Data recovery using another computer

If the computer has trouble starting up or the lost files are for any reason likely to be overwritten, it is possible to recover them with the help of another computer. Such a machine should be able to host the problem drive and a data recovery tool. In this case, the storage device is taken out from the cabinet and connected as an additional drive to the PC employed in the recovery process. If this option is not viable in view of the configuration of the machine or other factors, using UFS Explorer Backup and Emergency Recovery CD is highly recommended.

Warning: Don't use the drive before the needed files are recovered to avoid their accidental overwriting.

Recover data from a hard disk drive using an auxiliary computer

Provided that the critical files were not overwritten, the right data recovery instrument run from another PC will be able to return the lacking information. For this purpose, SysDev Laboratories offers UFS Explorer and Recovery Explorer. These effective software solutions serve for a variety of data recovery needs of both home users and technical experts, including ones related to restoring files from hard disk drives with any file system of Windows, macOS, Linux or UNIX/BSD. Several software editions are available to cover various storage technologies utilized by different devices. The programs perform an in-depth examination of the storage in a safe read-only mode to rescue the missing data and allow copying it to any safe local or network location.

Hint: For detailed information about the supported file systems and additional storage technologies please refer to the product specifications and the storage technologies page.

In order to carry out the procedure with the help of  UFS Explorer Standard Recovery, follow these steps:

  1. Find an additional computer you can use for data recovery. Download and install the program onto it, ensuring that the version of the program corresponds to the operating system it is running.

    Hint: If you have any difficulties with the installation of the utility, please refer to the installation manual for UFS Explorer Standard Recovery.

  2. Prepare a storage to place the recovered data. This may be an internal drive, network location or any portable device attached to the host PC.

  3. Switch the failed computer off, unscrew the tower and remove the hard disk drive. Handle the drive carefully and keep it horizontally on a flat surface during the work.

  4. Power the host PC off and connect the extracted device to it using the fastest available interface. It is advisable to use any SATA port found on the motherboard, but you may also sacrifice performance and choose a USB to SATA adapter or a disk enclosure.

    Hint: If you don't know how you can plug the drive into the motherboard of the computer or connect it externally using a USB to SATA/IDE adapter, please rely on the provided video tutorials.

  5. Start the host computer and run UFS Explorer Standard Recovery. If needed, change the software parameters in the corresponding pane.

    Warning: When you boot the computer, the operating system may prompt formatting or repairing the connected drive. Doing so may cause serious difficulties or even permanent data loss.

  6. Select your hard drive from the options under connected devices in the left pane and scan it for lost data with the help of the "Start scan" button or the storage context menu option.

    three ways to start drive scanning in ufs explorer standard recovery

    Note: If your drive is missing in the list of devices, you are likely to have a physically flawed drive/enclosure.

  7. Set the needed scan parameters. If you know which file system type you are working with, deselect the rest of the types. After that, click "Start scan" and wait for the process to be completed.

    set necessary scan parameters in ufs explorer standard recovery

    Hint: More information about configuring the scan can be found in the instruction on scanning a drive with UFS Explorer.

  8. Look into the file system reconstructed by the program. If the "Set up displaying of file status" tool is enabled, all files will appear with circular icons that refer to their state. A green icon shows that a file is intact and has a valid header; a red icon is used when a file is "bad" (zeroed); a gray icon may signify that a file has been damaged or its integrity wasn’t verified because of the format’s specifics. The deleted folders and files after their recovery can be easily distinguished from the rest of the data by the red color of their names. You may also sort the files by name, date, size, employ quick or advanced search and preview images, videos, audio files or PDF documents. After that, click "Define selection" and determine the items to be saved by putting checkmarks next to them.

    define selection tool to select multiple recovered files in ufs explorer standard recovery

    Hint: The information provided in Evaluation and saving the results of data recovery may facilitate your work with the obtained folders and files.

  9. Choose a destination folder for the recovered data in the pop-up window.

    save selection tool to save multiple recovered files in ufs explorer standard recovery

    Hint: If you are going to save the recovered data to a network storage, please check the provided guide.

Last update: August 09, 2022

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