unable to retrieve files after windows 7 crash?

Question

Ok so a colleague of mine has a windows 7 laptop, the system crashed and now whenever you try to boot it just fails, trying to do a system restore or rebuild all options fail and it appears to be stuck in a loop. there is no physical problem with the drive but dell have said the last option is to rebuild windows.

So I would like to backup his files etc but his username was password protected. I can see the route folders such as Desktop and my documents in the folder that is in his username but nothing appears to be there, I've tried switching permissions to me via right clicking on the drive and selecting properties then security and then switching the owner etc but still cant see any of the content. Is there anyway to recover his data? The user account is local to the machine but they originate from our corporate domain. any help would be deeply appreciated! thanks

Answer 1

If you can boot into safe mode and find your files you may be able to copy them that way, but safe mode is the basics only.



In safe mode the burner will most likely not work but you may be able to copy them to an external HD if you have one attached I'm not sure but it's worth a try.



When in safe mode you can move around the explorer with dos commands easily.

Answer 2

You can download ccleaner for free here: http://bit.ly/1Bk5V5C



First open CCleaner

Go to the Cleaner tab and you will be confronted by a very confusing lineup of checkboxes.

To make this brief, below is my recommended setup:

Under internet explorer check temporary internet files, cookies, and last download location. Most users don't really need this stuff. keep history and bookmarks unchecked, history is a maybe, but you don't want to lose bookmarked sites. You can normally leave Windows Explorer, System, and Advanced alone.

Run CCleaner and it will start deleting files.

afterward it will present you with a list of the files deleted, you really don't need to go through it as it will be several pages long.

The registry cleaner is recommended for slightly more advanced users. Use it after uninstalling programs as they will often leave behind incorrect registry entries.

If you decide to run Registry cleaner then review the items detected and always back up the registry (I keep a folder aside for this)

The Tools tab lets you uninstall programs and set startup programs. Why do you need this if Windows has all of these features? Especially with Vista Home Ed. The windows defender software explorer( startup programs) doesn't pick up some entries (however software explorer is easier to use).

Using CCleaner to uninstall programs and then check for leftover registry entries takes less time.

Under Options you can determine how CCleaner cleans your files. I leave this alone.

Answer 3

first of all, you somewhat want greater ram. you need to have on the very minimum 2GB. additionally, domicile windows 7 aero demands a efficient picture card, so applying onboard is better than probably going to make aero disabled and use the ordinary view rather. as far as fixing the errors, put in your domicile windows 7 disc, load up from it, decide on restore, then decide on command instant. From there form chkdsk c: /r and enter, then y and enter. permit it run until eventually it finishes, 40 5 minutes - 2 hours. Restart computer and notice if errors pass away. If no longer , you have gotten a bad tensechronic or memory.

Answer 4

Go download and burn an ubuntu live disc.

and boot from it, you do not install it.

it contains everything you need to remove/recover

the files before you reload windows.



Ubuntu > http://www.ubuntu.com/download/ubuntu/download



or if you have a windows install disc.

insert the disc and choose the upgrade option.

it will of course not upgrade,

But it will replace every single windows file with fresh copies,

and repair the registry,

whilst keeping any programs that have been installed,

it will also keep all personal folders and files intact.

this takes quite a bit longer to do than a fresh install,





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