How to recover deleted files from external hard drive？

Losing files from an external hard drive can be a frustrating experience, whether it’s due to accidental deletion, formatting, or other unforeseen issues. Fortunately, there are ways to recover deleted files if you act quickly and follow the right procedures.

File Deletion

When you delete a file from your external hard drive, it’s typically not erased immediately. Instead, the operating system marks the space as available for new data. Until new data is written over this space, recovery is possible. Hence, it’s crucial to stop using the drive immediately after realizing files are missing.

Step-by-Step Recovery Process

1. Stop Using the Drive

As soon as you realize that files are deleted, disconnect the external hard drive from your computer. Avoid writing new data to the drive, as this can overwrite the space where the deleted files are stored.

2. Check the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac)

Before jumping into recovery software, check your Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac). If the deleted files were moved there, you can easily restore them.

Windows: Open the Recycle Bin, find the files, right-click, and select Restore.

Mac: Open Trash, locate the files, right-click, and select Put Back.

3. Use File History (Windows)

If you have File History set up on Windows, you can recover previous versions of files.

Right-click on the folder where the deleted files were located.

Select Restore previous versions.

Choose a version that contains your files and click Restore.

4. Use Time Machine (Mac)

For Mac users with Time Machine enabled, recovering files is straightforward.

Connect your external hard drive.

Click on the Time Machine icon in the menu bar and select Enter Time Machine.

Navigate to the date before the deletion, find the files, and click Restore.

Using Data Recovery Software

If the above methods do not work, you may need to use data recovery software. Below are several reliable options, along with instructions on how to use them.

1. Choosing Data Recovery Software

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2. Installing the Software

Download the chosen data recovery software from its official website.

Install it on a different drive (not the external hard drive) to avoid overwriting data.

3. Scanning for Deleted Files

Open the Software: Launch the data recovery software you installed.

Select the External Hard Drive: Choose your external hard drive from the list of available drives.

Start the Scan: Initiate the scan process. This can take some time, depending on the drive size and the software used.

4. Reviewing the Results

Once the scan is complete, the software will display a list of recoverable files.

Filter Options: Use filters to narrow down the results by file type or date.

Preview Files: Most software allows you to preview files before recovery to ensure they are intact.

5. Recovering Files

Select Files to Recover: Mark the files you want to recover.

Choose Recovery Location: Specify a recovery location on a different drive to prevent overwriting any data.

Start the Recovery: Click the recover button to retrieve your selected files.

6. Verify Recovered Files

Once recovery is complete, check the files to ensure they are intact and usable.

Additional Recovery Tips

1. Avoid Overwriting Data

To maximize recovery chances, refrain from saving new files to the external hard drive. Always recover files to a different location.

2. Keep Backups

Implement a regular backup routine using cloud storage or external drives to prevent data loss in the future. Tools like Windows File History, Mac Time Machine, or third-party backup software can help automate this process.

3. Regularly Check Drive Health

Monitor your external hard drive’s health using tools like CrystalDiskInfo (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac) to identify potential issues before they lead to data loss.

Advanced Recovery Methods

If software recovery methods fail, you might consider professional data recovery services. These services are often costly but can be worth it for critical data recovery. Look for reputable data recovery companies in your area that specialize in external hard drive recovery.