How to recover formatted external hard drive using cmd​?

When an external hard drive is formatted, it may seem as if all your files are lost, but there’s hope! In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into how you can recover data from a formatted external hard drive using Command Prompt (CMD). While formatting a drive does not erase the data completely, it does remove the file system information, making the files inaccessible. By using CMD in conjunction with other tools, it’s possible to recover your lost data.

1. Formatting and Data Loss

Formatting a hard drive involves preparing it to store data by setting up a file system. This process typically creates a clean slate, but depending on the type of format (Quick or Full), the data may still be recoverable.

Quick Format: This option only deletes the file system structure, marking the space as available for new data. The actual data still resides on the disk until it is overwritten by new files.

Full Format: This format option deletes both the file system structure and scans the drive for bad sectors, often making data recovery more challenging but not entirely impossible.

When you format an external hard drive, you may be able to recover files using specialized methods, like using CMD, as long as the data hasn’t been overwritten.

2. Prerequisites Before Starting the Recovery

Before diving into recovery using CMD, ensure the following:

Stop Using the Drive: Do not write any new data to the external hard drive after formatting. New data could overwrite the old files, making recovery much harder.

External Hard Drive: Ensure the external hard drive is properly connected to your computer.

Backup Important Files: If you have important files on your computer or another drive, back them up before proceeding with the recovery.

Administrator Privileges: You’ll need admin access to run some commands and perform data recovery actions.

3. Accessing Command Prompt (CMD)

To use CMD for recovery, first, you need to open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.

Open Start Menu: Click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen.

Search for CMD: Type “Command Prompt” or “cmd” in the search box.

Run as Administrator: Right-click on the Command Prompt result and choose “Run as administrator.”

Once Command Prompt is open, you are ready to begin the recovery process.

4. Basic Concepts Behind Data Recovery

Understanding how data recovery works in CMD is crucial for a successful restoration. When a hard drive is formatted, the operating system simply removes pointers to the files, meaning the data itself remains on the disk until it is overwritten. To recover data, you’ll be searching for these “lost” files and directories that are still on the drive but are no longer accessible through the normal file system.

5. Using the CMD Tools to Recover Data

There are several tools available within CMD and Windows that can assist with recovering formatted external hard drives. Let’s explore a few options.

Method 1: Using CHKDSK

CHKDSK (Check Disk) is a built-in command in Windows used to detect and fix disk errors, including problems caused by a formatted drive.

Steps to use CHKDSK for recovery:

Open CMD as Administrator (if not already open).

Identify the Drive Letter: In the Command Prompt, type diskpart and press Enter. Then type list volume to see a list of all available drives. Identify the letter corresponding to your external hard drive.

Run CHKDSK Command:

Type the following command, replacing X with the letter of your external hard drive:

shell

chkdsk X: /f /r

/f will fix any file system errors, while /r tells CHKDSK to locate bad sectors and recover readable information.

Wait for CHKDSK to Finish: The process might take time depending on the size of your external hard drive. Once finished, it will display a report with any recovered files.

While this process won’t always restore all of your lost files, it can recover data that’s still intact but hidden due to file system corruption.

Method 2: Using ATTRIB Command for Hidden Files

Sometimes, after formatting, files might still exist on the external hard drive but are marked as hidden or system files. The ATTRIB command can help you locate and recover these hidden files.

Steps to use ATTRIB for recovery:

Navigate to the Drive:

Open CMD and type:

shell

X:

Replace X: with the appropriate drive letter for your external hard drive.

Show Hidden Files:

Type the following command to view hidden files:

shell

attrib -h -r -s /s /d X:\*.*

This command removes hidden, read-only, and system attributes from all files on the drive and shows them.

Access Recovered Files: After the command runs, you should be able to access the files normally through File Explorer.

Method 3: Using Windows File Recovery Tool

Windows 10 and later versions come with a powerful tool called Windows File Recovery. This tool is designed to help users recover lost or deleted files from various types of storage, including formatted drives.

Steps to use Windows File Recovery:

Install Windows File Recovery:

Open Microsoft Store and search for Windows File Recovery.

Install the app, then launch it from the Start Menu.

Run Recovery Command:

In CMD, run the following command to recover files from the formatted drive:

shell

winfr X: Y: /n *.docx /n *.pdf

Replace X: with the external drive letter and Y: with a different drive letter where recovered files should be stored. /n *.docx and /n *.pdf are specific file types you’re trying to recover. You can modify this to match your file type (e.g., /n *.jpg for photos).

Wait for Recovery: Windows File Recovery will scan the drive for any recoverable files and save them to the specified location.

6. Using Third-Party Software

Panda Assistant is a versatile data recovery software that offers users the ability to recover lost or deleted files, photos, videos, and documents from various storage devices such as hard drives, USB drives, SD cards, and more. It is designed to handle a wide range of data loss scenarios, from accidental deletion to formatting and even system crashes. The software provides a user-friendly interface that makes it accessible to both novice and experienced users alike.

Key Features of Panda Assistant

Comprehensive File Recovery: Panda Assistant supports the recovery of numerous file types, including images, documents, videos, and audio files. Whether you’ve accidentally deleted files, formatted a storage device, or experienced data corruption, Panda Assistant can scan and retrieve lost data.

Deep Scan Technology: The software employs advanced scanning algorithms that allow it to recover files even from damaged or formatted drives. The deep scan function ensures that files are retrieved from sectors that may not be immediately accessible through normal methods.

Multiple Device Support: Panda Assistant works across a wide array of devices, including external hard drives, SSDs, USB flash drives, and SD cards, making it highly versatile. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, allowing it to cater to a broad user base.

Preview Before Recovery: One of the standout features of Panda Assistant is its ability to preview files before recovery. Users can view photos, documents, and videos directly within the program to verify the data before proceeding with the recovery process.

Safe and Secure: Panda Assistant prioritizes user security by ensuring that the recovery process does not overwrite existing data. It allows users to recover files to a different drive, minimizing the risk of further data loss.

Ease of Use: With an intuitive interface, Panda Assistant simplifies the data recovery process. It guides users step-by-step, making it easy to recover files even for those without technical expertise.

7. Precautionary Measures After Recovery

After recovering your files, it is important to take a few steps to ensure your external hard drive and data are protected:

Backup Your Files: Always maintain regular backups of important files.

Consider Reformatting the Drive: Once recovery is complete, it might be a good idea to format the drive again using a safe, healthy file system like NTFS or exFAT, ensuring it’s ready for further use.

Avoid Future Data Loss: Use a reliable backup system like cloud storage or external drives to safeguard your data in the future.