How I can to extract the source file already loaded into an Arduino ZERO module?

Using Arduino Programming Questions
1

Hello, can someone help me to solve this problem?
I have an Arduino ZERO already programmed, but I lost the Source File (the Computer where I had it saved was damaged), and I need to recover it to use it in a 2nd Arduino ZERO that would be used for the same type of application like the original one, and the main idea is to avoid as much as possible having to regenerate the source program (from scratch) so to program to the 2nd Arduino.
Could someone guide me on how I can extract the source program that is already programmed into the original Arduino ZERO?
The main idea is that by extracting the source program from the original Arduino ZERO, it would be used in the 2nd Arduino ZERO for the same type of application.
Thank you

2

Hello @carlosbenjamin ,

Unfortunately the source file isn't in the Zero. When the compiler compiles your code all that lovely human readable code is turned into machine code that looks nothing like your original. All the text that you used to make it readable never makes it into the code that is uploaded to the microcontroller.

Sorry, but you are going to have to retype it unless you can find a way to recover it from your damaged computer.

Please, when you replace your computer include some kind of backup.

3

Your best chance is to get someone that understands how to remove the relevant HDD from the broken computer, and see if you can find the original source. project files.

1 Like
4

Hi Perry,

Thanks a lot by your feedback about this issue.

I appreciate so much the valuable information that you had provided.

Best Regards

Carlos Espinoza

5

Hi ‘lastchancename’,

I appreciate so much your feedback related with this issue where I needed some guide about it.

Thanks & Best Regards

Carlos Espinoza

6

These el-cheapo adaptors can recover data in many instances from hard drives....
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/165109370938

7

  • This isn’t something you want to hear just now, but if you don’t follow the advice below, you will get caught again in the future.

  • You must get into the habit of backing up your work.

  • All your data files need to be stored off site and on site on alternative drives like a thumb drive.

  • Invest in at least three USB drives.

  • Back up all data files to all 3+ external drives.

  • One drive goes in a safety deposit box off site (for when your house burns down), this drive is alternately swapped with a 2nd drive on a regular basis, every 2-3 months.

  • The 3rd drive is update at least every week.

image
image1423×1412 144 KB

1 Like
8

Or use a cloud based backup service.

9

The adaptor I referred to above can recover files from a "dead drive" i.e. one that will not actually boot the computer.
As long as the disc still spins or equivalent in an SSD, good chance at getting the files back.
I recovered over 70% of mine in a drive that went under in a flood we had here back in 2013.

10

It should be pointed out that there really is nothing special about that adapter. It has no special ability to read damaged hard disks. It does nothing that you couldn't do by attaching the disk as a secondary drive in an ordinary PC, so long as the PC has the relevant interface (SATA or IDE). But it is convenient, if you don't have a suitable PC.

11

Thanks ‘bluejets’ for your suggestion to recover the data from my damaged Hard Disk.

Thanks & Regards

Carlos Espinoza

12

No, but it does save stripping down the pc and installing the dodgy drive which may not be detected.
Simply plug into unused usb socket.