I'm not quite sure how it happened, but windows completely crashed on my laptop computer! I have been looking for different recovery methods online, but I wanted to get your input. I need a way to recover data on the partition. Now I wish I had created recovery disks. I believe that there are linux distros that can recover data. Is that right? and which one is the best to use? I am also considering installing linux on my system if I recover my data. I have heard that it really is the best operating system to use, the only problem is, I feel so 'confined' using linux. I have an Ubuntu live cd that I can use on my laptop computer for now, but it feels like there is so little to do. I mean, most software is not compatible, so I can't really download a whole lot of software. Perhaps what I'll just have to end up doing is to take the computer to an expert, who can attempt to recover any data, and somehow restore the factory settings. Anyway, thanks for reading. Please help me with this problem. Any solutions you can give are appreciated.
Using a live distro (meaning one that runs off a CD or floppy instead of the hard drive) is nice to have, even if you only have it for backing up. BartPE is one recovery program. Regardless of the method used, you will probably need a place to move the data to. Linux does have some things better implemented than Windows. However, not everyone is comfortable using it. For more user-friendly versions, Ubuntu and it's variations (K/X/Subuntu) are a good choice. Playing around with a live distro when possible can help you get comfortable with Linux without having to install it. Before you scrap Windows for Linux, make sure you're dealing with a software issue. If it's a hardware issue, you'll have problems no matter what OS you use. Could you give specifics on what happened, particularly any error messages, what program(s) were running, as well as the laptop model and/or specs? We need to figure out where the problem lies first.
id buy a converter lead that goes from a laptop hdd to a desktop pc motherboard. 2.5"-3.5" ide converter. They cost pennies on ebay. Then just browse your data from your laptop on your desktop. Im assuming your on a desktop now? I found knoppix was the easiest linux livecd to use to burn data from dead windows installs. Its saved my neck a few times. Linux is worth looking at but even though I only really use my pc for the net I still find I need windows for stuff. Id try installing both windows and ubuntu and try to use ubuntu as much as you can.
