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Computer Crashed: How to Recover Files With Ease

If your computer crashed recently, and you want to save your files, check out this guide. We've rounded up the most effective recovery methods.
Theo Lucia
Theo Lucia Originally published Mar 29, 24, updated Nov 16, 24

Having a crashed computer is stressful by itself. However, the stress levels may increase once you start thinking about the data on the device you may have lost during the process. Thus, you might try to find the most successful recovery solution, which is why we’re here to help.

We’ll present all working methods for recovering data from a crashed computer to help you on your journey. You can try all these solutions to retrieve your data from an unresponsive device for the best results:using professional file recovery software or the system restore function; restoring files from a backup drive; and hiring a professional data recovery service provider.

In this article
    1. Recover Files Using Professional File Recovery Software
    2. Use System Restore to Recover Your Crashed Computer
    3. Restore Your Files From a Backup
    4. Contact a Professional Data Recovery Service

Why Do Computers Crash?

Numerous reasons may lead to sudden computer crashes, such as the following:

  • 💻 Hardware issues – If some of your hardware components stop working, it can lead to severe problems, such as a computer crash and data loss.
  • 👾 Malware and other viruses – These invisible enemies can enter your system and wipe everything on it, leading to crashed computer issues and data loss.
  • 🔌 Power issues – If your computer doesn’t receive enough power or frequently experiences sudden power outages, it may eventually develop power problems and crash.
  • 🚨 Faulty drivers – Your primary driver may experience problems like corruption and failure, resulting in a computer crash. The drive has everything you need to turn on your device, so a faulty drive may be the cause if something unexpected happens.

These are only some of the most prevalent reasons behind computer crashes; the list continues.

How to Recover Files From a Crashed Computer

Let’s jump to the best methods to recover files from crashed computers.

Recover Files Using Professional File Recovery Software

One of the most convenient ways to recover files from a crashed computer is to use professional file recovery software. This method lets you customize your experience and get complete control over the recovery process. However, finding the ideal solution may take time due to the many available options.

Thus, we recommend checking out Wondershare Recoverit. This tool is one of the oldest in the recovery industry, with Wondershare counting over 20 years of experience and 35 patented technologies. Thanks to its advanced systems, scanners, and programs, the program can recover any file type in any data loss scenario. Its success rate is 98%, meaning you’ll retrieve valuable data.

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You’ll need a working computer and a USB flash drive to prepare for the recovery process. Download and install Wondershare Recoverit from the official source on the working computer and follow the guide below:

  1. Open Wondershare Recoverit on the working computer and select System Crashed Computer. Click Start.
    system crashed computer in wondershare recoverit
  2. Connect the USB drive to the working computer.
  3. Once you do, select the USB drive in Wondershare Recoverit.
    select the usb drive
  4. The program will ask you to format the drive, so we recommend backing up the data beforehand (unless the device is blank). Then, click Format.
    format the disk
  5. After formatting the drive, the program will make it bootable.
    create a bootable usb drive
  6. Once this process is complete, disconnect the USB drive and insert it into the crashed computer.
     insert the usb into the crashed computer
  7. Adjust the BIOS to boot from the USB drive.
  8. After booting, select either Hard Disk Copy or Data Recovery as you need.
    hard disk copy or data recovery

Use System Restore to Recover Your Crashed Computer

Windows devices have a built-in feature that lets you restore your device to the previous working state. The PC will create these restore points to help you cope with numerous problematic scenarios, such as computer crashes.

However, your computer must be bootable to recover data using this method successfully. If it doesn’t power on, you may need to select a different solution, such as professional recovery software or restoring your files from a backup.

Moreover, one of the disadvantages of this tool is that it may only recover some of your files, and you may lose data from the current system version.

Still, if you want to use this method to get your computer up and running, here’s what you should do:

  1. Head to the Start menu’s search bar, type Control Panel, and open the program.
    open the control panel
  2. Go to Recovery.
    recovery in the control panel
  3. Click Open System Restore under Advanced Recovery Tools.
    open system restore
  4. Click Next once System Restore launches.
    confirm system restore
  5. Choose the desired restore point and click Finish.
    start system restore

Restore Your Files From a Backup

Backup solutions are among the most convenient methods to recover files after a computer crash. You’ll have no issue regaining access to your data if you’ve regularly backed up your files. However, this solution is only available to those who have created backups to preserve their data.

