How to Recover Data from SSD on Dead Laptop: 3 Effective Methods

How to recover data in 3 easy steps

Recovering data from a laptop with a non-booting SSD can be challenging. However, there are several methods you can try. You can either attempt to repair the drive or extract the data using another computer. If the drive is not physically damaged, you may be able to repair it using a bootable USB drive and the Windows recovery environment. If the drive is severely damaged or the data is critical, consider using data recovery software or consulting a professional data recovery service.

1. Repairing the SSD (if possible)

• Create a bootable USB drive: This is your first step.
• Access the BIOS/UEFI: You need to change the boot order.
• Change boot order: Set the USB drive as the primary boot device.
• Boot from USB and repair: Follow the prompts to attempt repairs.
• Command Prompt: Use commands like `chkdsk X: /f` (replace X with the drive letter) to check for and fix errors.
• System Restore: If you have restore points, you can revert to a previous state.
  
  

2. Data Recovery (if repair fails)

• Connect the SSD to another computer: If the SSD is removable, connect it to another computer as a secondary drive using a SATA to USB adapter.
• Use data recovery software: Download and install data recovery software (like Recoverit) on the second computer.
• Scan for lost files: Follow the software's instructions to scan the SSD for recoverable files.
• Recover the files: Save the recovered files to a safe location on the other computer.
  
  

1. Professional Data Recovery: Nerdcore PC Systems
   
   

• If the above methods don't work or if the data is extremely important, consider using a professional data recovery service. They have specialized tools and expertise to handle complex data loss situations.
  
  

Understanding SSD Failures

One of the primary reasons individuals opt for SSDs over HDDs is the belief that SSDs are vastly superior. Indeed, SSDs are engineered with advanced technologies and generally outperform HDDs in many aspects. However, both types of storage devices can fail over time. When an SSD ceases to function, it is often declared "dead." If you find yourself dealing with a failed SSD, this article outlines the steps you can take to address the issue.

What Causes an SSD to Die?

There are various causes of SSD failure, ranging from a dead laptop to logically damaged SSDs and other possible reasons.

Scenario 1: Failing SSD

When an SSD starts showing signs of failure, it indicates that the SSD is about to die. Unlike HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), SSDs (Solid-State Drives) do not have moving mechanical parts, so you won't hear clicking sounds when they fail. However, when an SSD begins to fail, it exhibits several signs that you should recognize:

• Firmware upgrades no longer run successfully – they hang or stop before 90 percent.
• The laptop struggles to boot the operating system stored in the SSD.
• Read and write speeds drop drastically, resulting in sluggish performance.
• The laptop freezes often or displays a BSOD during advanced tasks.
  
  

When your laptop shows these unusual signs, the hard drive (SSD) may be on the verge of failure. The best course of action is to back up every important file on the drive. If you notice some files are already missing, consider using data recovery software to retrieve them.

Scenario 2: A Dead Laptop

Just as SSDs can die, laptops can also become non-functional. A laptop is considered dead when the motherboard or processing unit has failed completely, along with the RAM. While you can replace a dead motherboard, the outcome may not be satisfactory. A dead laptop won't show anything when you press the power button; it simply won't boot.

However, a dead laptop doesn't necessarily mean the SSD inside is dead too. A laptop can die while the SSD remains intact. The primary issue is a failed motherboard or RAM. When these components fail, even a new SSD or HDD won't allow the computer to boot.

Signs that a Laptop is Dead:

• The screen doesn’t display anything – not even a BSOD.
• The fans are silent.
• The laptop boots but shows nothing.
• You can’t boot the laptop at all.
  
  

Common reasons for laptop motherboard and RAM failures include power surges, water damage, bad batteries, old motherboards, and faulty video cards or RAM. Regardless of the cause, you can still retrieve files from a dead laptop by removing the SSD and inserting it into another working computer.

