How to Recover Partition Files

If your Windows partition corrupts, you must reinstall the operating system unless you have a partition backup. Windows has a partition backup manager, or you can use a backup you created from a third-party application. To install the partition backup, you use the Windows recovery console available from the Windows installation DVD. The DVD offers several repair and recovery options in instances where your computer crashes from a virus or accidental file deletion.

• 1

  Insert your Windows installation DVD. Click the Windows "Start" button, click the arrow next to "Shutdown" and select "Restart." When prompted, press "Enter" to boot to the installation DVD.

• 2

  Select your timezone, language and keyboard settings on the first screen and click "Next." Click "Repair Your Computer" on the next screen to enter into the recovery console. The console automatically detects any operating systems installed on the computer. Leave the default and click "Next."

• 3

  Click "System Restore." In the next screen, point to the location of the backup. If you have the backup on an external media such as a CD or external hard drive, insert it into the drive and point to it in the settings window. Click "Next" to repair the partition with the backup.

• 4

  Remove the installation DVD and reboot the computer. If you have multiple operating systems installed, use the keyboard to choose the one you want to boot. The newly reinstalled partition backup is shown in the menu options.