Ways to view system file structure


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Hy. A friend of mine has a laptop with an error related to Windows and requires o.s. reinstall. The problem is that on partition C:\ we'd like to identify some files..but as far as O.S. gives an error we are worried on this procedure.. how to view the C:/ inside partition files without o.s. starting (so "from outside") ?

Thanks a lot!

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Use a Windows setup or Windows PE environment to have a look.

 

E.g.

  • Boot off of Windows 7/8/8.1 disc/USB
  • Press SHIFT+F10
  • cd to OS volume

It should ignore any file permissions in this mode (which is good for data recovery).

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Use a Windows setup or Windows PE environment to have a look.

 

E.g.

  • Boot off of Windows 7/8/8.1 disc/USB
  • Press SHIFT+F10
  • cd to OS volume

It should ignore any file permissions in this mode (which is good for data recovery).

you can also type "notepad" and then use the file > open to get an explorer gui view :)

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so after starting the Windows 7 SETUP (from dvd) I should press SHIFT+F10 or ? Sorry for newbbie questions ..

 

  1. Boot Windows Setup
  2. When presented with the GUI, press SHIFT + F10
  3. You'll now have a command prompt that is looking to the Installation Media volume
  4. Type: diskpart
  5. Press enter
  6. Type: list vol
  7. Press Enter
  8. Identify which volume the actual OS is installed on from this list and it's drive letter e.g. C: 
  9. Type: exit
  10. Press enter
  11. Type: the drive letter followed by a colon e.g. c:
  12. Press enter
  13. Type: dir
  14. Press enter
  15. ????
  16. Profit.

 

Nick H., on 20 Apr 2014 - 12:49, said:

I would use a Linux USB key, myself. Although if the drive is encrypted that makes matters more difficult.

 

If there is file corruption, it would be better to let Windows PE / Setup handle it

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"how to view the C:/ inside partition files without o.s. starting (so "from outside") ?"

 

You mention your going to do a reinstall of the OS?  Your wanting to "view" or copy off these files?  Sounds more like you have data you want to copy off before you wipe it.

 

If so take the drive out and connect to another machine via usb cable, or caddy.  A cable is like $15 and very handy tool to have around.

http://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-Converter-Supply-Activity-EC-AHDD/dp/B00CPGYNV4/ref=pd_cp_pc_0

 

post-14624-0-41779600-1397996667.png

 

Other than that yes booting any liveCD works via CD or USB - be it windows based recovery console or PE, or your fav linux liveCD. 

 

You asked for guide - here is how to get to cmd prompt via booting windows 7 media

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/windows-7-recovery-environment-command-prompt/

 

As to booting a linux and getting access to your stuff, I have always liked as a go too tool.

 

http://www.sysresccd.org/SystemRescueCd_Homepage

 

 

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