Remedies and Data Recovery when the Operating System Crashes
by: jameswalsh
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Word Count: 911
The Operating System, whether it be Windows, Mac or Linux based, allocates tasks set to the internal system resources by the user and the programmes in that system. The OS is responsible for converting the resources of the computer into effective services. It manages the software and hardware to ensure that the computer does what the user wants it to do. Tasks such as controlling and assigning memory, running the input and output devices, organising system requests, overseeing network functions and operating system files are managed by the OS. The applications (both software and hardware) have an interface (GUI) of the system. In simpler terms, we communicate to the system by clicking on icons we see on the desktop. The OS itself does not have an interface with us, because the applications are using it, not directly the user. Windows, Linux and Mac are all Operating Systems. Why does an OS Crash? A crash happens when the OS fully or partially stops functioning. The programme may freeze momentarily, the computer may hang, or the OS may stop working entirely and need to be re-installed. This happens due to the following reasons:
- A hardware exception or error may occur with similar effect.
- The proper path of executing a programme may not be followed by the OS.
- A part of the programme may get overwritten due to a bug, and stop working
- An invalid instructional input from the user will result in an illegal instruction exception and crash of the OS.
- If the programme affected is a very important part of the OS, the whole system will get crashed.
- A race condition communication error between two programmes can also cause this crash.
- A virus may also cause programme files to get corrupted and then they will not follow the instructions of the OS, crashing the system.
Take out the hard drive from the computer and attach it to another system that is working. While reattaching a hard disk, please ensure that it is being installed properly. Now you may access your data.
If the OS had crashed due to virus attack, the first thing to be done is to scan your drive thoroughly and solve the problem.
Re-install the operating system of your choice into your drive and take it back.
It is advisable that a backup drive is created at this point, or at least some CDs/ DVDs are used to preserve the important data on your drive.
When Data Loss has occurred there are several reputable Data Recovery services available
How to Prevent OS Crash People usually start thinking of ways of preventing a crash, or worse still, data loss, after the damage is done. There are a few steps one can take in advance to prevent an operating system from crashing at all in the first place.
- One should always save data files in a drive other than the disk which has the OS installed. Usually operating systems are housed in drive C, so it should be a good idea to keep the data in drive D.
- In a Windows setup, the 'My Documents' folder is still kept in Drive C by most people, since it comes with the package provided. If C is formatted after the crash, this folder would also be lost. It is better to be prepared with a backup of 'My Documents' files on a CD/DVD.
- An external hard disk must be kept for taking backups at regular intervals.
- All .exe, zip and software installation files should be kept on a separate disk. The username, password, other account numbers, URLs of important websites and software unlocking codes must all be preserved on a CD/DVD which the owner must keep strictly to himself or herself.
- Many users are in the habit of not keeping the installation CD after the system has been set up. This is definitely a mistake, since being able to reinstall your OS quickly from a handy disk will save a lot of time in the event of a crash.
About the Author
James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. For more information on Data Recovery see http://www.fields-data-recovery.co.uk
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