14.04 - Help - Updates failed and lost all files - Ask Ubuntu

our laptop had 12.04 lts, , upgraded 14.04 lts. 14.04 version had many errors, had disable further updates.

skip year later, laptop crashes , father suggested re-enabling updates. enable them, updating process starts , doesn't end. got around 70% , stopped. used power key shutdown laptop. next day, mother calls me , tells me laptop wouldn't start. go home , try starting it. doesn't start @ all.

i had several options , chose revert 12.04. unfortunately, erased files. everything. 3 years worth of work gone in minute.

i believe factory reset, not sure.

is possible restore of files?

thanks!

if /home folder along files missing drive it's results of deleted or reformatted partition. had best not use drive while perform steps recover data.

a robust application testdisk.

using testdisk recover files

1. boot dvd/cd/usb drive not use hdd more. (even better take full copy onto hdd , recover there)

2. install testdisk.
   (the dollar sign $ command prompt. it's showing typing command in terminal. text highlighted in bold actual items click on while performing steps.)

        $ sudo apt install testdisk

3. run these steps (taken testdisk step step , tested me recover files):
   
   

     $ sudo testdisk     1: select create       - enter     2: select create       - enter     3: select disk         - proceed     4: select intel        - enter     5: select analyse      - enter     6: select quick search - enter 

this procedure recover important files. steps provided give options try recover entire partion. if fails you'll have option recover individual files. try have media such usb drive recover important data to.