hi. my laptop says 'unable to find/boot operating system' at startup. It think this means my system crashed. will recuva allow me to recover my data even at this state? I doubt my harddrive has any physical damage just software damage.
No recuva isn't going to be able to help you. Can your computer boot into safe mode?
Here is how if you don't know:
Restart your computer and then start pressing F8 over and over again as it boots up. You will get a screen thats all black with white writing on it. Highlight safe mode and press enter.