Recover files from another drive I can’t boot anymore

Recovering Data from Non-Bootable Drives After MBR2GPT Conversion: A Guide

Experiencing issues with your Windows system after attempting an MBR to GPT conversion can be frustrating, especially when the system fails to boot. If you find yourself in this situation and have no recent backups, you’re likely wondering how to recover important files such as browser data, gaming saves, or other personal documents. This article explores potential methods to retrieve your data and offers insights into addressing boot problems caused by disk partition changes.

Understanding the Situation

The attempt to convert a disk from MBR to GPT using the mbr2gpt utility is a common procedure when preparing a system for UEFI boot mode. However, if the process encounters issues or is not completed correctly, it can result in an unbootable Windows installation. Typical symptoms include failure to start Windows, error messages during boot, or inability to repair using standard Windows recovery tools.

Why Standard Repair Methods May Fail

When Windows repair options, such as Startup Repair or automatic recovery, are unsuccessful after mbr2gpt conversion, it indicates underlying partition or boot configuration issues. In some cases, command-line tools like bootrec, bcdboot, or diskpart may also be insufficient to restore the system to a bootable state. If this happens, the priority shifts to data recovery before considering full reinstallation.

Data Recovery Strategies

Use a Bootable Live Environment
Create a bootable Linux USB drive (e.g., Ubuntu) or a Windows PE environment. Boot from this media to access your drives without relying on the corrupted Windows installation.
Once booted, explore your drives through the file explorer. You can copy essential files—such as Firefox bookmarks, thumbnails, Steam save files, and documents—to an external drive.
Connect the Affected Drive to Another System
If possible, remove the non-bootable drive and connect it to a functioning computer via SATA or USB adapter.
This method provides direct access to the drive’s data, enabling manual file copying.
Use Data Recovery Software
In cases where files are hidden or difficult to access, specialized data recovery tools (e.g., Recuva, TestDisk, EaseUS Data Recovery Guru) can scan the drive and restore files.
Ensure to perform scans from a different drive to prevent overwriting data.