Partitioning a Windows 11 hard drive can be a useful way to separate data or create multiple desktops for different users. However, partitioning errors can overwrite essential system files, corrupt boot records, and even erase existing data, leading to an unbootable system and missing files.
This case study details how we successfully recovered lost files and restored data structure for a client in Guildford after a failed partitioning attempt resulted in a “No Operating System Found” error and missing data.
As Guildford Data Recovery, Surrey’s oldest and best data recovery company, we have 25 years of experience using partition repair, deep file system reconstruction, and forensic data recovery techniques to restore lost Windows 11 files securely.
Windows 11 Fails to Boot & Files Missing After Partitioning
A Guildford-based client contacted us after their Windows 11 computer failed to start, with the following issues:
- The client created a new partition successfully, but after rebooting, the system displayed a “No Operating System Found” error.
- The computer would not boot into Windows, preventing access to any files.
- The client removed the hard drive and attempted data recovery with free software, but no files were found.
- The drive contained irreplaceable work documents, photos, and personal files that were not backed up.
Since continued use of a failing system can overwrite lost data, an immediate professional data recovery solution was required.
Diagnosis & Evaluation
When the Windows 11 hard drive arrived at our secure cleanroom facility, we conducted a full partition and file system diagnostic. Our findings:
- MBR/GPT partition table corruption – The partitioning tool overwrote critical boot records.
- File system corruption (NTFS issue) – Preventing the drive from being read properly.
- No physical damage detected, meaning logical recovery was possible through partition reconstruction.
Since partitioning errors do not always erase data permanently, we prioritized non-intrusive data extraction techniques.
The Recovery Process
1. Cloning & Imaging the Hard Drive to Prevent Further Data Loss
To preserve all recoverable data, we:
- Created a sector-by-sector forensic clone of the Windows 11 hard drive.
- Used deep scan tools to extract readable sectors while avoiding further corruption.
2. Rebuilding the Partition Table & File System
Since the partition table was missing or corrupted, we:
- Rebuilt the Master Boot Record (MBR) and GUID Partition Table (GPT).
- Repaired the NTFS file system to restore missing directories.
3. Extracting & Verifying Recovered Files
Once the file system was restored, we:
- Recovered all lost documents, spreadsheets, and photos.
- Restored folder structures exactly as they were before partitioning.
- Transferred the fully restored data to a secure external backup device.
The Results: 98% Data Recovery Success
Thanks to our partition table repair and file system reconstruction techniques, we successfully recovered 98% of the client’s lost files, including:
✅ Work documents, reports, and PDFs
✅ Photos, videos, and personal files
✅ Organised file structures restored for easy access
The client was able to retrieve all essential data, preventing professional and personal setbacks.
Why Choose Us?
With 25 years of experience and tens of thousands of successful hard drive recoveries, we are England’s leading Windows 11 data recovery specialists. Our expertise includes:
✔ Partition table repair & MBR/GPT reconstruction
✔ RAW drive recovery & NTFS file system repair
✔ Documents, photos, and personal file retrieval from lost partitions
✔ Secure & confidential data recovery services
If your Windows 11 hard drive has failed after partitioning, is showing missing files, or is preventing access to important data, stop using it immediately and contact us for expert data recovery.