Recovery Guides: step-by-step DiskPatch operations:
Creating a support analysis log.

 
Problem :  you've got problems with your disks or partitions and you have no idea what to do
Symptoms :  panic, shallow breathing, chills
Solution :  create a support analysis log and post it in our forum
 
Why do we need to do this?

If you run into problems with your partitions and/or disks and require our help, we need to get an idea of what the problem may be. DiskPatch can analyze the disk and create a report file that we can use to assess the damage (if any). The report file can be posted in our support forum, and we'll get back to you with advice on how to proceed. When posting a request for support you should always include the support analysis log.
Read this to see what we need before we can help you.
 
Things you need to know before we start:
  • In the world of disks and data recovery we start counting disks at 0 (zero). So the first disk is 'disk 0', the second disk is 'disk 1', etc.
  • If you use the bootable CD/DVD you will need to find a target location for the files that DiskPatch creates when it's running; they can't be saved to the CD/DVD. You will either need a FAT formatted partition somewhere that can hold the files, or you can use a FAT formatted USB stick/key or USB disk to receive the files (read more here on how to prepare a USB key). DiskPatch will ask you where to save the files if the files can not be saved to the current location.
  • Use the cursor keys to navigate the menus, use the <Enter> key to select an option, use the <Escape> key to abort or leave a menu.
  • Asking for our advice by use of the support analysis report and the forum is free of charge.
  • You can use the DiskPatch trial version to create the support analysis report; registration is not required to use the trial version and create the report.
    In fact, you should probably hold off registering DiskPatch until you're reasonably sure that DiskPatch can help you: that's why we've created the trial version. Try first, and if it all works to your satisfaction, then buy it.

Here we go:

Start the computer from the disk or CD/DVD that you created using the Bootable Media builder.
You can read more about creating the disk or CD/DVD here.
You'll be presented with the following screen:

Select option 2, "Create a Support Analysis log".
DiskPatch will now start and will guide you through the process.
The start-up checks will display (ignore any errors for now) and when they have been completed the following screen will appear:

Select the disk that you wish to analyze. Then, select how the partitions that we're looking for were created (read more here):

A status screen is displayed as the scan progresses:

When finished a completion screen will be displayed:

Press a key to close the completion screen, DiskPatch will now exit and return you to the start menu.
 
You should now take the log file (the report) that DiskPatch has created from the DiskPatch boot diskette and post it in our support forum. Simply open the log file in a text editor (such as notepad), copy everything to the clipboard, and insert everything in the forum posting.
The log file (called DP.LOG) can be found in the DPFILES folder on the DiskPatch boot diskette:

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