Backup Files from Dead Windows PC with Ubuntu Live CD

Recovering Data from a Non-Booting Windows Computer

If you’ve encountered issues with a Windows computer that fails to start, a common recommendation is to back up your data before reinstalling the operating system. However, this presents a challenge: how can data be accessed if the system won’t boot?

Fortunately, a straightforward solution exists – utilizing an Ubuntu Live CD. This method provides access to your files without requiring a functioning Windows installation, and it’s available at no cost, aside from the price of a blank CD.

Creating an Ubuntu Live CD

To begin, you’ll need to create a bootable Ubuntu Live CD. If you have access to another computer, the process is simplified with a program like ImgBurn.

Simply download and launch ImgBurn, then select the option to "Write image file to disc".

Next, locate and select the downloaded Ubuntu ISO file as the source, insert a recordable CD into your drive, and initiate the burning process.

Booting from the Ubuntu Live CD

Once the CD is created, insert it into the affected computer and configure the system to boot from the CD drive. Upon startup, you should be presented with an option to "Try Ubuntu without any change to your computer". Select this option.

Accessing Your Windows Drive

After the system loads, navigate to "Places" then "Computer" from the menu. This will display all available drives, including your Windows partition.

In many cases, the Windows drive will be visible, such as the 52.4 GB volume shown here.

Mounting the Drive

Attempting to open the drive may result in an error message, such as "Unable to mount the volume". This often occurs when Windows hasn't shut down properly.

Clicking "Details" will reveal a message containing commands to force the drive to mount. Keep this window open.

Using the Terminal

Open a Terminal window by navigating to Applications   Accessories \ Terminal. You will then enter a series of commands.

First, gain administrator privileges (root access) with the following command:

sudo /bin/bash

Next, create a directory to mount the drive:

mkdir /media/disk

Now, use the following command to force mount the drive, replacing /dev/sda1 with the device name from the error message:

mount -t ntfs-3g /dev/sda1 /media/disk -o force

If the drive is formatted as FAT32, use this command instead:

mount -t vfat -o umask=000 /dev/sda1 /media/disk

If you are unsure of the filesystem type or device name, use this command:

fdisk -l

Accessing and Backing Up Your Files

With the drive mounted, it should now be accessible through the "Computer" icon.

If multiple drives or partitions are present, repeat the mounting process for each one.

Backup Destinations

The simplest method for backing up your data is to connect an external USB drive. Ubuntu will typically recognize it and display its contents.

What to Back Up

If you are unsure which files to back up, consider these options:

1) Full Backup: If you have sufficient space, back up the entire drive. This ensures that no data is overlooked.

2) User Folder: Back up your user folder, which contains documents, music, bookmarks, and other important files. On XP, this is typically located in "Documents and Settings", while on Vista it's in "Users".

Important: This method won’t back up application files. Check for any other important files stored outside of your user folder.

Backing Up to a Network Share

Alternatively, you can back up your data to a network share. Use "Places \ Connect to Server" from the menu.

Select "Windows share" as the service type and enter the server, share, and username details.

Once connected, you can copy your files to the network share.

After completing the backup, consider creating a second copy for added security. With your data secured, you can proceed with reinstalling Windows or performing other necessary repairs.

Download Ubuntu Live CD

Download ImgBurn from Ninite