rescue data from a crashed pc?
I have a Dell inspiron 630 M laptop. I used Windows xp in it (1.5 GHz processor and 2 gigs Ram). Yesterday, it crashed and it is not booting. I want to get the data in My Documents and My Downloads folder. The Cd/DVD drive is not working. I want to use a rescue pen drive and get the personal data before installing xp from a pen drive. Please guide me in these 2 steps.
Don't just ask me to google stuff. I tried for a whole day and it's throwing up linux cds and stuff, that a newbie like me can't understand. I used to have wondershare rescue disc (but my cd/dvd drive is not working now). So, someone who is knowledgeable about this stuff, kindly help me. Thanks a lot for being kind. I appreciate your detailed responses.
Comments
If you don't like to use any live Linux CDs and stuff which is one good solution to your problem then prepare this Hiren's BootCD on a flash drive:
http://www.hirensbootcd.org/download/
To easily transfer Hiren's BootCD to a flash drive, use this program:
http://www.pendrivelinux.com/universal-usb-install...
Boot from the flash drive containing Hiren's and load Mini Windows XP so you can run Windows Explorer to access your data.
Your solution IS on this page. Please don't stop reading just because I mentioned a few things you are not interested in, there is hope!
You really do have to boot from an alternate method. My have to replace your broken CD if that is the case, 1st. (Linux is not hard if someone just walks you thru the steps -- example: boot into Linux desktop, click on Place menu, select your hard disk drive from the menu. Poof, it opens, Insert a USB stick and copy from one foler (your HDD) to the USB. Done. An slightly older version of Linux may be easier (hint hint). There are many, if you want to go this route, contact me for details if you are stuck, will try to guide you if you are interested.
Easier >> The other option is to take the HDD out of the computer (like 0 - 6 screws), connect to data recover cables and connect to USB on another computer. Copy/Paste, Done. IF you don't mind getting the cables for yourself. it can be a life saver. IF you do not like cables and drive wires hanging all over, then invest in a small 2.5 inch drive enclosure which turns your internal drive into an external drive with a slick USB connector on it.
Last option >> take to a shop and they will boot linux for you, use a rescue cd for you or pop the drive out and manually copy from it (all depending on if the drive is not completely bad, etc, of course).