How can you recover unsaved documents after a system crash?

1 Check the AutoRecover feature

One of the first things you should do after a system crash is to check the AutoRecover feature of your office software. AutoRecover is a function that automatically saves your documents at regular intervals in case of an unexpected shutdown or power outage. Depending on the software you use, you can find the AutoRecover files in different locations and formats. For example, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint store the AutoRecover files in the folder specified in the Options menu, under the Save tab. You can also access them by opening the File menu and clicking on the Recover Unsaved Documents option. Other office software, such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, automatically save your documents in the cloud and allow you to view the revision history and restore previous versions.

2 Use the Temp folder

Another method that can help you recover unsaved documents after a system crash is to use the Temp folder. The Temp folder is a temporary storage location where your computer saves files that are not permanently stored or deleted. Sometimes, your office software may save a copy of your document in the Temp folder before crashing, and you can retrieve it from there. To access the Temp folder, you can type %temp% in the Windows search box or the Run dialog box and press Enter. Then, you can look for files that have the same name or extension as your document, such as .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx. You can also sort the files by date modified to find the most recent ones. If you find a file that matches your document, you can copy it to another location and open it with your office software.

3 Try a data recovery software

If the previous methods do not work, you can try a data recovery software to recover unsaved documents after a system crash. A data recovery software is a program that scans your computer for deleted or lost files and restores them to a new location. There are many data recovery software available online, some of which are free and some of which are paid. You can choose one that suits your needs and preferences, but make sure to read the reviews and ratings before downloading it. To use a data recovery software, you need to install it on your computer and follow the instructions on the screen. Usually, you need to select the drive or folder where you want to search for your document, choose the file type or format, and start the scan. After the scan is complete, you can preview the results and select the files you want to recover.

5 Contact a professional

The last resort to recover unsaved documents after a system crash is to contact a professional. A professional is someone who has the expertise and equipment to recover data from damaged or inaccessible devices. If your computer is severely damaged or you cannot find your document using any of the methods above, you may need to seek professional help. However, this option can be costly and time-consuming, and there is no guarantee that you will recover your document successfully. Therefore, you should only consider this option if you have a very important or sensitive document that you cannot afford to lose.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?