HOWTO: Recovering Windows files with a Ubuntu CD

[Urmas]

Here's ONE reason why EVERYBODY should have a Linux ("live") CD handy (the other reason is that you can access the Internet with it - and get assistance - when your Windows pukes on you):

What if your Windows installation is suddenly unbootable, you accidentally delete all your files, or the Geek Squad “accidentally” formats your hard drive without asking your permission or backing up your files first? Well, people who have learned from these kinds of experiences will tell you to learn to back up everything. Invest a small amount of money in an external hard drive and back up often.

Yeah, that’s easy to say after the fact. But what do you do now, when you desperately need a file from an unbootable Windows computer? I’ve read a lot of sob stories online from people thinking they need to pay the Geek Squad hundreds of dollars and also part with their computer for days or weeks at a time in order to get their precious not-backed-up-this-time-but-swear-they’ll-be-backed-up-next-time files.
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You do not have to part with your computer for days or weeks at a time, pay someone hundreds of dollars, or be a computer genius in order to access your files right away. In the spirit of Why Every Windows User Needs a Linux Live CD, this tutorial with screenshots will show you how you can use a Linux live CD (with Ubuntu as an example, but there are many Linux live CDs you can use—Knoppix, Damn Small Linux, Mepis, PCLinuxOS) to access files from an unbootable Windows installation, and to recover files that have been deleted or that are part of a drive that has been reformatted.

Recovering Windows files with a Ubuntu CD I: the backstory

Recovering Windows files with a Ubuntu CD II: getting your files

Recovering Windows files with a Ubuntu CD III: deleted files

 

[Adywebb]

Very useful for when Windows gets borked - thanks Urmas

 

[nivrip]

Crosslink HERE using abbreviated version of Linux (Puppy)

 

[Abarbarian]

Here is a very interesting snippet from the guide.

Notes
Yes, you may be shocked that anyone can boot a live CD and access your files, but it’s true. Better you know now and get rid of that false sense of security you used to have. If you have confidential files, you may want to consider encrypting them or not storing them electronically.

Super info Urmas, mind you you forgot one vital piece of info, it is totally free.

It is always worth remembering that 99% of computer errors are located with the operator not the hardware or software.