Data Backup Problems

How to Recover Documents After Replacing a Broken Computer

Algirdas Jasaitis Oct 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to retrieve stored documents from a broken or non-functional computer to use on a newly purchased replacement device.

How to Recover Documents After Replacing a Broken Computer

Product: Windows PC
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Replacing a broken computer and needing to access previously saved documents on the new device.
Observed behavior: Files are currently inaccessible on the new computer and must be retrieved either from a cloud backup or the old computer's physical storage drive.

Before you start

Determine whether your files were previously synchronized to a cloud service like OneDrive, or if they were only saved locally on the broken computer's internal hard drive.

Solution 1Recommended

Recover Documents via OneDrive Cloud Sync

Best for users who had OneDrive or a Microsoft account linked and syncing on their old computer.

If you previously saved your documents to OneDrive, they are safely stored in the cloud regardless of your old computer's hardware failure. You can easily download them to your new device.

Sign In to OneDrive

Open the OneDrive application on your new computer and sign in using the exact same Microsoft account credentials used on your broken device.

Synchronize Files

Follow the on-screen setup prompts and allow OneDrive to synchronize your cloud files to your new computer's local drive.

Access Your Documents

Open File Explorer, navigate to the OneDrive folder in the left sidebar, and access all your securely recovered documents.

Solution 2

Extract the Hard Drive for Local File Recovery

Necessary if your documents were only saved locally on the broken computer, provided the hard drive itself is still physically functional.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Equip Your New Computer with WPS Office

After transferring your recovered documents to your new computer, you will need a reliable office suite to open and edit them. WPS Office is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office that comes with built-in cloud backup to prevent future data loss.

1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free and follow the simple installation wizard on your new computer.
2. Open Recovered Files: Right-click your recently recovered documents, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Office to start editing.
3. Enable Cloud Backup: Sign in to your WPS account and enable WPS Cloud to ensure your files are automatically backed up against future hardware issues.

Seamlessly opens and edits Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) recovered from your old PCBuilt-in 1GB free WPS Cloud storage automatically backs up your files to prevent data loss from computer failuresLightweight application that downloads quickly and runs smoothly on any new computerFamiliar, tabbed user interface ensures you can get back to work immediately without a learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover files if my broken computer's hard drive is physically damaged?

If the hard drive itself has mechanical damage (like clicking noises) or electrical failure, a simple adapter will not work. You will need to contact a professional data recovery service with specialized equipment to salvage the files.

How do I know what type of hard drive enclosure to buy?

You must check the drive inside your old computer first. Most older laptops use 2.5-inch SATA drives, desktops use 3.5-inch SATA drives, and modern PCs use M.2 NVMe SSDs. Purchase an enclosure or adapter that specifically matches your drive's form factor and interface.

Will my installed software programs transfer over when I copy my files?

No. Transferring files using an external enclosure only moves your raw data, such as documents, photos, and videos. You cannot drag and drop installed software applications; they must be freshly downloaded and installed on your new computer.

How can I prevent document loss if my computer breaks again in the future?

The best way to prevent data loss is to implement a 3-2-1 backup strategy. Use a cloud synchronization service like WPS Cloud, Microsoft OneDrive, or Google Drive for real-time backups, and periodically copy vital files to an external USB hard drive.

Migration & Recovery