How to Use Puppy Linux to Recover Windows 7 Files When You Can’t Boot

It’s always better to backup your data before do any re-installation or repair when Windows 7 crashed or can not be booted. How to do it when you can’t log in and see the explorer?. This small post shows how to use Puppy Linux boot able CD  to recover Windows 7 files.

I like Puppy Linux for this purpose, because;

1) Very Small file (130 MB only) compare to other Operating Systems.
2) Installation is not required, boot from CD or DVD and do your job.
3) Very quick booting.
4) Detects FAT32, NTFS partitions and external USB devices. So, transfer your data in easy way to removable disks.

How to Use Puppy Linux to Recover Windows 7 Files and Folders

1) Download the latest version from official site here.

2) Create a CD from ISO file. DO NOT just copy the ISO file.

3) Set CD drive as first boot device in crashed Windows 7 computer and boot from CD drive.

4) Select initial language, keyboard and location options. We are running from live CD, so nothing will be saved on hard disk.

5) You will land on a beautiful desktop within seconds.

It detects my Windows partitions and USB drive, So I can transfer important files and folders.

6) Accessing files and folders is not an issue. Below is root partition of Windows 7.

7) If you think copying is difficult then use drag and drop. It’s easy and worked well.

So, that’s it. Without breaking your head or asking any IT guy’s ( like me) help, you can backup your documents in minutes with Puppy Linux live CD. I still remember people remove the physical hard drive and connect to other working computers to copy their files before doing format or repair. This method should be cool for all.