How do you recover data from an external hard drive​?

External hard drives have become indispensable tools for personal and professional data storage. They provide additional space for file backups, storing multimedia, and even transferring data between devices. However, like any storage medium, external hard drives can become corrupted, suffer physical damage, or face accidental deletion of files. In such cases, recovering data from an external hard drive can be a critical task, especially when the lost files are important.

Section 1: Data Loss on External Hard Drives

Data loss can occur in several ways on external hard drives. Understanding these scenarios will help in selecting the right recovery method.

1.1 Types of Data Loss

Data loss on an external hard drive can be classified into the following types:

Logical Failure: This happens when the file system becomes corrupted, preventing access to the data. Logical failures may occur due to improper ejection, system crashes, or malware attacks.

Physical Failure: This refers to hardware damage such as broken platters, damaged read/write heads, or malfunctioning USB ports. Physical failure often results in the drive becoming unreadable or noisy when powered on.

Accidental Deletion: Data might be lost due to accidental deletion of files or formatted partitions. In this case, the files are still on the disk but are marked as available for overwriting.

File Corruption: Data corruption can occur due to sudden power outages, improper shutdowns, or software bugs, making files unreadable or causing errors when attempting to access them.

Human Error: Mistakes like accidentally overwriting files, formatting the drive, or incorrectly partitioning the external hard drive can lead to data loss.

1.2 What to Do First

Before attempting any recovery, it’s essential to stop using the external hard drive. Continuing to use the drive can overwrite the deleted files, reducing the chances of a successful recovery.

Section 2: Initial Troubleshooting

Before diving into complex recovery methods, you should perform some basic troubleshooting steps to see if the data loss is due to simple issues.

2.1 Check the Physical Connections

Sometimes the issue may be as simple as a faulty cable or loose connection. Here’s what you should check:

USB Cable: Make sure the cable is securely connected to both the external hard drive and the computer. Try using a different cable to rule out any defects.

USB Port: If the port is malfunctioning, your computer may not be able to detect the drive. Try connecting the drive to a different USB port on the computer or use a different computer entirely.

Power Supply: Some external hard drives require external power (especially desktop models). Ensure that the power supply is plugged in and functional.

2.2 Check the Drive’s Recognition

Next, verify whether the drive is recognized by your system:

On Windows: Open the “Disk Management” tool by typing diskmgmt.msc in the Start menu. Look for your external hard drive in the list of connected drives. If the drive is listed but has a “RAW” file system or shows up as unallocated space, it’s likely experiencing logical corruption.

On macOS: Open “Disk Utility” and check if the external hard drive appears in the sidebar. If the drive is recognized but unreadable, it may need to be repaired or formatted.

2.3 Listen for Sounds

If the external hard drive is making unusual noises like clicking or grinding, it could indicate a physical problem. These sounds typically point to internal damage, such as a failing hard drive head or a damaged platter. In such cases, you may need to seek professional data recovery services.

Section 3: Recovering Data from a Logical Failure

If the drive is recognized by your system but inaccessible or has a damaged file system, data recovery software can help recover your files.

3.1 Using Data Recovery Software

Panda Assistant is a versatile data recovery software designed to help users recover lost, deleted, or corrupted files from various storage devices, including hard drives, USB drives, SD cards, and more. Whether you’ve accidentally deleted important documents, lost data due to a system crash, or experienced issues with formatting, Panda Assistant provides an easy-to-use solution for restoring your valuable files.

Key features of Panda Assistant include:

Comprehensive Recovery: Supports recovery of multiple file types, such as documents, photos, videos, and more, from a wide range of storage devices.

User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive interface makes it accessible for both beginners and experienced users, guiding you through the recovery process step by step.

Advanced Scanning Options: Panda Assistant offers both quick and deep scan modes to maximize recovery chances, even for severely damaged or formatted devices.

Preview Functionality: Users can preview recoverable files before completing the recovery process, ensuring they only recover the data they need.

Secure Recovery: The software ensures that no recovered data is overwritten, protecting the integrity of your files throughout the process.

3.2 Using Command Prompt (Windows)

If the drive has logical corruption but is still recognized by the system, you can attempt a fix using the Command Prompt.

Run CHKDSK: The CHKDSK command can fix file system errors and recover readable data. Open Command Prompt (Admin) and type:

cmd

chkdsk E: /f

Replace E: with the letter corresponding to your external hard drive. This command will attempt to repair the file system and recover files where possible.

3.3 Using Disk Utility (macOS)

If you’re using a Mac and the external hard drive is recognized but not mounting, you can use Disk Utility to try and repair it.

Open “Disk Utility” from Applications > Utilities.

Select the external hard drive and click on “First Aid.”

Click “Run” to allow Disk Utility to check for errors and repair the file system.

Section 4: Recovering Data from a Physically Damaged Drive

If your external hard drive is physically damaged, recovery becomes more challenging and may require specialized tools or professional data recovery services.

4.1 Attempting DIY Recovery

If you’re dealing with a physical failure, such as a clicking sound or a damaged drive, here are a few things you can try (though success rates are low for severe damage):

Freezer Method (Not Recommended for Critical Data): Some people have used the “freezer method” for temporary recovery. The drive is sealed in a plastic bag and placed in the freezer for several hours. The cold can shrink components and temporarily restore functionality. However, this is not a guaranteed method and should only be used as a last resort.

Opening the Drive: If you’re comfortable with technical repairs, opening the hard drive to swap out components (e.g., the PCB board) could work. This, however, requires professional knowledge and tools to avoid causing further damage.

4.2 Professional Data Recovery Services

For physically damaged drives, your best option is to contact a professional data recovery service. These services specialize in recovering data from severely damaged hard drives and have the necessary equipment, such as cleanrooms and specialized recovery tools, to fix issues like damaged read/write heads, stuck spindles, and electronic component failures.

Section 5: Preventing Future Data Loss

Once you’ve successfully recovered your data, consider taking steps to prevent future data loss:

5.1 Backup Regularly

Create backups of your important files to ensure that data loss does not result in disaster. Consider using cloud storage services (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) or a second external hard drive for redundant backups.

5.2 Keep the Drive Healthy

Avoid common issues like abrupt disconnections, power surges, and overheating. Safely eject the external hard drive from your system and avoid physical shocks that can cause internal damage.

5.3 Use File Recovery Software Regularly

In case of accidental deletion, using file recovery software on a regular basis can help in quickly retrieving lost files. Many software packages allow you to create backups of your critical data before something goes wrong.