Data Recovery Linux discusses several popular Linux distributions that can be used as tools for computer data recovery. Live CD Linux distributions can be booted from a CDROM when the hard drive fails to boot. This allows you access to the hard drive so you can copy important data to an external device, such as, a flash drive. You create these Live CDs from downloading the appropriate ISO file and burning the ISO image to a CD. One of my favorite Live CDs that I like to use for data recovery Linux on a Windows computer is Insert.
Insert
Insert is a Live CD distribution based on Knoppix and is only 60 mega bytes which makes it very efficient to use. Insert has many great utilities, such as, ntfs-3g for reading and writing to NTFS partitions. It also has GParted for creating and resizing partitions without destroying your data. Insert has Partimage for quickly making backup images of important data. It also has network support for reading and writing to network devices. It even has support for wireless LAN adapters. Clam anti-virus is also included for virus scanning.
Slax
Slax has also become a very popular Linux Live CD distribution because it can be easily customized with your favorite Open Source tools. This makes it a very powerful repair and troubleshooting aid. I like to add network tools to it, such as, Wireshark and nmap. It can also be downloaded as an ISO file unpacked into some folders where you can add utilities and then create a new ISO to burn to a CD. It is fun to create your own personalize Live CD data recovery Linux tool.