How to recover data from portable hard disk​？

Recovering data from a portable hard disk, whether due to accidental deletion, corruption, or other issues, can often be done using data recovery tools and some careful troubleshooting. 

1. Stop Using the Drive

When you notice that files have been lost or deleted, it’s crucial to stop using the portable hard disk immediately. Continued use could overwrite the space where your lost data is stored, making recovery more difficult or even impossible.

2. Check for Physical Damage

Before diving into software solutions, check if there is any visible physical damage to the hard disk:

External Issues: Ensure the USB cable or port isn’t damaged. Try connecting the drive to a different computer or using a different cable.

Clicking or Grinding Noises: If the drive is making unusual noises, such as clicking or grinding, it could indicate a mechanical failure. In such cases, professional data recovery services are often required.

3. Check Disk Recognition

Ensure that your computer recognizes the portable hard disk. If it doesn’t show up in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac), follow these steps:

Windows: Open Device Manager to see if the drive appears under Disk Drives. If it’s not visible, try connecting it to a different USB port.

Mac: Open Disk Utility and check if the drive is listed. If the drive is detected but not accessible, it might be corrupted.

4. Use Data Recovery Software

Panda Assistant is a versatile and intuitive data recovery software designed to help users recover lost or deleted files, photos, videos, and more from various types of storage devices. Whether files were accidentally deleted, lost due to system crashes, formatted drives, or corrupted data, Panda Assistant provides an easy-to-use interface to restore them efficiently.

The software supports a wide range of devices, including hard drives, SSDs, memory cards, USB drives, and more. It employs advanced scanning techniques to ensure that even deeply buried files can be found and restored. Panda Assistant offers both quick and deep scanning options to suit different recovery needs, depending on the situation.

With a focus on user-friendly design, Panda Assistant simplifies the recovery process for both beginners and experienced users. It offers features like previewing files before recovery, which helps ensure that users retrieve the correct data. In addition, Panda Assistant is compatible with both Windows and macOS, making it a versatile solution for all types of users looking to recover lost or damaged files quickly and securely.

5. File System Repair

If the portable hard disk is showing signs of corruption (e.g., “RAW” file system), try repairing the file system:

Windows: Open Command Prompt and type chkdsk X: /f, replacing “X” with the letter corresponding to your drive. This command will attempt to fix errors on the drive.

Mac: Use Disk Utility to run a First Aid scan on the portable hard disk.

6. Check for Lost Partitions

In some cases, the partition containing your data might have become lost or corrupted. You can use partition recovery tools like MiniTool Partition Wizard or EaseUS Partition Recovery to scan for lost partitions and restore them.

7. Recover from Backup

If you’ve previously backed up your data using cloud storage services or an external backup, check if the files are available there. Cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive often retain deleted files for a certain period, allowing you to recover them.

8. Use Professional Data Recovery Services

If none of the above methods work, or if you suspect physical damage to the hard disk, consider reaching out to professional data recovery services. They have specialized tools and cleanroom environments for recovering data from damaged or failing drives.

9. Prevent Future Data Loss

To prevent similar issues in the future, it’s essential to:

Create regular backups: Use an external hard drive, cloud storage, or both.

Use antivirus software: Protect your drive from malware that could cause corruption.

Safely eject your portable hard disk: Always eject the drive properly from your computer to avoid file corruption.

Data recovery from a portable hard disk depends on the nature of the issue. If it’s a software-related problem (like accidental deletion or corruption), data recovery software can often help. If the drive is physically damaged, professional services might be required. The most important step is to stop using the drive immediately to avoid overwriting any potentially recoverable data.