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uk Technology & digital loss computer won't start • pc won't boot • laptop won't turn on • computer not powering on • black screen on startup • stuck on startup screen • need files urgently • files trapped on computer • only copy on device • hard drive recovery • ssd recovery • get files off dead laptop • windows bitlocker recovery key • mac target disk mode • share disk macos recovery • drive enclosure usb adapter • power surge after crash • recent update then won't start • important documents on computer • photos only on laptop • work files on broken computer

What to do if…
your computer suddenly will not start and you need files that were only stored on it

Short answer

Don’t reset or reinstall anything yet. Focus first on copying the files out (via another computer, Target Disk Mode/Share Disk on Mac, or a reputable recovery service) to avoid accidental overwrites.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t run a “Reset”, “Reinstall”, “Factory reset”, or “Startup repair” if your priority is the files.
  • Don’t keep power-cycling it for hours — repeated failed starts can worsen some faults.
  • Don’t install recovery software onto the same drive you’re trying to rescue.
  • Don’t open the drive casing or try “home remedies” (freezing, tapping, etc.).
  • Don’t assume a shop or warranty repair will preserve your data unless you confirm it.

What to do now

  1. Capture symptoms (30–60 seconds).
    Note lights/fans, any beeps, any error text, whether it reaches a logo, and what happened just before (drop, spill, update, power cut). Photograph any error screen.

  2. Do only low-risk, non-writing checks (quick).
    Disconnect everything except power (USB devices/docks/external drives). Try a different charger/cable or wall socket if easy. If it still won’t start, stop troubleshooting and switch to file-first steps.

  3. Check for “forgotten” backups before you touch the disk.
    On your phone/another computer, check the accounts you normally use: OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud Drive, Dropbox, email attachments, and any work storage. (Many setups sync Desktop/Documents/Pictures without you thinking about it.)

  4. If it’s a Mac and it powers on: try Target Disk Mode / Share Disk to copy files out.

    • If you have two Macs and the broken one is an Intel Mac, you can use Target Disk Mode so it appears like an external drive on the other Mac.
    • If the broken one is Apple silicon, you may be able to start it into macOS Recovery and use Share Disk to access it from another Mac.
      Copy your most important folders first.

  5. If you can’t use Mac disk-sharing: try to access the drive from another computer (file-first).

    • Desktop tower: remove the internal drive and connect it to another computer with a USB-to-SATA adapter or external enclosure.
    • Laptop: only do this if it’s straightforward and you can do it safely; if it requires risky disassembly, skip to step 7.
      If the drive appears, copy the most important folders first (work/docs/photos), then everything else.

  6. Be ready for encryption prompts (common).

    • Windows drive: you may be asked for a BitLocker recovery key. It’s often saved to your Microsoft account, or held by your employer/school for managed devices.
    • Mac drive: you may need the Mac login password or a FileVault recovery key.
      If you can’t locate the key quickly, stop guessing and move to step 7.

  7. If the drive isn’t detected, or you hear clicking/grinding, or the data is critical: power off and go pro.
    Turn it off and contact a reputable data-recovery company. Tell them: device type, symptoms (no power / boot loop / noises), and that you need file recovery without wiping.

  8. If it’s under warranty / recently bought: protect your consumer position without risking the data.
    Contact the retailer and explain the device is faulty and you need a remedy (what you’re entitled to can depend on timing and circumstances). If they want it sent away, ask in writing what happens to storage/data during repair, and whether a data-preserving approach is possible (or whether you can remove the drive first).

  9. If it’s a work/school device: contact IT before removing drives.
    Managed devices often have encryption and policies that affect recovery, and IT may already have backups or the recovery key.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today whether to repair the computer, replace it, or upgrade.
  • You do not need to run deeper repair tools until after you’ve tried a file-first copy-out.
  • You do not need to organise files right now — get a safe copy first.

Important reassurance

Feeling panicked is normal here. A computer that won’t start can still have a readable drive, and the safest early moves are about avoiding overwrites and switching to “copy out” rather than “fix the boot”.

Scope note

This is first steps only, focused on reducing harm and maximising the chance of retrieving files. Repairs, claims, and long-term backup planning come later.

Important note

This is general information, not professional technical or legal advice. If the files are irreplaceable or time-critical, stopping DIY early and using reputable professional support can reduce the risk of permanent loss.

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