There are so many different cases when a computer may fail to start that it is virtually impossible to make a single guide for all of them.

Let’s say that your computer desktop or laptop fails to start. The hard disk seems to be working but it’s only the Windows operating system that does not want to start. In addition, your Windows recovery isn’t helping. In such a case, you might still be able to gain access to your files.

You could use a special program called as UBCD4WIN.

How to Recover Data from Windows XP OR How to Recover Windows Vista

We will have to go through with a Windows XP bootable CD that has UBCD4WIN. First you will need to compile and burn the program to a CD. But it is still worth it and will help you in the future. We explain here how to compile and burn the CD.

So, let’s boot the computer from this CD. You will see the first screen like this...

We choose now to boot UBCD4WIN. Now, it will boot for about 2 minutes depending on the computer speed. Just relax for now. It will ask whether you need an Internet connection.

Click on ‘Yes’ if you want to access the Internet.

Next, you will see a screen like this.

This interface is very similar to the Windows XP interface. On the upper left corner, there is an icon for ‘My Computer’. Through this program, you will be able to access all your files if your hard disk is still working. Simply click on it and it will open an interface that’s very similar to Windows. If the hard disk is external, it must be connected before UBCD4WIN boots.

I would say this is probably all you can do if you are attempting data recovery at home. If the hard disk is still not recognized by your computer, then it will need to be examined in a data recovery company or by some more sophisticated program like SpinRite.

Once you can access your data, simply navigate to the disk you want to access and try to copy your data to a safe location, like a USB flash disk. And, one more time, let’s mention that any USB device should be connected before the CD boots.

If you would like to recover the operating system:

(i) To Recover Windows XP

Simply find the installation disk of Windows XP, place it in the DVD drive and boot the computer. It will ask whether you want to install Windows XP or want to recover it. Choose ‘Recover’. It will try to recover the Windows OS for you.

(ii) To Recover Windows Vista

Here as well, you have to find the installation disk of the Vista operating system. Then, place the disk to the DVD drive and boot from it. It will ask whether you want to recover the operating system. Choose ‘Recover’ and the process will begin.