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Recovering data from the desktop after reinstalling the system

kozd1 5340 18
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How can I recover files from my desktop before reinstalling Windows on a laptop that no longer boots?

Boot the laptop from a LiveCD/USB and copy the Desktop folders to an external drive; if the boot media does not start, make sure it matches the machine’s architecture and boot mode, because one user fixed the issue by using a 64-bit LiveCD instead of a 32-bit one [#16649783][#16655423] If you are using UEFI, try disabling Secure Boot or switching to Legacy mode [#16654983][#16655305] Do not reinstall Windows onto the same physical disk that contains the data; if you need another Windows install, use a different physical disk or disconnect/disable the original drive so the installer cannot write to it [#16653196][#16654006] Once the Live system works, check the disk status and then copy the needed files to external media [#16649783]
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  • #1 16649767
    kozd1
    Level 7  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 1
    Hello,
    unfortunately the laptop won't boot after the last Win10 update. Crashes errors regarding the absence of various system files. I think reinstalling Windows would do the trick and I would have done it were it not for the fact that I had several folders on my desktop with important documents for me (I know it was very reckless on my part). Now I'm in a pinch, because Windows is probably corrupted enough that you can't even launch Safe Mode, so I don't have a way to rip these folders. Choosing the disk also falls off because the computer is still under warranty (seal on one of the screws). Is there any way to rip these files? I read on the forums that there are supposedly some programs to recover data by format, but it is not certain. I know that there are many similar topics, only that I am before reinstalling the system, and many people describe this problem shortly after (I don't know if this is any difference, given my case). I am asking for your understanding and possible help. Thank you in advance.
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    #2 16649783
    pidar
    Mass storage specialist
    Posts: 11332
    Help: 1568
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    kozd1 wrote:
    ...only that I am still before reinstalling the system , and many people describe this problem shortly after. (I don't know if this is a difference, given my case).

    And it's very good that you don't do it yet :!:

    Run some Live CD Linux now and check the disk status of your laptop, then copy the data from the desktop to some external media.
  • #3 16649784
    Kasek21
    Level 43  
    Posts: 45513
    Help: 4962
    Rate: 3503
    If you have reinstalled the system then probably forget about the data.

    You can use DMDE or even Recuva.

    Safe Mode Not Working? Is using a LiveCD system a problem for you?

    By the way, include a screen from CrystalDiskInfo.
  • #4 16653014
    kozd1
    Level 7  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 1
    After many attempts to boot from usb or from a liveCD disc (yes, depending on the media, I changed the boot priority in the bios) nothing, but it did not load, no response (although it opened elegantly on another computer). Maybe I have made a mistake, I don't know. But I have another idea to install Windows on a different / new partition, leaving the C (and Windows) and D (and my duplicates) partitions alone. Is such an operation justified? Please comment.

    Only to do this I would need to attach some external disk / pendrive (64gb enough for?) To the laptop and temporarily install windows on it, right?
  • #5 16653196
    Robert B
    Level 43  
    Posts: 22594
    Help: 2027
    Rate: 1412
    kozd1 wrote:
    install Windows on another / new partition

    No.
    To recover data, you must install Windows on another physical disk , in addition, after disconnecting the one from which you intend to recover data.
  • #6 16653314
    kozd1
    Level 7  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 1
    Ok, I will cover an external disk on days and carry out operations. He will announce the result in the post.

    Added after 3 [hours] 36 [minutes]:

    "in addition, after disconnecting the one from which you intend to recover data" I could know why you need to unpin? Isn't it enough to choose the right disk in the windows installer? I am not smiling, because, as I mentioned in the first post, the laptop has a warranty seal: /
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  • #7 16654006
    Robert B
    Level 43  
    Posts: 22594
    Help: 2027
    Rate: 1412
    At least disable the disk controller in the BIOS.
    You don't even know how much and on what disks Windows keeps a record.
  • #8 16654526
    kozd1
    Level 7  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 1
    And is the external disk format required before proceeding with the system installation?
  • #9 16654528
    Kasek21
    Level 43  
    Posts: 45513
    Help: 4962
    Rate: 3503
    kozd1 wrote:
    is the external disk format required before proceeding with the system installation?

