Quick and easy data recovery – Windows 7

Recover data quickly when your PC refuses to boot!

Having a PC refuse to boot is one of the most traumatic experiences people encounter whilst working on their PCs. It's not so much the fact that the computer isn't functioning, but the gut-wrenching unknown regarding the status of ones data.

Backup media is an essential asset to any computing device which stores vital data. But even an elaborate setup is useless when the data you require hasn't had the opportunity to be copied across. This leaves us with only one thing to do - data recovery.

Today I was lucky enough to have my HDD refuse to boot. Thinking that it'd be a case of repairing the OS, I inserted my Windows 7 disc and waited for the repair option to grace the screen. Once I was in, I allowed the software to attempt to fix the problem automatically - to no avail.

Usually I would have a backup of all my data, but in this case, I my last backup was several days ago. With that in mind, I made an effort to access my data (although not critical), just in case. Normally I'd use a Linux LiveCD to do this. It would appear that my copies have mysteriously disappeared. So I had to find another way - and came across this hacky yet simple method:

1. Insert your Windows 7 disc (might work with Vista too).

2. Plug in any external storage media you wish to use as a backup device. You will not lose any existing data on this device.

3. Reboot your PC, and ensure that the system is set to boot from CD/DVD.

4. Allow Windows to do its thing, then choose your language when prompted.

5. This is where the fun starts, click 'Repair your computer'.

6. Select the first option 'Use recovery tools...' and hit 'Load Drivers'. In my case, there was no OS listed. This indicates that this is probably a Master Boot Record (MBR) problem.

7. A message box will appear asking you to insert installation media (i.e. the driver for your HDD). We're not interested in doing this, but hit 'OK' anyway.

8. A familiar window appears showing 'Desktop'. This is a temporary Desktop made when the OS disc offloads its temporary files. Hitting 'Computer' shows us what we want.

9. And would you look at that! It's our HDD partitions! Select and right-click any data you want to backup, and paste it in an external storage device.

10. Smile at the gullible 'Open' window whilst your data transfers. You may also mock the 'Files of type:' filter which expects you to select a device driver. This is a non essential step. :P

11. When you've rescued all the data you require, hit Cancel and reboot your PC. You can now work with your HDD without fear of losing data.

Have your say, comment below! :)