How to Recover Data from a Dead PC? [Quick Methods]

It might be painful to lose access to your important files when your Windows PC becomes dead all of a sudden. Whether due to physical damage, software corruption, or hardware failure, you can easily restore your lost data from a dead PC.

This comprehensive guide mentions some quick and easy recovery workarounds that you can apply to recover data from a dead PC. 

From manual approaches to professional data recovery software, carefully follow the step-by-step instructions mentioned below to retrieve your valuable files easily. 

Common Symptoms of a Dead PC

When your PC becomes “dead”, it stops responding, either partially or completely. However, the exact symptoms may vary. Understanding what happens when a PC is dead can help you identify adequate recovery workarounds. A dead PC may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:

  • It will not turn ON or display error messages like “No Boot Device Found.”
  • It generates clicking, grinding, or beeping sounds, which indicate a hardware failure, particularly with the hard drive or motherboard.
  • The screen remains black, or it shows irregular flickering or artefacts.

Is It Possible to Recover Files from a Dead PC?

Recovering data from a dead PC can be a challenging task, but not impossible at all. When your computer becomes unresponsive or fails to boot properly, it is significant to find the exact cause for the same. Some main reasons include:

  • Hardware Failure: Your computer may not boot due to damaged hard drives, malfunctioning motherboards, or defective power supply. 
  • Software Corruption: Sometimes, the PC becomes unbootable if there are any kind of malware attacks, damaged operating systems, or unsuccessful updates.
  • Physical Damage: Your computer may sustain significant harm if you drop it or expose it to water or fire.

Quick Methods to Recover Data from a Dead PC

Now when you are familiar with the exact reason for your dead PC, it’s time to apply adequate data recovery methods to restore data successfully. When your PC dies, go with the below methods one-by-one to restore its files or folders:

Method 01: Recover Lost Files Using Professional Data Recovery Software

If you are looking for the simplest approach to recover missing files, then professional data recovery software such as Stellar Data Recovery Professional will be the best choice. This all-in-one data recovery software allows you to recover deleted photos, videos, documents, and other types of files in a few simple clicks. 

  • Whether your data is deleted due to accidental deletion, formatting, virus attacks, or any other reason this professional data recovery software is very helpful. 
  • It supports the recovery of files deleted from both Windows and Mac devices. 
  • It allows you to preview the recoverable files before saving them on your PC.
  • The software is available in multiple versions varying in features and prices. 
  • Supports recovery from FAT 16, FAT 32, NTFS, and NTFS5 file systems

Here’s how to regain access to data from a dead PC using the Stellar Data Recovery Professional tool:

Step 1: Firstly, connect a fresh USB drive to a working PC. Also, download and install the Stellar Data Recovery Professional software on that device. 

Step 2: Click the waffle-icon and select Create Recovery Drive.

Step 3: Tap the Browse button and choose your connected drive. Click the “Create Recovery Drive” button followed by the OK button to initiate the process.

Step 4: Now, on the Activation Window that appears, enter the Activation key received via email on purchasing the software and click OK. The bootable recovery drive is ready.

Now that your USB recovery drive is ready, connect it to your dead PC and follow the below steps to initiate data recovery:

  • Use the Boot Key (F12) to switch on your computer and enter the Boot Menu. 
  • Choose the bootable recovery drive (USB drive).
  • From the homepage of the software that appears on the PC screen, select Everything or the type of file you need to restore. 

  • Choose the recovery drive where the deleted file was earlier stored from the “Recover From” screen, then tap Next>Scan.

  • After completion of the scanning process, go through the list of recoverable files and choose the ones you want to restore. Click Recover to save selected files at the desired location. 

Method 02: Use HDD with Another PC

If your PC is completely dead and you are unable to turn it ON, try removing its hard drive from the Trayless Rack and then connect it to another PC or laptop. All you have to do is:

  • Shut Down Your PC: Disconnect your PC from the power source and remove its battery (for laptops) to ensure safety.
  • Access the Drive: Carefully remove the hard drive by opening the case with a screwdriver.
  • Verify Compatibility: Check the connection type (SATA, IDE, or NVMe) to determine whether the device is an HDD (hard disc drive) or SSD (solid-state drive).

Method 03: Check Previously Created Backups

Using previously created backups is one of the most efficient ways to recover files on your dead PC. If you have a habit of maintaining regular backups of your important files, whether through external drives, cloud services, or third-party software, restoring can be easy and simple. 

  • Cloud Backups: You can use cloud backup services like Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, etc. to create backups of your files.
  • External Drives: Create a backup on external hard drives, USB flash drives, or network-attached storage (NAS).

Method 04: Seek Professional Data Recovery Services

If all the above recovery methods fail or if the hard drive is physically damaged, try using expert data recovery services. These professionals recover data from seriously damaged drives using specialised equipment. This approach is frequently the most dependable for recovering important data, despite its high cost.

Preventing Future Data Loss on PC 

The above methods to recover lost data from a dead PC can be challenging, it is always better to avoid such instances from your end. Here are some tips that you can consider to prevent a dead PC:

  • Regular Backups: Maintain regular backups of your important files via cloud backup services or external hard drives.
  • Install Antivirus Software: Your important data might be deleted through virus or malware attacks. To avoid such instances, protect your device’s system files using a reliable antivirus software. 
  • Continuous Power Supply: Use an Uninterrupted power supply to prevent sudden system shutdowns.

Conclusion

When your PC suddenly becomes unresponsive or dead, try the aforementioned recovery methods to recover data from Dead PC.

Whether you are using a professional data recovery software, previously created backups, or consulting professionals, it is important to take immediate action. The sooner you act, the easier it will be to recover lost files. More importantly, implement strong data security procedures to stop losses in the future.