Forum Discussion

Nixonss's avatar
Nixonss
Brass Contributor
Feb 26, 2026

Find desktop files in full Windows 11 crash

 

So I have a big Windows 11 crash.

 

I tried everything, impossible to get into the machine whatever the method used.
- restoration
- modification of elements at startup
- repair integrated into windows
- boot on DVD, boot on key
- etc
Even win11 repair via installation DVD does not work.
I get an error message telling me that I cannot install Windows on the dedicated partition.

 

So I give up, I've already wasted a lot of time.
I got my Windows version back in cmd and as a last resort I will do a complete reinstallation via DVD or return to factory configuration.

 

So I entered the machine in a Linux environment by booting from a key, and I was able to save the 800GB of files from one of the partitions to external HDDs.

But...

The only data I can't recover is that which was on the desktop; on the OS partition therefore.

So yes normally we don't save anything important on the desktop, except that for convenience I have three/four small files which are there permanently... (in .txt and in .odt)

 

Many times I figured I'd move them and create a shortcut, but I didn't...

- As the machine does not start under Windows environment, I do not access the desktop.
- and on linux I follow the path where the folder is normally located, but it's not there...
C: /Users/name/
I tried c:/Users/public
I also tried in C:/users/name/documents
He's not there either
I displayed the hidden folders. Nothing.

Can this file be found elsewhere?
Or the fact that Windows cannot start prevents you from finding the desktop folder and its files?

I did a search on the name of one of the files, and I can't find it either.

I just see it appear vaguely in a list of files that Linux shows me as recently opened: but these are only traces I have the impression, I don't have a physical file behind it. It's a sort of temporary file.

I don't know if you can find anything in cmd?
Or if anyone has an idea to get their hands on it or tell me it's definitely dead and I won't be able to find these files without Windows booting?

Thank you so much!

2 Replies

  • Dustinkin's avatar
    Dustinkin
    Copper Contributor

    You've made the right decision to reinstall Windows 11 or restore the factory configuration. This will likely resolve the language persistence error. Before proceeding, make sure you have a reliable backup of your important files, as you've already done by transferring them to external HDDs.

  • Jakarimom's avatar
    Jakarimom
    Brass Contributor

    Steps You've Already Tried:

    • System Restore: Attempting to restore your system to a previous point.
    • Startup Modification: Modifying the elements that load at startup to see if that resolves the issue.
    • Windows Repair Tool: Using the integrated repair tool that comes with Windows 11.
    • Boot from DVD: Attempting to boot from a Windows installation DVD and running the repair tool.
    • Boot from USB Key (Linux): Successfully booting into a Linux environment from a USB key and saving your files.