in Windows 8

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MEC-777

MEC-777

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Have a 2.5" hdd from an older laptop which I had running Ubuntu. The laptop itself died (hardware issue) but the hdd is fine.

I now need to retrieve the data from that hdd.

I bought a USB enclosure and tried using this program to allow my PC with windows 8.1 to read the extfs on that drive. http://www.paragon-software.com/home/extfs-windows/

Installed the program and followed the directions. Now, for some reason, the program will not run. When I try to run it, it shows up in task manager for a split-second, then disappears/stops running. I've tried restarting, tried running as admin and tried google searching but it seems to work for everyone else. So I don't understand why it won't run and I'm not sure how to fix it.

Does anyone know any other programs I could try to access this hdd, or have any suggestions on how to get this Paragon extfs program to work?

Thanks in advance. :)

PS. When I go into manage drives, this hdd does show up on the list, so my PC does recognize that it exists and that it is a partition. I just can access it.
 
Solution
Ijack
It seems unreasonable to berate the OP for asking this question on the Linux forum. The ext file systems are primarily used on Linux systems, so utilities to read them are of most interest to Linux users.

OP - have a look at this utility; it may work where the Paragon one fails - http://www.diskinternals.com/linux-reader/
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Lee-m

Lee-m

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It might be possible to install ubuntu in a virtual machine on your windows box and have it mount the drive. I have never done this my self, but there is no reason it shouldn't work, it should in theory just see the USB device and mount it.
 
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MEC-777

MEC-777

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My PC case does not have a location for an optical drive (Fractal Design Node 304). I would have to use an external optical drive, which I don't have.

I don't understand what you're asking... Could you elaborate?
 
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MEC-777

MEC-777

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It sees the USB device and it sees it as a partition. But because it's a purely Linux partition (extfs file types) Windows cannot read it and thus it doesn't even show as another drive under "my computer". It only shows up under manage drives as a 3rd partition. (have 2 drives in my PC)

The Paragon program is supposed to run and allow windows to view/access those extfs files, but the program will not run and I can't figure out why.
 
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Lee-m

Lee-m

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And that is why I said use a virtual machine, like virtualbox for example.
Please re-read my original reply.
 
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MEC-777

MEC-777

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My apologies. I thought you meant windows should just see the drive and mount it. I guess I misunderstood what you said.

I'm not familiar with and have never setup a virtual machine before, but I'm a fast-learner. Will give that a try. Thanks.
 
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cklaubur

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Oh, I didn't know about the optical drive issue. Most distros with a Live CD/DVD option have instructions on how to set up a Live USB, where you use a thumbdrive instead of a CD/DVD. Not sure about Ubuntu, but I know OpenSUSE has a Live USB option.

The Live CD/DVD/USB option would give you a native Linux environment in which you can access the files you want and save them, removing the need for apparently buggy software. A virtual machine, like what Lee-m suggested, will also work.

Casey
 
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MEC-777

MEC-777

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*UPDATE*

I've discovered that if I do not have the hdd plugged into the USB port, the Paragon extfs program runs just fine. The moment I plug in the linux hdd to the USB port, Paragon crashes/closes.

Anybody know why this is happening?

(USB 3.0 port and enclosure BTW. Not sure if that has anything to do with it.)
 
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skittle

skittle

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How should we know? The product is proprietary and has virtually no documentation.

Just boot into a live usb and mount your drives there.
 
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MEC-777

MEC-777

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How should you know? I don't know. I figured the people who frequent the linux section of these forums would be familiar with data transfer between the two OS's and *might* know how to deal with any issues that arise in trying to do so.

My expertise lies more on the hardware side of PC's. I'm not familiar with this kind of stuff. That's why I'm asking. I thought someone here might know. Isn't that what forums like this are for?

None-the-less, thanks for your suggestion. I will give that a try.

Just to be clear; you're saying to setup a USB drive as a linux boot partition and once I boot from that, then mount my other PC drives as well as the other USB linux hdd and then transfer what ever I need from that drive to my windows PC drive(s)?
 
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Lee-m

Lee-m

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Actually it is unlikely that the folks on the Linux part of the forum would be familiar with an obscure windows application.
I my self have never heard of it. If you have problems with it, first stop should be to contact them or use their forums for support.



Both suggestions from me and skittle are equally valid and should pretty much result in the same thing. So take your pick.
The usb method seems simple if your not used to VM's.

Get into ubuntu by a VM or a self booting usb. It should auto detect your windows ntfs drives, copy want you want over. And your done.
 
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skittle

skittle

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Yes

Use http://www.linuxliveusb.com/ to write ubuntu (any any distrobution) to a usb drive, then boot from it.
After that you can simply mount your usb3.0 linux partition and copy the files.
As a bonus you now have portable ubuntu on a usb drive, use it anywhere.

The VM method is actually not all that simple as the you must
1)first take the time/trouble to create the virtual machine settings ..etc.
2)install extra modules for the virtual machine and
3)set up the virtual machine to share certain folders as it does not have direct access to your drives

imo too much trouble for just copying some files..
 
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chamaecyparis

chamaecyparis

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Simply download Puppy Slacko and burn the ISO to CD using a burn program designed for Win8; make it boot Puppy from cdrom drive, and access the drive in question.
 
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stillblue

stillblue

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If, however, there is someone following this thread that doesn't have a flash handy or an internet connection fast enough then the vmware route is a good one. Certainly the USB install is the easiest route but it's not quite as bad as skittle makes it sound.

You need to install vmware and the vboxextensions. The extensions are installed by clicking install extensions and navigating to the file. This lets you use usb drives amongst other things.
You need to make a shared folder in windows, perhaps on the desktop to make it easy to find.
Launch vmware and then install the Linux from iso using default settings unless you need to change the keyboard or language.
Launch linux inside vmware.
In the lower right corner of vmware there is a little USB icon, right click it and you should see the USB connected hard drive you wish to copy from. If you check it it will then be mounted and accessible.
To make the shared folder you made earlier accessible there is a handy wizard for the http://www.vmware.com/support/ws5/doc/ws_running_sharedfolder_adding.html
Copy to it to your hearts content.


 
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Ijack

Ijack

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It seems unreasonable to berate the OP for asking this question on the Linux forum. The ext file systems are primarily used on Linux systems, so utilities to read them are of most interest to Linux users.

OP - have a look at this utility; it may work where the Paragon one fails - http://www.diskinternals.com/linux-reader/
 
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Solution
MEC-777

MEC-777

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Thank you for understanding my logic. :)

I haven't had a chance to try anything yet, but I will try that utility first and if it doesn't work, will try booting from USB partition.
 
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ftball

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No one even tried to access Linux from Windows. It's simply not worth the time. Accessing Windows files from Linux is even easier than accessing Windows files from Windows, because of certain Windows restrictions. I myself had to delete some Windows files, but had to boot into Linux.
 
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MEC-777

MEC-777

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This worked perfectly. Thanks! :)
 
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