How to Recover Hard Drive Data

Recovering Information when Windows Doesn’t Boot

Oct 23, 2009 Jennifer Marsh

Even though a Windows computer won't boot, it doesn't mean the user can't recover the hard drive data.

Some users don’t understand the importance of the three boot files on a Windows computer, so they may accidentally delete these files, attempting to clear space on the hard drive. The three boot files in older Windows operating systems – boot.ini, NTLDR, and ntdetect.com – will cause a boot error the next time the computer is restarted if they are accidentally deleted or if they become corrupted.

This common computer issue can be remedied, and hard drive data is recovered in the process. Using the right recovery process, the computer is returned to its original condition without the help of a technician. Additionally, using tools like Norton Ghost is a reliable way to secure a hard disk image.

Recover Hard Drive Data Using the Repair Console

Since Microsoft’s release of Windows XP, the operating system’s installation CDROM is a boot device. This means the user can insert the CD into the drive, reboot the computer, and the Windows repair console is displayed. The process recovers hard drive data for the following errors displayed when trying to boot a computer:

• Missing NTLDR
• Fatal error reading boot.ini
• Missing or corrupted boot file

If any of these errors are displayed during computer startup, the hard drive hasn’t crashed. Rather, the boot files are corrupted and need replacement using Microsoft’s repair process located on the installation CDROM. Once replaced, hard drive data is restored and no information is lost.

First, insert the Windows installation CDROM. Ensure the CDROM inserted is the proper version of Windows. Watch the screen during the boot process. Some computers ask the user to press the space bar to boot from the CDROM. If done correctly, a blue Windows installation screen appears. The two choices given are a complete reinstallation of the operating system or the repair console. Press the “R” key to start the repair console for hard drive data recovery.

The next screen asks for the Windows version the user wants to recover. Unless the user has more than one Windows operating system installed, only one option is given. Press the number that matches the Windows installation that is currently corrupted. Before hard drive data is recovered, the next screen asks for the administrator password. This password is assigned during the original Windows installation process. Enter the password and the Windows repair console replaces the corrupted boot files.

This hard drive data recovery process only takes a few minutes, but it doesn’t require the assistance of a computer technician, saving the user money. If this process fails, the hard drive may be damaged, and a new hard drive needs to be purchased to recovery the computer. Additionally, hard drive data recovery on a damaged drive requires the assistance of professionals.

The copyright of the article How to Recover Hard Drive Data in Computer Hardware/Accessories is owned by Jennifer Marsh. Permission to republish How to Recover Hard Drive Data in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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Nov 10, 2009 10:12 AM

Yuen Kit Mun :

I've used Linux "live" CDs such as Knoppix to recover data from boot failure Windows hard disks.

The CD boots up a full version of Linux (including desktop GUI) from the CD and does not need to install to the C: drive. You can use Linux to copy data from the C: drive to an external USB drive. After the data has been copied out, you can reinstall Windows on to the C: drive.

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