[Bug-ddrescue] Request for an Especific Clone Direction Option

[William]

Hello.


At first, I'd like to thank all the people involved in this great 
project, specially Mr. Antonio Diaz.


I have realized that Ddrescue v1.18 automatically changes its clone 
direction from "forward" to "backward" when it finds some bad sector 
(even using --no-retry parameter). I think this happen due the new 
algorithm.

In my case, it jumped from 1GB at input position (in forwards mode) to 
1.5TB (in backwards mode), however I didn't want this happen because 
there was a scratched area at the platter's edge. This caused damage to 
one of the heads. So I replaced the read heads (from a identical donnor) 
and it happened again because ddrescue changes its direction without our 
requesting.

This automated behavior can be very bad in cases which is needed to have 
more precise control over clone process (such as the clone direction), 
when handling scratched disks, per example. In such cases, it's quite 
important to keep the heads away from scratched areas to prevent 
permanent damages.

Is there a way to force Ddrescue to run in only one especific direction 
(at least in --no-retry mode)? Per example, "ddrescue --forward --force 
/dev/sda /dev/sdb" to run only in forward direction.


I think it's a important issue. I kindly request you this feature if 
isn't exist.



Best regards.


William.