How to restore files from formatted hard disk​？

To restore files from a formatted hard disk, you can follow a systematic approach to recover lost data. Whether you’ve accidentally formatted your hard drive or intentionally did so, there’s a good chance of recovering files, as long as the data hasn’t been overwritten.

When you format a hard disk, you’re essentially resetting the file system of the drive. This action deletes the directory structure, marking the space as available for new data. However, the actual data isn’t immediately erased it’s simply no longer accessible through the file system. Data recovery after a format is possible as long as the sectors where the files are stored haven’t been overwritten by new data.

Formatting can occur for various reasons, including system reinstallation, partitioning issues, or even human error. Regardless of the reason, the following guide will walk you through the steps of restoring files from a formatted hard disk, ensuring you have the best chance at a successful recovery.

Before diving into the recovery process, it’s essential to understand what happens when a hard disk is formatted. There are two primary types of formatting:

Quick Format:

A quick format only removes the file system’s directory and makes the space available for new data. It does not overwrite the actual data sectors, making recovery relatively easy.

Full Format:

A full format not only removes the directory structure but also overwrites all sectors with zeroes or random data. This can make recovery more challenging, though it’s still possible with specialized tools.

In either case, the data remains physically on the disk until it’s overwritten, which is why it’s essential to stop using the drive immediately after formatting if you want to maximize your chances of recovery.

Steps to Recover Files from a Formatted Hard Disk

Step 1: Stop Using the Hard Drive

Once you realize that the hard drive has been formatted, stop using it immediately. Continuing to use the drive will increase the chances that new data will overwrite the sectors containing your old files, making recovery impossible.

Step 2: Check for Backups

Before trying any software recovery methods, check whether you have a backup of the formatted drive. Backups may have been created automatically or manually through cloud services or external storage devices. If you have a recent backup, you can restore your files without the need for recovery software.

Cloud Backups: If you’ve used services like Google Drive, iCloud, or OneDrive, check these platforms for your files.

External Backups: Look for external drives, network-attached storage (NAS), or other forms of backup that might contain a copy of your data.

Step 3: Use Data Recovery Software

Panda Assistant is a versatile and efficient data recovery software designed to help users recover lost or deleted files from various storage devices, including hard drives, USB drives, memory cards, and external drives. The software uses advanced scanning algorithms to locate and restore files that have been lost due to accidental deletion, formatting, or corruption. Panda Assistant supports a wide range of file types, including documents, photos, videos, audio files, and more.

One of its standout features is its user-friendly interface, making it accessible to both novice and advanced users. The recovery process is straightforward, typically involving three main steps: scanning the device, previewing recoverable files, and restoring them to a safe location. Panda Assistant also offers features like deep scanning for more thorough file recovery and a preview function to ensure that users can recover the specific files they need.

With its robust set of features and focus on ease of use, Panda Assistant is an excellent choice for individuals or businesses seeking reliable data recovery solutions. Whether you’re dealing with accidental file loss or more serious data corruption issues, Panda Assistant provides a practical and effective way to retrieve important files quickly and efficiently.

Step 4: Running the Recovery Tool

Install the Software: Download and install the data recovery software on a different drive than the one you’re trying to recover files from. This prevents overwriting data on the formatted disk.

Select the Formatted Drive: Launch the software and choose the formatted hard disk as the drive to scan. The software will search for files and folders that are still recoverable.

Scan for Recoverable Files: Initiate the scanning process. The software will perform a deep scan to locate files that haven’t been overwritten. This may take several hours, depending on the size of the drive.

Preview Files: Most recovery software will allow you to preview recoverable files before you restore them. Check if the files you need are listed and preview them to ensure they are intact.

Recover Files: Once you’ve selected the files you wish to recover, choose a different drive (not the formatted one) to store the restored files. Saving the files to the same drive could cause them to be overwritten, making recovery impossible.

Step 5: Save the Recovered Files

After the recovery software completes the process, save the files to an external drive or a different partition on your computer. Avoid saving recovered files to the same drive where the original files were stored to prevent overwriting any remaining recoverable data.

Step 6: Use Disk Repair Tools (Optional)

If the drive is not functioning properly or you encounter errors when trying to recover files, you can use disk repair tools to fix potential issues with the file system. Tools like CHKDSK (for Windows) or Disk Utility (for macOS) can help repair logical errors on the disk. These tools won’t recover lost files, but they might make the drive more stable and easier to work with.

Alternative Methods for Recovery

In cases where software recovery tools don’t work, or if you’ve formatted the drive multiple times, alternative methods can be considered:

1. Use the Command Line (Windows)

For advanced users, the command line can sometimes help recover files from a formatted drive, especially after a quick format.

Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Use the chkdsk command to check the disk for errors and attempt to fix them. The command is:

bash

chkdsk X: /f

Replace X: with the letter of the formatted drive.

2. Professional Data Recovery Services

If your data is critical and you cannot recover it using software, professional data recovery services are your best option. These services are equipped with specialized tools and expertise to recover data from severely damaged or formatted drives. However, they can be expensive, so it’s typically a last resort.

Some renowned data recovery services include:

DriveSavers

Ontrack

Secure Data Recovery

How to Prevent Data Loss in the Future

While data recovery tools can help in many situations, prevention is always the best strategy. To minimize the risk of losing valuable data in the future:

Backup Regularly: Set up automatic backups using cloud services or external hard drives. Regular backups ensure that your files are safe in case of accidental formatting or hardware failure.

Create Disk Images: Disk imaging software, such as Macrium Reflect or Acronis True Image, can create an exact copy of your hard drive. This provides an easy way to restore your system to its previous state if anything goes wrong.

Enable File History: On Windows, enable File History for automatic versioning of your files. This way, even if a file is deleted or the drive is formatted, you can restore previous versions.

Be Cautious When Formatting: Double-check that you are formatting the correct drive. Ensure that any drive you format doesn’t contain data that you need, and always double-check your actions before executing a format.

Use a Reliable Disk Partitioning Tool: When partitioning your drive or reinstalling your operating system, use trusted and reliable disk partitioning tools to minimize the risk of accidental formatting.