Help recovering Windows using a second SSD
Help recovering Windows using a second SSD
Back then my computer suddenly stopped working and kept opening the BIOS screen instead of Windows. After trying MediCat and adjusting permissions, a friend suggested installing a second SSD to boot from it and restore data from the original one. Since my friend isn’t available right now, I’m unsure exactly what steps to follow and don’t want to cause further issues. My system has a second SSD slot, the same one I used before, and it’s an M.2 NVMe drive with 1TB capacity. Could someone guide me through the process of using this method to recover my files?
He likely instructed you to mount Windows on the second SSD, then configure the new drive as the boot option in BIOS. The previous SSD will transform into a secondary storage device, allowing you to move all necessary files from the old drive to the new one. Remember: detach the old SSD from the motherboard before installing Windows on the replacement drive.
You can insert it into any available slot, provided it functions. 2. You need to: - Create a 16GB thumb drive (all current files will be erased, be careful) - Obtain the Windows installation file from the official site. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software.../windows11 - Generate a bootable thumb drive - Power down the computer, cut power to the system - Remove any existing SSD or other storage devices - Connect your new SSD - Insert the bootable thumb drive (use the USB port on the back of your PC) - Restart the computer If you encounter the BIOS menu, adjust the boot sequence to prioritize your thumb drive, save the changes, and then restart. You should land directly on the Windows setup screen. There’s a wealth of guides on making a bootable drive and installing Windows at YouTube if you need further help. Additional notes: If you set the first boot option to the thumb drive, after installation you’ll likely have to update the boot order in BIOS to point to your new SSD once Windows is running. Edited July 8, 2024 by Poinkachu
1. Irrespective of the slot, sometimes the top position is quicker; it might be wise to choose that as your new SSD, which will serve as the Windows boot drive.
2. If you briefly disconnect your existing SSD while trying to recover data, you can boot from a Windows installation USB and install it on the new SSD. Once set up, turn off your PC and insert the old SSD into the second slot.
I didn't notice a reply yet. Your "step 2" looks more thorough than mine.
1) Purchase a fresh SSD. Assume the previous one is completely failed. It might still hold some data, or it won't. Not important right now.
2) Disconnect the old SSD and put in the new one.
3) Create a Windows installation USB on a functional machine. The ISO can be downloaded directly from Microsoft at no cost, and you can build the USB using either the Windows Media Creation Tool or RUFUS. Requires at least 8GB of storage space.
4) Power on the USB and install Windows onto the new SSD.
5) After setup, when you're running the system, consider trying to recover data from the old NVMe drive.
But the mention of just "SSD" brought to mind a SATA SSD. You did a great job clarifying the slot distinction if it's an NVMe version.