Data Recovery on Linux Using ldmtool

Data Recovery
Data Recovery
Published on November 11, 2024 | 3 min read #
🏷 Linux Data Recovery Linux Tools & Techniques

Table of Contents


Introduction

Data recovery can be a lifesaver, especially when dealing with Logical Disk Manager (LDM) volumes. Using ldmtool, a utility designed for managing Windows LDM partitions on Linux, we can mount and access these volumes easily.

In this guide, we will explore the use of ldmtool to scan and mount LDM volumes, as well as steps using GParted to format additional disks. Additionally, we will also cover ldmtool installation across different Linux distributions such as Arch Linux, Debian and Red Hat.

Step 1: Installing ldmtool

ldmtool can be installed using various methods depending on the Linux distribution. Below are a few alternatives:

sudo pacman -S ldmtool --> Arch Linux
sudo apt install ldmtool --> Debian-based systems (Ubuntu, Pop!_OS, etc.)
sudo yum install ldmtool --> Red Hat based systems (Fedora, CentOS, etc.)

Step 2: Launching and Scanning the LDM Volumes

Once installed, we can launch ldmtool and scan for LDM volumes using the following command:

sudo ldmtool scan
sudo ldmtool create all

Step 3: Listing Volume Mappings

After the scan, list the created device mappings as shown below. If correctly executed we should see entries similar to /dev/mapper/ldm_vol___Volume1.

ls -l /dev/mapper

Alternatively, you can use lsblk to list all block devices and partitions like so:

lsblk

Step 4: Mounting The Volume

  • Create a mount directory: Create a directory of your choice where you will mount the recovered volume.
  • Mount the volume: Mount the volume: Using ntfs as the filesystem type, mount the LDM volume. Make sure to replace the __Volume1 with the output of the command ls -l /dev/mapper.

sudo mkdir /mnt/ldm_volume
sudo mount -t ntfs /dev/mapper/ldm_vol___Volume1 /mnt/ldm_volume

Step 5: Preparing the Next Hard Disk with GParted

GParted is highly recommended when it comes to disk formatting as it offers a visual interface making it user friendly.

  • Installing GParted: Install GParted using the following command:

    • sudo pacman -S gparted --> Arch linux
    sudo apt install gparted --> Debian based systems (Ubuntu, PopOS, etc.)
    sudo yum install gparted --> Red Hat based systems (Fedora, CentOS, etc.)

  • Opening GParted: Open GParted using the following command:

    • sudo -E gparted

  • Selecting and formatting the disk
    • Use lsblk to identify the correct block device.
    • In GParted, select the desired disk and format it to NTFS as needed.

Step 6: Mounting Another Hard Disk

  • Create a Mount Directory

    • sudo mkdir /mnt/files

  • Mount the Hard Disk

    • sudo mount /dev/sdb1 /mnt/files --> Assuming that /dev/sdb1 is our Hard Disk

Step 7: Verifying Data Recovery with File Manager

Finally, open your preferred file explorer to navigate to the directories:

/mnt/ldm_volume for the recovered LDM volume. /mnt/files for the additional mounted hard disk.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can efficiently recover and access data from LDM volumes on Linux. With ldmtool for mounting and GParted for formatting, this guide provides a versatile approach to handling complex disk structures on a Linux system.

References