Solution 1: How to Recover Data from a Dead Laptop’s SSD

If you have a dead laptop, the SSD may still be functional, allowing you to access your files. Recovering data from an SSD removed from a dead laptop isn't as complicated as it seems. If the SSD itself is affected, you may need to create bootable media first.

Creating Bootable Media

Bootable media allows you to boot a laptop from an external source rather than the primary disk. This method is useful when the primary disk is faulty or not booting. You can create bootable media using Bootable Recovery CD software, which works on most Windows OS computers. You will need a blank CD or flash drive for this purpose. Follow the software's instructions to create your bootable media.

Accessing the Data in a Dead Laptop’s SSD via Bootable Disk

1. Connect the bootable media to the faulty laptop and press the power button.
2. Once the laptop shows the first boot screen, press the appropriate key (Del, F2, F12, or F8) repeatedly to access the BIOS.
3. In the BIOS menu, go to the BOOT tab and change the booting sequence to prioritize your bootable media.
4. Save the settings and reboot the computer. The system will boot from the bootable media, allowing you to access the SSD.
5. Now that you can access the SSD, copy the files to another external storage or back them up to your cloud storage.
   
   

Solution 2: How to Recover Data from Dead Laptop SSD

This method works when the laptop cannot boot at all, but the SSD is still in perfect condition. You will need access to another computer and a USB cable for connecting the external drive.

Recover Data from Dead Laptop SSD by Connecting to Another Computer

1. Remove the SSD from the dead laptop (uncover the hood and loosen the screws around the SSD housing).
2. Place the SSD into an external SSD/HDD casing and connect the USB cable.
3. Connect the other end of the USB cable to the functional computer.
4. Open File Explorer on the functional computer and check if the connected external SSD appears as one of the active drives.
5. Double-click on the external SSD to open it and access the files inside. You can then copy the files to another storage device.
   
   

This method is straightforward and easy, especially if you own the second computer.

Solution 3: How to Recover Data with Partition Recovery by DiskInternals

If you find that some files are missing from the SSD, you can retrieve them using advanced data recovery software. DiskInternals Partition Recovery tool is a professional Windows OS program designed for retrieving lost, corrupt, and deleted files from any Windows computer.

Step One: Install Partition Recovery

Download and install DiskInternals Partition Recovery on the functional computer. Connect the SSD as an external drive and launch the software.

Step Two: Scan the Drive

Select the connected SSD and choose a data recovery mode. You can opt for Fast or Full Recovery mode, but Full Recovery is recommended for thorough results. Keep in mind that Full Recovery may take longer to complete.

Step Three: Preview the Recovered Files

Wait for the Partition Recovery software to scan the SSD and recover your files. Once the scan is complete, you will see the recovered files marked with a red asterisk. You can preview these files before saving them to your preferred storage.

Steps to Recover Data from SSD in a Dead Laptop

1. Remove the SSD: If the laptop is completely dead, the first step is to remove the SSD. This process can be tricky, so consult online instructions or a professional if needed.
2. Obtain an SSD to USB adapter: After removing the SSD, connect it to another computer using an SSD to USB adapter. These adapters are available online or at computer stores.
3. Connect the SSD to another computer: Use the SSD to USB adapter to connect the SSD to another computer. The SSD should appear as a removable drive in the file explorer.
4. Use data recovery software: Utilize data recovery software to attempt to recover your files from the SSD. Follow the software's instructions for data recovery.
5. Contact a professional data recovery service: If the above steps do not work, or if the data on the SSD is particularly important, consider contacting a professional data recovery service. They possess specialized equipment and expertise to recover data from damaged or corrupted drives.
   
   

Recovery of data from ssd hard drive

Conclusion

Recovering files from a dead laptop or SSD is possible by following the methods outlined in this article. Partition Recovery by DiskInternals is one of the best data recovery applications available, compatible with virtually all Windows OS computers. The software features a user-friendly interface and a range of handy tools to assist you in data recovery.

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