Restoring data from a corrupted Windows system can be challenging, but there are several methods you can try to recover your files. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Boot from a Recovery Drive or Installation Media

  1. Create a Recovery Drive or Installation Media:
    • If you don’t have one already, you can create a Windows installation media using a USB drive. You’ll need access to another computer to download the Windows Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website.
  2. Boot from the Recovery Drive or Installation Media:
    • Insert the USB drive into your corrupted computer.
    • Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive. You might need to change the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI settings to do this.

Step 2: Use the Windows Recovery Environment

  1. Access the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE):
    • Once you boot from the recovery drive or installation media, select your language preferences and click “Next”.
    • Click on “Repair your computer” instead of “Install now”.
  2. Choose Troubleshoot:
    • In the WinRE menu, select “Troubleshoot”.
  3. Try Startup Repair:
    • Select “Advanced options” > “Startup Repair”. This might fix some common issues preventing Windows from booting.
  4. Use System Restore:
    • If you have a restore point saved, you can use “System Restore” to revert your system to a previous state.

Step 3: Recover Your Data

  1. Access Command Prompt:
    • In the WinRE menu, select “Advanced options” > “Command Prompt”.
  2. Copy Your Files to an External Drive:
    • Use Command Prompt to copy your files to an external USB drive. For example, if you want to copy files from the C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents directory to an external drive E:, you would use the command:mathematicaCopy codexcopy C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents E:\Backup /E /H /C /I
    • This command copies all files and directories, including hidden files, and continues even if errors are encountered.

Step 4: Use Data Recovery Software (If Necessary)

If the above methods don’t work, you might need to use data recovery software. Here are some steps to follow:

  1. Remove the Hard Drive:
    • If possible, remove the hard drive from the corrupted computer and connect it to another computer as an external drive using a USB adapter or docking station.
  2. Run Data Recovery Software:
    • Install and run data recovery software on the working computer. Some recommended tools include:
      • Recuva
      • EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
      • Stellar Data Recovery
      • Disk Drill
  3. Scan the Drive:
    • Use the recovery software to scan the corrupted drive and recover your files. Follow the software’s instructions to complete the process.

Step 5: Reinstall Windows (If Necessary)

If you’ve successfully recovered your data, you might need to reinstall Windows to fix the corruption issue:

  1. Backup All Important Data:
    • Ensure all important data is backed up to an external drive or cloud storage.
  2. Reinstall Windows:
    • Boot from the Windows installation media again, and this time select “Install now” to perform a clean installation of Windows.

By following these steps, you should be able to recover your data from a corrupted Windows system. If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, feel free to ask!

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