Data Recovery Galaxy S3 KitKat

campd21

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My friend's kid got ahold of my phone and accidentally deleted a very special video. I'm not sure if anything else was deleted, but I really just want the video back. I'm heartbroken. I hadn't backed up for a couple weeks, and this is unfortunately one of the few things that I didn't have a copy of. I have stopped using the phone so I can attempt data recovery. It's a Galaxy S3 on Verizon, SCH-I535MBB.

I've tried several different programs, but every time I hook up to my PC, it connects as "installer" for about 60 seconds, then switches over to MTP, which causes the data recovery program to un-see the device. More research has led me to discover this is the result of KitKat, and I can no longer mount as a mass storage device. ???

I'm increasingly frustrated, as I am fairly certain the data is just sitting there to recover, but I can't access it because the computer is only seeing my phone as a media device. The phone is not rooted, but I don't mind doing it if that would help.

If someone could give me step by step instructions for how to try data recovery for this, I would be incredibly appreciative. Or if someone can tell me how I can mount it as mass storage. Even if I can just get a clone or image of the drive, I could use computer software to look for the video. Thank you.
 

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On troops, let's pull our heads together and give this valued new member the support s/he needs.
 

Jonny Kansas

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+1 so I can follow this thread.

If we can get your video recovered, I highly recommend turning on auto upload over wifi in google+, Microsoft one drive, Verizon cloud, or a number of other apps.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
 
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campd21

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Hi Jonny,

I did a similar Google search, yes. I tried a bunch of methods, was up late last night. The end result always was that my device would switch over to MTP after 30-60 seconds and the data recovery software would no longer "see" it. I tried a few programs. I also read some threads about what to do if the phone was rooted, but couldn't get a definitive picture of whether rooting POST-deletion would help me. I think I could easily recover the video if I could somehow secure an image or clone of the partition, but I can't do that because of KitKat's disabling of USB Mass Media mount option!!! So frustrating.

I do use Verizon Cloud, but I ran out of space a few weeks back and I needed to upgrade. Have been so busy and just hadn't got around to it. I have kicked myself so many times now. Also use a backup app to my SD card from time to time. I like redundancy for my backups. But alas, I miss a few weeks and this is what happens.
 

Jonny Kansas

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Rooting & using adb might actually be your best option. Rooting gives you more access & adb creates a different connection between the phone & computer.

It won't be quick & easy by any means, but if the quick & easy options haven't worked for you, it may be time for a "last resort" attempt.

There are plenty in this forum who can help if you have questions when Rooting & setting up adb, as well as several guides & tips.

One Way to Use a Linux Computer to Recover Files from an Android Device

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
 
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campd21

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Hi Jonny,

Thanks for the reply. Okay, I'll start looking into that. Unfortunately, my familiarity with Linux is limited and even more so when it comes to phones. I'm quite comfortable on a Windows PC, grew up doing BASIC and etc, but kind of quit once I got out of high school. I'll need fairly step by step instructions. I'll browse the forums a bit. So I'm hoping if I can get it rooted and use the debugging, maybe I can make a connection with the computer that will allow it to "see" my phone as a mountable partition. I could take it from there myself. It's getting into the phone that seems to be tripping me up.

I'll give that a try and see where I get. Always open to more suggestions.
 

Jonny Kansas

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I had no experience with Linux when I first starting using adb myself. I've since taken classes on Linux, but it's similar to working in DOS or any other command line interface. I know there were great step by step guides when I was doing things similar to this on my original moto droid, so I'm sure there are still some out there. The link I provided seemed fairly step by step, but you may need to do a little bit of googling for more specific instructions in some areas.

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Thanks Johnny, for taking an interest in helping. Your support its truly appreciated by the members and staff alike.
 

Jonny Kansas

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Thanks Johnny, for taking an interest in helping. Your support its truly appreciated by the members and staff alike.
Well, I may have been dormant for quite a while, but that's what we started the rescue squad for back in the day.

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KaosMaster

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I recommend that you remove the SDcard and purchase a reader fir the computer. You can then recovery the video that way using a file recovery program for a flash device. :)

Tap'n on my Galaxy S4!
 

Jonny Kansas

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I recommend that you remove the SDcard and purchase a reader fir the computer. You can then recovery the video that way using a file recovery program for a flash device. :)

Tap'n on my Galaxy S4!
Valid point if the video was stored on the SD card. Most laptops already have a memory card reader. All you'd need is an adapter to make your micro SD card a regular SD card.

However, if you didn't save to the sd card (I believe you said you usually backup to the SD card), this won't help you.

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FoxKat

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Well, I may have been dormant for quite a while, but that's what we started the rescue squad for back in the day.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
We all take a break once in a while. As did I. Thanks again.
 

FoxKat

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Yes, if the data is on the removable flash. We all assumed it's on the internal SD card. Lets ask the OP.
 

KaosMaster

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Well if it's a video she recorded, then usually it is automatically saved to the sdcard. Unless she doesn't have one installed

Tap'n on my Galaxy S4!
 
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