There often comes a time in every person’s life when they are watching a movie on their computer, perhaps looking at pictures, when suddenly…nothing! The PC won’t start. It appears to be completely “dead”. However, there are many ways to recover your data even if it does not turn on.

Let’s take a step back and figure this out. No need to rush into anything crazy as there are some very simple, practical steps you can take to get your important files back. So, let’s look at it:

1. First, Double-Check the Basics

Before you start panicking, just check to see if it is a simple problem. Seriously, the simplest things are sometimes overlooked.

• Check the power cable: Make sure your cord is plugged in correctly. For laptops, make sure that they’re charged. If it’s a desktop, make sure all the cables are securely connected to both the computer and the power outlet. If the power light flickers or doesn’t turn on at all, there could be a power supply issue.
• Look for any obvious signs: Upon pressing the power button, do you notice any external signs? Like any lights, sounds, or fans spinning? If not, then the computer may have a broken power supply.

2. Try Booting in Safe Mode

Your computer tries to turn on, but it’s not loading the operating system. This means that it may freeze at some point during the boot-up process. Safe Mode is a kind of emergency mode for Windows that loads only the basic files and drivers necessary to get the system running. If there’s some corruption or problem with the normal startup, Safe Mode might let you get in to recover your files.

To boot into Safe Mode, here’s what you should do:

• Press F8 (or Shift + F8, depending on your system) when your computer first starts up.
• This will open up the Advanced Boot Options screen, where you can select Safe Mode.

3. Use a Bootable USB Drive

If Safe Mode isn’t working for you, it’s time to go one step further: using a bootable USB drive. This is one of the most reliable ways to get access to your files when your computer won’t boot. Here’s how to set it up:

• Get a USB drive: You’ll need a USB drive (at least 4GB) and another working computer.

• Create a bootable USB: Download a bootable version of Windows or Linux. You can use free programs like Rufus or Windows Media Creation Tool to create a bootable drive. If you go with Linux, Ubuntu is a good free option that can run directly from the USB without needing to install anything on the computer.

• Boot from the USB: Insert the USB drive into your dead computer, power it on, and press the appropriate key (often F12, Esc, or another key depending on your computer’s brand) to bring up the boot menu. Select the USB drive from the list of available boot devices.

Once it boots up from the USB, you should be able to access your files, even if Windows or your operating system is totally messed up. From here, you can copy your files to another external drive, or upload them to cloud storage like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.

4. Try Data Recovery Software

If you’re still stuck and can’t access your data, it’s time to look at some data recovery software. These programs can help you recover files from a damaged or corrupted hard drive. The trick here is you’ll need another working computer to download and install the recovery software.

A few popular recovery software options are:

• Recuva (easy to use, free version available)

• EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard (paid but very reliable)

• R-Studio (for more advanced users)

Here’s how it works:

1. Download the data recovery software on another working computer.

2. Install the software and then attach the dead computer’s hard drive to the working one (you can do this using a hard drive docking station or by putting the drive into a USB enclosure).

3. Run the recovery software and scan the drive for lost or deleted files. The software will search for any recoverable data and allow you to copy it over to your new location (another drive, or even a cloud backup).

While it’s not always a 100% guarantee, data recovery software has saved many people’s important files. It’s definitely worth trying if you’re in a bind.

5. Remove the Hard Drive and Use an External Enclosure

If your computer is totally dead and won’t boot at all don’t panic! Your hard drive might still be fine. You can remove the hard drive from the computer and turn it into an external hard drive. This way, you can access your files from another working computer. Here’s how:

• Remove the hard drive: For most laptops and desktops, you can remove the hard drive by opening up the case or panel (make sure you have the right tools, and if you’re unsure, you might want to look up a tutorial specific to your model).

• Get a USB hard drive enclosure: You can buy a USB enclosure that’s designed to hold your hard drive and let you connect it to another computer like any external hard drive. It’s a simple and effective way to access your data without having to fix the broken computer.

• Connect and transfer files: Once your hard drive is in the enclosure, plug it into another working computer, and it should show up as a regular external drive. Now you can copy your files to a safe place, like another hard drive, cloud storage, or even a USB drive.

6. Get Professional Help if Needed

If all else fails, and your data is really important to you, your last option is to turn to the professionals. Data recovery services are companies that specialize in getting data off damaged drives. The downside is that it can be pretty expensive sometimes upwards of a few hundred dollars but if you’ve tried everything else and need to get those files back, it might be worth it. Just make sure to do your research and choose a reputable service.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with a computer that won’t start is never fun, especially when there’s important data at risk. But with a little patience and the right tools, there’s a good chance you can recover your files. Whether it’s by booting into Safe Mode, using a bootable USB drive, running data recovery software, or even removing the hard drive and connecting it externally, there are plenty of ways to get your data back.

Just take it one step at a time. With a little luck and the right technique, you’ll definitely be able to recover your important files. Good luck!

FAQs

1. What should I do first if my computer won’t start at all?
   First, check the power and cables because sometimes it’s just a loose connection. If it still won’t turn on, try the other recovery steps.
2. Can I get my files back even if the screen stays completely black?
   Yes, definitely. As long as the hard drive isn’t damaged, you can remove it and use an external enclosure to access your data.
3. Do I need special tools for data recovery?
   Not really. Most of the time you only need a USB drive, an external hard-drive enclosure, or simple data recovery software.
4. Is data recovery software safe to use?
   Yes, most trusted programs are safe. Just be sure to download them from their official websites.
5. When should I go to a professional data recovery service?
   If your drive is making strange clicking noises or none of the basic steps work, then it’s better to let a professional handle it.