Recover deleted files from external hard disk​

Importance of Data Recovery: Data is one of the most valuable assets in today’s digital world, whether it’s for work, personal use, or business. Losing files can be catastrophic, but not all hope is lost when files are accidentally deleted from external storage devices like hard disks.

Challenges of Data Loss: Understanding that deleting a file doesn’t immediately erase it from the disk is key. Instead, the space it occupies is marked as “free,” and the data can be overwritten if new files are written to the drive.

Chapter 1: Preliminary Considerations Before Attempting Recovery

1.1 Data Deletion

What Happens When Files Are Deleted?: When a file is deleted from a drive, the file system removes its reference, making it inaccessible but not erasing the actual data until overwritten.

Why Is Quick Action Important?: The sooner you act, the higher the chances of successful recovery. Continued use of the external hard disk can result in data being overwritten, diminishing the chances of recovery.

1.2 Avoiding Further Data Loss

Stop Using the Drive: Immediately cease writing or saving new files to the external hard disk to avoid overwriting the deleted data.

How the Operating System Handles Deletion: Discuss the difference between “Recycle Bin” on Windows or “Trash” on macOS, where deleted files can still be restored, versus permanent deletion.

1.3 Assessing the Situation

Is the External Hard Disk Detected?: Check whether the external hard disk is still recognized by the operating system.

Do You Have Backups?: If you have a recent backup, restoring from that backup can be quicker and more efficient than attempting data recovery.

Chapter 2: Simple File Recovery Methods

2.1 Check the Recycle Bin (Windows) / Trash (Mac)

Windows: Navigate to the Recycle Bin and search for the deleted files. If found, right-click to restore them to their original location.

Mac: Open the Trash and drag the deleted files back to your desktop or the appropriate folder.

2.2 Using File History (Windows)

Accessing File History: If enabled, File History allows you to recover previous versions of deleted or overwritten files.

Steps to Recover: Right-click on the folder where the file was located, choose “Restore previous versions,” and select the appropriate version of the file to recover.

2.3 Using Time Machine (Mac)

Time Machine Backup: If you have a Time Machine backup, you can recover deleted files from a specific point in time.

Steps to Restore: Launch Time Machine, navigate to the folder where the file was located, and restore it.

Chapter 3: Using Data Recovery Software

3.1 Choosing the Right Data Recovery Tool

Panda Assistant is a powerful data recovery software designed to help users recover lost or deleted files from various storage devices such as external hard drives, USB drives, memory cards, and SSDs. The tool is equipped with advanced algorithms that enable it to recover a wide range of file types, including documents, photos, videos, and emails, even after they have been accidentally deleted or lost due to system errors, formatting, or corruption.

One of the standout features of Panda Assistant is its user-friendly interface, which makes it accessible to both beginners and experienced users. The software offers multiple scanning modes, including quick scan and deep scan, allowing users to choose the most suitable method based on their recovery needs. It also includes a file preview feature, so users can view recoverable files before restoring them.

3.2 Steps to Use Panda Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Tutorial:

Install the Software: Download and install Panda Data Recovery on your computer.

Connect the External Hard Disk: Ensure the external hard disk is properly connected to the computer.

Select the Drive: Launch the software and select the external hard disk where the files were deleted from.

Scan for Deleted Files: Choose the scan mode (quick or deep) based on your needs and the software’s capabilities.

Preview the Files: After scanning, preview the recoverable files. Check for the specific ones you want to restore.

Recover the Files: Select the files and specify a safe location (on another drive) to recover them.

3.3 Best Practices During Recovery

Selecting Recovery Location: Never recover files back to the same external hard disk to avoid overwriting any remaining data.

Handling Large File Recovery: If files are large, ensure that there is enough space on your recovery drive.

Chapter 4: Advanced Recovery Techniques

4.1 Using Command Line for Recovery (Windows and Mac)

Windows Command Prompt (CMD):

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Use the “chkdsk” command to check for disk errors.

Example command: chkdsk X: /f (where X is the letter of the external hard disk).

Mac Terminal:

Use diskutil and fsck commands to check the disk’s integrity and recover lost files.

4.2 File System Repair

Windows: How to use the built-in “Error Checking” tool to repair file system errors that may be causing data inaccessibility.

Mac: How to use Disk Utility’s First Aid to repair disk issues and potentially recover lost files.

Chapter 5: Professional Data Recovery Services

5.1 When to Seek Professional Help

Physical Damage to the External Hard Disk: If the external hard disk is physically damaged (dropped, exposed to water, etc.), DIY methods can make the problem worse. Professional recovery services have cleanroom environments to handle delicate repairs.

Inaccessible Data After Multiple Recovery Attempts: If software-based recovery doesn’t yield results, professional services may be necessary for advanced data recovery techniques.

5.2 What to Expect from a Professional Service

Diagnostic Assessment: Professionals will assess the drive to determine the extent of the damage.

Types of Recovery: Data can be recovered from a damaged or failed drive by repairing the drive or extracting data directly from the platters.

Costs: Expect a range of costs based on the severity of the damage and the amount of data being recovered.

5.3 Choosing a Reliable Data Recovery Service

Certifications: Look for companies with certifications like ISO 9001 for quality management.

Data Security: Ensure the service provider follows industry standards to keep your data secure.

Customer Reviews: Check reviews and testimonials to assess the reliability of the service.

Chapter 6: Preventative Measures to Avoid Future Data Loss

6.1 Regular Backups

External Backup Solutions: Use external hard drives or cloud storage to back up important files regularly.

Automated Backup Services: Set up tools like Windows File History, macOS Time Machine, or cloud-based solutions like Google Drive or Dropbox for continuous backups.

6.2 Using Disk Management Tools

Health Monitoring: Use disk management tools to monitor the health of your external hard disk.

S.M.A.R.T. Monitoring: Implement tools that track S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) data to predict drive failure.

6.3 Using Data Encryption

Encrypt Sensitive Files: To safeguard against unauthorized access, especially when using external hard disks for critical data storage.

Backup Encryption: Encrypt backups to protect sensitive data from theft or loss.

Summary of Recovery Methods: Reiterating the steps to recover deleted files from an external hard disk, from basic solutions like checking the Recycle Bin to using sophisticated data recovery software and professional services.

Final Thoughts on Data Safety: The importance of being proactive in backing up data to prevent loss and the value of using data recovery tools and services when needed.

Appendix: Useful Resources and Software

Links to Panda Data Recovery, Recuva, Disk Drill, and other useful software.

Troubleshooting tips for common issues during recovery.

Contact information for trusted data recovery services.