How to recover files with a Linux USB drive
If a computer will not start, a bootable Linux USB drive can often still read its disk so you can copy your files to another drive.
Steps
- Plug in the Linux USB drive and an external drive for the rescued files.
- Boot from the USB drive in live mode.
- Open the file manager and find the internal disk.
- Copy your documents, photos and other files to the external drive.
Tips
- Do not install anything or write to the failing disk.
- If the disk makes unusual noises, stop and consult a data recovery service.
- Encrypted disks need your password or key to open.
Browse our disk, rescue and security tools or see cloning with Clonezilla.