How to Get Files Off a Computer That Won't Turn on | Recover Files From Hard Drive That Won't Boot

On this video, I will show you how to recover data from laptop hard drive that won't boot or won't turn on.

This video is dedicated to explaining how to access your files on hard drive from bootable USB without booting windows in order to get files off a computer that won't turn on normally.

If you need to fix start up issues with a blue screen boot loop, watch the following playlist:

To learn how to fix black screen error, watch this video:

The following video will show you how to create a windows installation media using your mobile:
or

For more details, read this topic:

There are two different methods to rescue files:
First method: How to retrieve files using command prompt by booting into advanced start up or Windows Recovery Environment from the same damaged computer if it can turn on but won't start-up or boot.
Second method: How to recover data from laptop hard drive that won't turn on into another computer.

First method: How to copy files using command prompt in windows 10 or any windows:

If your PC has only a corruption in the operating system without hardware damage, then you have a chance to copy your files into another partition in the same computer or to an external disk or a USB drive. To do that, you have to boot your PC into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRe) either from the same operating system or by using a windows installation media like DVD or USB drive.

Now see how to copy your files from the internal hard drive to an external hard or USB drive using Command Prompt.

1.3.a. Connect a USB flash card with enough free space.
1.3.b. Open the command prompt.
1.3.d. From Notepad interface, click on "File" panel and select Open.
1.3.e. Navigate into your files in the computer and send them to the USB card.
1.3.f. If there is no enough space on the USB, you will receive an error message like this.
So connect another USB card or hard drive with enough free space and try again.
1.3.g. You will not be able to see the copy dialog.
Also, the computer will become unresponsive during the file copying process
and will return to respond after the copy process is finished.
Also this method will help you to move or copy your data
from the C or windows partition into another partition
if you are planning to perform a clean windows installation
after unrepairable failure in the previous operating system.

Second method: How to backup data from laptop hard drive that won't turn on into another working computer:

If your PC get unrepairable hardware damage, you still have a chance to recover your data from the internal hard disk of the dead computer into another working computer using one of the following items:
- HDD or SSD drive enclosure
- Disk drive connector
- SATA disk Drive Caddy.

They are available for less than 5 dollars and you can purchase one of them from the nearest computer accessories store.

You will need to remove the internal HDD or SSD drive from the dead laptop as following:
2.1. Disconnect the laptop from the power source.
2.2. Remove the battery pack
2.3. Remove the screws that secure the compartment or back cover.
In some laptops, the hard drive and RAM can be accessed by removing a small back cover without need to removing screws.
2.4. Remove the compartment (back) cover.
2.5. Locate the HDD or SSD drive and remove it gently.
2.6. Remove the frame fixing screws.
2.7. Pull the hard disk drive back.
2.8. Take out the hard disk drive and remove the metal frame.

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[heathd]

Man you are a life saver!!! My desktop finally just gave out last week. I wasnt to upset about it until I realized all my music was on there. I used your video & was able to put my music onto an external hard drive.

[Exxus]

The notepad bypass worked like a true charm, never would have thought of that, thank you!

[Username-hbqi]

Method 1, 2 worked 100% for me to copy 80 GB of files from a PC HD that has a crashed windows 10 install that will not boot even in safe mode to an external USB drive. Thank you so much for making this video!!! This was all free windows built in tools. I was getting ready to start paying for and trying data recovery software before finding this video.

[hannahmartell]

What do I do if it gives me the unexpected error, but I know that my external drive is big enough

[performancefluid]

This video is such a lifesaver mate! May everything you touch turn to gold!

[AmbarishJayakumar]

Under the "Users" directory, my user dir is hidden. I can see only "Public" directory.
How do I view hidden folders?

[shyamkishor]

I tried so many ways but your notepad thing its fantastic..no words lots of thank you...

[Kane_Robo]

Thanks, if worse comes to worse and have to factory restore, least can recover files before hand. The notepad method is so easy

[timtamoti]

this is very useful... Thanks!!! I hope you gain more subs!

[kalmahnalyd]

Wow!! This was a very well explained video.
Thabk you so much for producing such quality content.
I have a problem with my Laptop that won't boot up the Operating System and I will try the first Method of copying the files using the Windows Installation media. Thank you again.💪💪

[MissIdolize]

Very good video!
I am trying to save some files from my BSOD desktop.
Before entering Asus Uefi bios EZ Mode, I plugged in a new 2TB Seagate external hard drive to transfer the files to. And inserted the Windows 10 Pro usb stick, but this removable device does not show in list (unless I am mistaken). My BOOT PRIORITY list shows the following:
1) Windows Boot Manager (Intel SSDPEKNW512G8)
2) Intel SSDP... (same as above)
3) SATA6G_4: ASUS... (Blu-ray disc drive)
I am just learning about bios and repair so am being very careful!
Can you advise please?

[MuhammadMustafaAkbari]

I dont know how to thank you enough, i was behind one second to earse all of my data

[kevi_inam]

Dude, i dont know how to thank you, you are a genius!! The notepad method made my day ❤️❤️

[irc]

HOLY HELL you can do that ???? WITH CMD AND NOTEPADD ? ARE YOU INSANE !!! ur crazy man thankyouuu

[JenniferFlournoy]

I was able to pull my files off through the CMD....
Thank you!

[tyreonfireyt]

When i type notpad.exe, the command prompt is just typing boxes and then it doesnt accept the prompt

[gauribhandari]

Hello, can't we open onedrive folder ? My laptop is not booting and the files also didn't get uploaded to onedrive. When I try to open onedrive, it says file cannot be accessed by the system. Please help

[kimlam]

I wish I found your video earlier, this was most helpful!!! Thank you so much!! You're awesome :)

[shemuprogramming]

Thank you so so much for this video! I wacth always your video i wacth every day

[Rexxie]

This works with hard drives that have a corrupted OS seemingly on them right?