How to Recover From a Power Outage File Corruption

Power outages are one reason for system crashes, and it can lead to a lot of problems, especially if you're running a Linux-based system. However, there are some options you have if the system crash from a power outage causes file corruption in your computer. Some of these cures can result in massive losses, though, so it's important that you're careful with your data before you make any hard decisions.

• 1

  Back up all of your important data on a disk, data stick or even a portable hard drive. This should be done regularly and before any system crash or file corruption. If you don't back up your data, then you may regret it later.

• 2

  Make sure that all of your hardware is properly connected and that the power is back up. Reboot your computer. The computer should run safety programs of its own in order to prevent any damage from the power outage. If those automatic safety checks work, then your system can be repaired and run as before. If not, then you'll likely be started in a "safe mode" where you have access only to the bare bones of your system because the corruption is cordoned off.

• 3

  Run the reboot disk. This disk should allow your computer to reset itself back to how it was before the corruption. You may lose some or all of your personal data, which is why it's important that you make sure it's backed up safely, preferably on materials not connected to your computer.