Recover files from a HDD with Windows 8

[RaDiKaL_]

Hello, I have a Dell Inspiron 15R laptop that is unable to boot into Windows 8, it gets to the start screen only to hang up there endlessly.

I've already tried to use my Windows 8 recovery Disk I made long ago and also tried a Windows 8 Install disc to use the Repair option but after it supposedly fixes the problem is still a no go.

At this point I only want to recover my documents and then make a fresh install on it, for this I've tried Hiren's Boot backup tools including Mini Windows XP, however none of them gets to see the HDD at all. And yes, the HDD gets properly detected in BIOS.

I've also tried Live Ubuntu, though this one doesn't get to properly boot (tried it on another computer it works fine).

I'm guessing the HDD is being protected by some option in BIOS/UEFI or simply the programs I'm using are outdated, so my question is:

Is there any option I should change in BIOS to get my HDD recognized in another bootable software and which software do you recommend me for this?

I also should mention that I've tried disabling Secure Boot but no change at all.

Thanks for any help.

 

[jimmysmitty]

If you are using mini XP then you need to go into the BIOS and change the drive from AHCI to IDE. XP didn't have native AHCI drivers and I doubt a mini version of it will.

I would try that and see if it detects. If it does not then your other option is to pull the HDD to connect it to a separate computer but it looks like this laptop might be a disassemble pain in the arse.

 

[i7Baby]

To recover documents, try EaseUs or MiniTool or a data recovery specialist.

Put your HDD in a PC and do a Diskcheck and a Virus Scan

Check it with the manufactuer's diagnostic software eg seagate: seatools, wd: lifeguard

 

[skitszo]

Pulling the hard drive and using another computer really is the best.

Richcopy 4.0 worked good for me.

only issue with using another computer is that you'll need to change ownership of the files so you can get thru the security. should be able to google that for a guide.

 

[jimmysmitty]

Considering how your laptop is acting, the freezing when trying to load Windows, I would refrain from trying to run any diagnostic tests on it until you have backed up the data as if the HDD is going bad it can bite the dust when stressed by diagnostic tests.

That laptop, the 15 series from Dell, had a pretty bad run of bad HDDs when I was doing repairs.

 

[skitszo]

ya.. first thing you do always is test the hard drive for starting to fail.

http://www.hdsentinel.com/download.php
http://crystalmark.info/download/index-e.html


you would still need to take the hard drive out instal those on the second computer.

 

[jimmysmitty]

Again, backing up the data is priority, not testing it. Testing it puts it under too much extra stress and I have had plenty of HDDs fail to unrecoverable when testing them for failure.

It is best to access the drive and copy as much as possible before the drive possibly fails to where you need expensive recovery methods to even hope to get the data.

 

[RaDiKaL_]

@jimmysmitty: I tried changing it to IDE however the BIOS simply refuses to change it, I save the settings, tried mini XP and didn't recognize it, I checked in BIOS and it turned out the option restored itself to AHCI, tried again to IDE, saved, restart and entered BIOS directly and again it was on AHCI, I guess Dell put some protection there.

Certainly I'm afraid the HDD is going bad so that's why I wanna backup asap.

@i7Baby and @skitszo: I wanted to evade the whole thing of taking it out of the laptop but I guess I have no choice, I'll search a bit more regarding other possibilities else I'll do that tomorrow.

Thank you all for your responses, I really appreciate it.

 

[jimmysmitty]

I think you might be doing something wrong. If you change it from AHCI to IDE it will only change back if you don't tell it to save it properly. I am trying to remember the BIOS but if it is the GUI based one (with a mouse) I think it is then you have to go to System Configuration > SATA operation and change it there then tell it to save in that menu. Then click Exit and it should prompt you to verify saving the changes and of course save it again. I have done this plenty of times and never had an issue with it.

If for some unknown reason you still cannot get it to change then the only choice you have is to pull the HDD from the system and connect it externally to a different system

What is the exact model? 15R is the line, then there is model such as 15R N5030/N5010 etc?

 

[skitszo]

one thing.......be very careful how you handle the HD. don't press on it when its plugged in and spinning. it will destroy your hard drive surface and ruin data. don't ask me how i know that. 8}

 

[USAFRet]

Data recovery first, then diagnostics.

Not booting...is this a new condition? Were there any symptoms before it did this?

 

[RaDiKaL_]

@jimmysmitty: yeah I've changed plenty of times from AHCI to IDE and viceversa, however in this case it simply doesn't stick, all other BIOS settings like secure boot and UEFI/Legacy mode boot do save properly, but AHCI remains unchanged.

It simply states 15R, its service tag is 9033KX1 so you can see the exact version in its website.

@skitszo: too bad you learned that the hard way heh, don't worry I will be careful if I have to do that tomorrow.

@USAFret: it is a new problem indeed, no idea if there were any previous symptoms since I borrowed it to my sister last week, but she swears she didn't do anything wrong like dropping it or something.

I'll keep you guys posted, thanks again for all your replies.

 

[jimmysmitty]

Well according to Dell it is a Inspiron 15R 5521 and if so then it looks pretty simple to pull the hdd:

http://www.insidemylaptop.com/how-to-disassemble-dell-inspiron-15r-5521-15-3521laptop/

I would suggest pulling the HDD since the BIOS seems intent on staying AHCI and connecting it to a separate computer, preferably via eSATA as if it is a bad HDD connecting via USB can cause the entie system to freeze up and or crash. If eSATA is not available then USB is fine.

 

[RaDiKaL_]

Excellent guide you found there jimmysmitty, luckily the steps for the HDD are just a few. I've started the backup process without issues.

Thanks one more time to all of you guys for your help.

 

[jimmysmitty]

No Problem.