How can I recover files from a computer that does not boot all the way to windows?

Question

I have a laptop for work with a lot of important files on there. The laptop just crashed the other day and I can not get it to boot windows. All it will do is go to the menu where it gives me the option to start in "Safe mode" "last good configuration""normal" etc.I can not get passed that screen. However, I have another computer (desktop). Is there a way I can get files off the laptop onto my desktop? That way after I'm done I can reformat my laptops hard drive all the while saving the files I need?

Answer 1

Your best option is to remove the hard disk drive from your laptop and install it into a working computer as a second hard disk drive. Boot the working computer from its own hard drive, and then access the problem hard drive through Windows Explorer. You can then copy your documents onto a USB drive, CD-ROM, or other media.

If you can't do this yourself, it's worth it to take it to a computer store and find someone who has the right tools to do the job.

Answer 2

Here is your answer. I jsut helped someone with this not too long ago.

if you don't have a warenty you CAN connect a laptop hard drive to a desk top to pull data. Iv'e done it many times before. I've included a link to a device you can buy (It's under $10) to hook it up in a tower.

Here are a few things to know:

1) If it does not work the first time you power it on you may have it on backwards. Flip the connector around. (They are not too well marked what way you should plug the hard drive in)
2) Check the BIOS to see if the drive is seen.
3) Double check your connections before powering on each time.
4) If it's a Hatachi drive you WILL need a jumper. This is the only brand of drive that I know needs one to make it a slave. Go to local second hand computer stores and see if they have notebook jumpers OR SCSI drive jumpers (they are the same size and will work).


I hope this info helps. Check the link below for the item you need!

Answer 3

Does the laptop have a cdrw? You can boot your computer up using Knoppix in the cd drive. Knoppix is a version of linux that will boot from a CD. Once loaded you can use the CD burner software in knoppix to recover your lost files. You can download the ISO to burn yourself a knoppix disk here... http://knoppix.org/

You could also try a windows xp repair install... Here's a link to the best non-geek explanation of how to do that..

http://webcast.broadcastnewsroom.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=8658

Answer 4

have you tried it in safe mode? start the comp as soon as the very first screen you see goes black, push and hold F8 till the black screen comes up stating your entering safe mode.. if there is an option for "safe mode with networking" hit that. you should be able to access files this way. if not, you have a bigger problem with your operating system or hard drive.

opps, i see you tried this already.. hope you find your answer!

Answer 5

The first answers are very good, i would follow them, but just so you know it just sounds like your OS install has been corrupted seriously so after you pull the data get some software like kill disk, wipe it all and reinstall Windows. That should get it working again.

Answer 6

You can recover files from your laptop computer that does not boot all the way to windows. Download this data recovery software and use it to scan your computer and recover your files.
http://tiny.cc/recoverfromdeadcomputer

Answer 7

hmm, i had a problem with my comp about 2 years ago that partially turns off while on the windows thing, what i did is go to safe mode, reboot it, try again if it doesnt go pass windows. also another way is to go to system restore

the thing is it wont fix it, but it'll let u pass windows