Warning: The procedures below are effective for a system drive. (See "Chapter 2: Data or System Drive?") For data drives see "Chapter 3: Recovering Files from a Data Drive."

When the lost data was on a system drive, you face a dilemma. The computer must be active for recovery. But as soon as Windows® is started, it will create new data on the system drive, potentially overwriting the lost data. Overwritten data cannot be recovered.

Safe Procedures

The safest procedure is to change the subject drive into a data drive using the procedures below. Then follow the procedure in “Chapter 3: Recovering Files from a Data Drive.” The procedures require a second computer or a new hard drive and familiarity with hardware and software installation. If time and resources are limited, the “Quick Procedure” in the next section is more practical but will reduce the chance of a successful recovery.

If a second computer is available:

• Immediately shutdown the computer holding the lost data.
• Remove the subject drive and mount it on the second computer as a data drive. Do not let Windows® Scan Disk or Check Disk repair the drive when booting up the computer.