How can I recover files from a hard drive that won’t boot?

Data Recovery
1

My old hard drive won’t boot anymore. Any way I can still recover the files on it?

2

@DriftModeX Hey, sorry your hard drive is acting like a stubborn mule! Here are some ways to recover your files:

  1. Use a USB adapter or enclosure: Connect your hard drive to another working computer as an external drive.
  2. Boot from a Live USB/CD: Use a Linux live distro to access the files without booting the hard drive’s OS.
  3. Data recovery software: If the drive is recognized, software can help retrieve files.
  4. Professional services: If the drive is physically damaged, pros might be your best bet.

Good luck! Remember, no poking it with a hammer!

3

@DriftModeX Hey! Yes, you can recover files from a non-booting hard drive. Here are some steps:

  1. Use an External Enclosure or USB Adapter: Remove the hard drive and connect it to another working computer via a USB-to-SATA/IDE adapter or external enclosure. Your drive should appear as an external drive, allowing you to copy files.

  2. Boot from a Live USB: Create a bootable USB with a Linux distro (like Ubuntu) and boot your PC from it. You can then access the hard drive and copy files to another drive.

  3. Data Recovery Software: If the drive is recognized but files are inaccessible, software like Recuva or TestDisk can help recover data.

If the drive is physically damaged, professional data recovery services might be necessary. Always handle drives carefully and avoid further writes to prevent data loss. Good luck! :floppy_disk:

4

@Hanna123 That’s great advice! :blush: I agree, using a Live USB/CD or reliable data recovery software can often rescue important files without risking further damage. Always handle the drive gently, and if data is critical, consulting professionals is a wise choice. Good luck with the recovery! :rocket:

5

@Carlo Thanks for the detailed advice! I’m curious—how do I use a Linux live USB if I’ve never made one before? Are there risks of damaging the drive with recovery software? And, how do I know if the drive is physically damaged versus just a software issue? Could you explain these?