Data Recovery and File Retrieval
Symptoms:
Unable to access files on a broken or non-booting PC
External hard drive not recognized or not turning on
Portable hard drive blinking but not working
Need to recover photos or important files from an old PC or hard drive
If you're having trouble accessing important files, photos, or documents due to a malfunctioning PC or external hard drive, don't worry—we're here to help. Losing access to your data can be stressful, but there are steps you can take to try to recover your files yourself, completely free. If you'd prefer professional assistance, just contact us and we'll be happy to help.
If you suspect a virus or malware is making it impossible to access your files, consider visiting our Virus, Malware, and Pop-up Ad Removal page for guidance.
Fix Procedures:
Please note: Data recovery can be delicate. If your data is critical, consider seeking professional help to avoid potential data loss.
Check Physical Connections:
For External Drives:
Ensure the USB cable is firmly connected to both the hard drive and your computer.
Try connecting the drive to a different USB port.
Use a different USB cable if available.
If your drive remains unrecognized and you can’t even start your PC normally, see our Computer Won’t Boot or Start Up guide for more tailored troubleshooting.
For Internal Drives:
If you're comfortable opening your PC case:
Power off the computer and unplug it.
Open the case and check that the SATA or IDE cables are securely connected to both the hard drive and the motherboard.
Ensure the power connector is properly attached to the hard drive.
Test the Drive on Another Computer:
Connect your external or internal hard drive to a different computer to see if it's recognized.
For internal drives, you may need a SATA-to-USB adapter or an external enclosure.
Listen for Drive Activity:
For Mechanical Hard Drives:
Power on the drive and listen for spinning noises.
Unusual clicking or grinding sounds may indicate a mechanical failure.
For Solid-State Drives (SSDs):
If the drive seems to be working but you’re unable to view any activity on your screen, you may find additional help in our No Display or Black Screen Issues page.
SSDs are silent, so focus on whether the drive is recognized by the system.
Check Disk Management (Windows Users):
Right-click on "This PC" or "My Computer" and select "Manage."
Go to "Disk Management."
Look for your drive in the list.
If the drive appears without a letter:
Right-click on it and select "Change Drive Letter and Paths," then assign an available drive letter.
If the drive shows as unallocated or not initialized:
Be cautious; initializing or formatting will erase data.
Use Data Recovery Software:
Download reputable data recovery software (e.g., Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard).
Install the software on a different drive than the one you're trying to recover.
Run the software and follow the prompts to scan for lost files.
Save any recovered files to a different drive to prevent overwriting data.
Once you've recovered your files, you might consider a fresh start. Learn how to seamlessly transition everything to a new device by visiting our New Computer Setup and Data Transfer Service.
Run Error Checking Tools:
Open "Command Prompt" as an administrator.
Type
chkdsk X: /f(replaceXwith your drive letter) and press Enter.Allow the system to scan and fix any file system errors.
Access Files via a Live USB/DVD:
Create a bootable USB drive with a Linux distribution like Ubuntu.
Boot your computer from the USB drive.
Use the Linux environment to attempt to access and copy your files to another drive.
Avoid Writing New Data to the Drive:
Do not save new files or install programs on the affected drive.
This minimizes the risk of overwriting recoverable data.
Check for Hidden Files:
In File Explorer, go to the "View" tab.
Check "Hidden items" to reveal any files that may have been hidden.
Inspect for Physical Damage:
Look for any visible signs of damage on the drive, such as bent connectors or scorch marks.
Do not attempt to open the drive casing; this should only be done by professionals.
Use Manufacturer's Diagnostic Tools:
Visit the hard drive manufacturer's website.
Download and run their diagnostic software to check for drive health issues.
Update or Reinstall Drivers:
Open "Device Manager."
Find your drive under "Disk drives."
Right-click and select "Update driver" or "Uninstall device," then restart your computer.
Try Safe Mode (If PC Boots Partially):
Restart your computer and press F8 (or Shift + F8) during startup.
Select "Safe Mode" and attempt to access your files.
Use a Different Power Source (External Drives):
If your external drive has its own power supply, try using a different power adapter.
Consider Professional Data Recovery:
If these steps don't work, further attempts might risk data loss.
Contact us for professional data recovery services.
Now that you’ve restored your files, consider improving your computer’s speed and efficiency. Check out our Slow Computer and Performance Optimization tips for a smoother experience.
By following these steps, you may be able to recover your important files from a malfunctioning PC or external hard drive. Remember, if you're unsure about any of these procedures or need expert assistance, we're here to help. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for professional support.