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sidebar_position: 1
title: "Overview"
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# Overview

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This guide covers how to physically extract database files from a client's PC when the machine is failing or the database service cannot start, so that data can be saved to a USB drive and restored on a working machine.

There are two possible situations when you arrive at a client site:

| **Situation**                                         | **What it means**                             | **Procedure**                                        |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| **A — Windows boots, but the DB service won't start** | You can navigate the file system normally     | Go directly to Part A                                |
| **B — Windows does not boot at all**                  | You need a live Linux USB to access the drive | Go to Part B first, then follow the extraction steps |

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# What to Bring

Before going on-site, make sure you have:
- A **USB drive** with enough space (at least as large as the client's database, ideally 2x).
- A **bootable Linux live USB** (Ubuntu LTS recommended) — only needed if the PC doesn't boot.
- This guide, either printed or on your phone.