You’ll have to use other methods in this guide in all other cases. We recommend checking out professional recovery software solutions for the most successful journey.

The steps for recovering your files from a backup will differ depending on the provider and your chosen method. For this article, we’ll use Google Drive, one of the most used backup services. Here’s how to restore your files after a computer crash from a Google Drive backup:

  1. Open Google Drive on your computer (you can access it through the browser or the application).
    open google drive
  2. Choose the files you want to recover and click More (the three dots).
    more options in google drive
  3. Click Download.
    download the files
  4. Choose where to save the recovered files.

We must note that the files you download from the platform will most likely be in a ZIP file, so you’ll need a compatible tool to extract them.

Contact a Professional Data Recovery Service

professional data recovery

If you don’t want to mess around with your computer and DIY the recovery process, we advise you to contact professional data recovery services. Moreover, if you notice hardware damage, which may be the reason behind the computer crash, this solution may be the safest.

Most data recovery services will ask you to describe your issue and ship your device to their labs for examination. After thorough research, the company will contact you, explain the problem, tell you how long the recovery process will take, and create a custom quote accordingly. The recovery prices can range from two to thousands of dollars, depending on the complexity and case.

Regardless of the price, the company’s team of professionals will try their best to recover every missing file and help you avoid data loss.

You can find reviews of WeRecoverData, PITS Data Recovery, SERT Data Recovery, CBL Data Recovery, DataTech Labs Data Recovery Service, Gillware Data Recovery, SalvageData Recovery Service to pick your ideal one.

How to Prevent Future Crashes

Since the crashed computer scenario may be one of the most stressful in the tech world, you may want to take preventative measures and protect your device in the future. If so, check out the tips and guidelines below to provide a healthy environment for your PC:

  • Invest in antivirus software – A robust solution will successfully remove all malware and improve your computer’s health.
  • Regularly update your OS – Updating your operating system will prevent crashes and close all security gaps that may lead to similar issues.
  • Carefully handle your components – Take proper care of your hardware to ensure no physical damage that may result in computer crashes occurs.
  • Use cooling fans – Computer overheating is among the most prevalent reasons for computer crashes, so ensure your device has sufficient airflow.
  • Use reliable power sources – Your computer should always have enough power to run, so find a quality power source.

These tips will decrease your chances of having a computer crash.

Conclusion

Computer crashes are overwhelming, stressful, and nerve-racking, especially if you haven’t faced such issues before. One of the worst scenarios is when your device won’t power on, and you may instantly think all your files are lost. If so, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve presented the best recovery methods to retrieve your data.

If you’re searching for the easiest yet most reliable solution, check out Wondershare Recoverit. This tool has recovery capabilities like nothing you’ve seen, and you won’t have to worry about losing your files in any unexpected scenario.

FAQ

  • Can I recover files when the computer crashes?
    Absolutely! Your chosen method will depend on the crash scenario and your device’s responsiveness. If you don’t want to search for the best solution, try Wondershare Recoverit,the most universal recovery software. It can retrieve your files regardless of the state of your computer.
  • How do I recover files from a broken computer?
    You can recover files from a broken computer by downloading and installing Wondershare Recoverit to a working device, preparing a USB flash with at least 4 GB of free space, and following the steps below:
    1. Open Wondershare Recoverit and select System Crashed Computer. Click Start.
    2. Select your USB drive from the available options.
    3. Click Format.
    4. After formatting, the program will create a bootable USB drive.
    5. Once this process is over, insert the USB into the broken computer and set BIOS to boot from the removable drive.
    6. Choose the recovery type you wish to perform (Hard Disk Copy or Data Recovery).
    Just like that, you’ll have your data back. Another solution you can try if your device is physically damaged is contacting professional recovery services. They’ll examine your computer and determine how to retrieve your files.
  • How do I recover files from a crashed hard drive?
    The best way to recover files from a crashed hard drive is to use Wondershare Recoverit. Follow the guide above to create a bootable USB drive and enjoy the best recovery experience. If you don’t want to DIY the recovery process or your hard drive is damaged, we advise you to contact professional data recovery services.
Theo Lucia
Theo Lucia Nov 16, 24
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