    No.

    What disk is this? What capacity? How many partitions are there, one?
  • #10 16654574
    kozd1
    Level 7  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 1
    ADATA CH11 500GB. Yes, one partition.
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  • #11 16654582
    Kasek21
    Level 43  
    Posts: 45513
    Help: 4962
    Rate: 3503
    It's worth sharing but it's from the installer already.

    It's enough for a 100GB system.
  • #12 16654593
    kozd1
    Level 7  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 1
    I asked about the format because there are a few bullshit (~ 200GB) that I would not like to delete

    Added after 1 [hours] 21 [minutes]:

    And I'm sorry, how do I turn off the disk controller in the bios? I read that it is "ide controller" and you have to change to "disabled", unfortunately I do not have this option anywhere (bios from 2016)
  • #13 16654852
    Robert B
    Level 43  
    Posts: 22594
    Help: 2027
    Rate: 1412
    Let's summarize:
    1. So far, we have not learned the state secret about the brand and model of equipment.
    2. You want to recover data without even being able to boot your laptop from a bootable disk or pen and instead you do not know why you want to install a new system without unpinning the disk on which the installer will make some entries without your knowledge and consent and overwrite some data.
    So decide whether you want to recover or lose this data?
  • #14 16654912
    kozd1
    Level 7  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 1
    Relax, no nerves.
    1. Laptop: MSI GE62 2QE Apache Pro
    2. I have tried to fire a bootable flash drive / disk many times. I recorded files with ISOtoUSB and other times with UniversalUSBInstaller. The image has been saved to a USB stick. After placing the pendrive in MSI and firing the boot option at startup, this pendrive is visible, however, after selecting it nothing happens - i.e. the MSI logo appears and after a few seconds an error through which I can not start windows (error code: 0xc0000428). That's it.
  • #15 16654983
    Robert B
    Level 43  
    Posts: 22594
    Help: 2027
    Rate: 1412
    Either a badly made pen / disc, or badly set boot options, and in my opinion, rather the latter, since it does not boot from both media.
    If you have UEFI, disable Secure Boot.
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    #16 16654994
    Kasek21
    Level 43  
    Posts: 45513
    Help: 4962
    Rate: 3503
    How do you create this media?
    Any link?
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  • #17 16654997
    kozd1
    Level 7  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 1
    So what else should I change / set in the bios except the boot priorities that I set correctly?

    Added after 8 [minutes]:

    https://linuxiarze.pl/instalacja_usb_windows/

    Added after 1 [hours] 45 [minutes]:

    Ok, so after the nth attempt the flash drive was finally read and the data I was interested in copied. Thank you all for your time. Problem solved.
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    #18 16655305
    Robert B
    Level 43  
    Posts: 22594
    Help: 2027
    Rate: 1412
    Did you choose Legacy mode?
  • #19 16655423
    kozd1
    Level 7  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 1
    No, everything was on UEFI. I am ashamed to admit it, but the problem was that by mistake I downloaded the LiveCD on a 32 bit system and I have 64. A quick version change and it went without a problem.

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around recovering important data from a laptop's desktop after a failed Windows 10 update that rendered the system unbootable. The user initially considered reinstalling Windows but was concerned about losing data stored in several folders. Suggestions included using a Live CD Linux to access the disk and copy files to external media. The user faced challenges booting from USB or Live CD, leading to discussions about BIOS settings, disk controllers, and the necessity of disconnecting the original disk to prevent data overwriting. Ultimately, the user successfully copied the desired data after correcting the boot media to match the system architecture (64-bit).
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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

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)

  1. Boot the Live Linux USB and open the file manager.
  2. Mount the Windows partition and locate Users\YourName\Desktop.
  3. 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]
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