FAQ
TL;DR: Don’t reinstall Windows on the same disk. Create bootable media, copy your Desktop data, and if installing, give the OS ~100 GB on another disk. "It's enough for a 100GB system." [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16654582]
Why it matters: This prevents overwriting your only copy of important files and speeds up safe recovery for non‑booting Windows users.
Quick Facts
- Boot a Live Linux from USB to copy files off the drive without touching Windows. [Elektroda, pidar, post #16649783]
- If you must reinstall, do it on another physical disk to avoid overwriting metadata. [Elektroda, Robert B, post #16653196]
- UEFI Secure Boot can block external media; disable Secure Boot to allow booting tools. [Elektroda, Robert B, post #16654983]
- Use 64‑bit boot media on 64‑bit laptops; 32‑bit images fail to boot. [Elektroda, kozd1, post #16655423]
- Allocate about 100 GB for a temporary Windows install on an external drive. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16654582]
How do I recover Desktop files if Windows 10 won’t boot?
Start from a Live Linux USB, mount the internal disk, and copy your Desktop folders to external storage. This avoids writing to the Windows partition and works even when Safe Mode fails. "Run some Live CD Linux now and check the disk status, then copy the data." [Elektroda, pidar, post #16649783]
Can I reinstall Windows on a new partition of the same disk and still be safe?
No. Reinstalling on the same physical disk risks overwriting critical records and user data. Install Windows on another physical disk, and disconnect the recovery disk during installation. This isolates writes and preserves recoverable files. [Elektroda, Robert B, post #16653196]
Why do experts tell me to disconnect the original drive before installing elsewhere?
Windows setup may write boot records or metadata to any visible disk. Disconnecting or disabling the controller ensures the installer can’t touch your source drive. That preserves recovery chances and avoids hidden changes. [Elektroda, Robert B, post #16654006]
What’s the right size for a temporary Windows install on an external drive?
Allocate about 100 GB for the OS and tools. Leave the remaining space for recovered files. This balance provides headroom for updates and utilities without crowding your recovery area. "It's enough for a 100GB system." [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16654582]
My bootable USB is visible but won’t start—what should I check?
Verify UEFI settings and disable Secure Boot if needed. Bad boot options or firmware policy commonly block external media, causing repeated returns to the logo screen. Recreate the USB after changing settings if it still fails. [Elektroda, Robert B, post #16654983]
Why did a 32‑bit LiveCD fail on my 64‑bit laptop?
A 32‑bit image won’t boot on many 64‑bit UEFI systems. Use a matching 64‑bit image, recreate the USB, and try again. The user fixed boot failure immediately after switching to 64‑bit media. [Elektroda, kozd1, post #16655423]
What is a Live CD/Live USB?
A Live CD/USB is a bootable system that runs from external media. It lets you access files without using the installed Windows, ideal for copying data from a non‑booting drive. [Elektroda, pidar, post #16649783]
Which tools can I try if files don’t show up after booting Live Linux?
Use data recovery tools such as DMDE or Recuva from the temporary OS. They can scan for deleted or inaccessible files and copy results to another disk. Keep the source disk read‑only when possible. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16649784]
How do I split my external disk without losing existing files?
You can create a new partition during Windows setup without formatting the whole drive. Keep your existing data, and carve out a ~100 GB partition for the system. Confirm changes before applying. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16654582]
Do I need to format the external drive before installing Windows to it?
No. You don’t need to pre‑format. Use the installer to create or select a partition and proceed. This avoids wiping unrelated data on that drive. Verify partition selection carefully before clicking Next. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16654528]
Could wrong boot mode (Legacy vs UEFI) be the reason the USB won’t boot?
Yes. Incorrect boot mode or Secure Boot policy often prevents startup. After adjusting firmware options, the user finally booted and copied the needed data successfully. Always align media with firmware mode. [Elektroda, Robert B, post #16654983]
What if my USB still won’t boot after many tries?
Recreate the media with a verified image and correct architecture. The thread author succeeded on the nth attempt, then copied all needed files. Persistence plus correct settings resolves most cases. [Elektroda, kozd1, post #16654997]
What is DMDE, and when should I use it instead of simple copying?
DMDE is a forensic‑grade recovery tool that scans for lost partitions and files. Use it when normal copying fails or directories appear empty. Run it from the temporary OS and save results elsewhere. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16649784]
Is it safe to keep trying Windows setup with my original drive connected?
No. Each attempt risks writes to the source disk, reducing recovery chances. Disconnect it or disable its controller before any installation steps. "Decide whether you want to recover or lose this data." [Elektroda, Robert B, post #16654852]
How do I actually perform the copy with a Live USB? (3 steps)
- Boot the Live Linux USB and open the file manager.
- Mount the Windows partition and locate Users\YourName\Desktop.
- Copy folders to an external drive, verifying sizes after transfer. [Elektroda, pidar, post #16649783]
What error might I see when the boot media is wrong, and what fixes it?
You may see a Windows boot error instead of Live media starting. Switching to the correct 64‑bit image and keeping UEFI enabled resolved the issue for the poster. [Elektroda, kozd1, post #16655423]
