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I'm looking to recover files from my laptop.

I don't want to install the recovery software on the internal HDD, and instead on an external drive (like a USB flash drive) and operate the software on the laptop.

Is this possible? Or should I install recovery software on a different computer and plug in the HDD that has the deleted file to that computer?

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So called "portable Software" can run directly from a external drive, no installation on the host system is necessary. Most recovery software can create a bootable CD / flash drive / etc. you can boot from to use it.

IMPORTANT: If your laptop has only one HD and you are using it, your chances of recovering the files will get slimmer! In this case turn it off and make a 1:1 backup of the HD before you try anything else.

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  • But what do you think is a better idea: to install recovery software on an external drive and use the computer with the deleted file to run it, or plug the internal HDD onto another computer that has the recovery software and do it from there?
    – NowOS
    Commented Oct 15, 2020 at 0:09
  • @NowOS usually plugging it into a different PC is a better choice for recovery (but make sure to make 1:1 backup anyway)
    – Albin
    Commented Oct 15, 2020 at 1:17
  • How do I make a 1:1 backup?
    – NowOS
    Commented Oct 19, 2020 at 17:46
  • @NowOS lot's of explanations out there, look for "how to make a HD image sector by sector"
    – Albin
    Commented Oct 19, 2020 at 17:57
  • Is it possible I can make a digital clone of my HDD?
    – NowOS
    Commented Oct 19, 2020 at 18:25

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