Recover data from formatted disk​

Formatting: What Happens to Data?

To recover data, it’s essential first to understand the process of formatting and how it affects your data.

Quick Format vs Full Format

Quick Format: When a disk is quickly formatted, the file system is erased, and the space is marked as available for new data. However, the actual data may still reside on the disk until it is overwritten.

Full Format: A full format not only deletes the file system but also checks for bad sectors and completely erases the data. A full format is more thorough, making data recovery more difficult, but not necessarily impossible.

File System Changes Formatting typically changes the file system (NTFS, FAT32. exFAT, etc.), rendering the disk no longer readable by the operating system in its previous state. This is why data appears to be lost after a format, even though the actual data is still there.

Overwriting and Data Loss The most significant factor that influences whether data can be recovered is whether new data has overwritten the space previously occupied by the lost files. If you continue using the disk after formatting, the chances of overwriting and permanent data loss increase dramatically.

Step 1: Stop Using the Disk

Once you realize that a disk has been formatted and you need to recover data, the first thing to do is stop using it immediately. Writing new data to the disk will reduce the chance of a successful recovery because it could overwrite the areas where the old data is stored.

Why Stopping is Crucial:

Every time new data is written, it occupies the sectors of the disk where previous data existed. The more you use the formatted disk, the more difficult it becomes to recover your lost files.

For best results, attempt to perform the recovery process as soon as possible after formatting.

Step 2: Choose the Right Data Recovery Software

Panda Assistant is a sophisticated and user-friendly data recovery tool designed to recover lost files from a variety of storage devices. Developed by Panda Security, a company known for its expertise in cybersecurity, Panda Assistant offers a comprehensive suite of features aimed at helping users recover data in the event of accidental deletion, system crashes, corrupted files, and other issues that may cause data loss.

In addition to being a data recovery tool, Panda Assistant also includes features for managing, backing up, and protecting data. It is an all-in-one solution for users who need not only to recover their lost files but also to ensure their future data is secure.

Key Features of Panda Assistant

Comprehensive Data Recovery

Panda Assistant allows users to recover data from multiple devices, including hard drives, USB drives, SD cards, external storage devices, and even memory cards used in cameras. The tool supports a wide range of file formats, including documents, photos, videos, music files, and more.

It uses advanced algorithms to search for lost or deleted data, making it an effective solution for recovering files that seem to have disappeared permanently.

File Repair

Sometimes, even though the data may not be lost, it could become corrupted and inaccessible. Panda Assistant offers a file repair feature that can fix corrupted files, allowing users to access their important documents, images, and videos once again.

It supports a variety of file types, including Word documents, Excel sheets, PowerPoint presentations, and multimedia files like MP4. JPG, and MP3.

File Preview and Selection

One of the standout features of Panda Assistant is its ability to preview files before recovery. This is crucial for ensuring that users can select the correct files to recover, saving both time and storage space.

The preview feature is available for many file types, including text documents, images, and videos, which can be viewed before initiating the full recovery process.

Deep Scan for Comprehensive Recovery

Panda Assistant offers a deep scan feature that can search for lost files in sectors of the disk that are not normally visible during regular file browsing. This feature is especially useful for recovering files from formatted drives or partitions.

The deep scan process can take longer than a regular scan, but it increases the chances of recovering data that might otherwise be inaccessible.

Data Backup and Protection

In addition to recovery, Panda Assistant offers backup features to ensure your important files are safely stored in case of future data loss.

You can schedule automatic backups of your files and store them in secure cloud storage. This proactive approach to data management can prevent the stress and frustration of data loss in the future.

File Shredding

For users concerned about privacy, Panda Assistant also provides a file shredding feature. This tool allows you to permanently delete files so they cannot be recovered, providing a higher level of security when discarding sensitive or personal information.

User-Friendly Interface

One of the key selling points of Panda Assistant is its intuitive interface. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced user, navigating the software is simple and straightforward.

The software provides easy-to-follow steps for recovery, including selecting the drive, scanning for lost files, previewing files, and recovering them.

Multi-Platform Support

Panda Assistant is compatible with a variety of operating systems, including Windows and macOS. This flexibility makes it accessible to a wide range of users across different platforms.

Data Recovery from External Devices

One of the most important aspects of Panda Assistant is its ability to recover data from external devices, including USB drives, SD cards, and external hard drives. Many data recovery tools are limited to internal drives, but Panda Assistant supports both internal and external storage media.

Step 3: Connect the Disk to a Computer

To use data recovery software, you need to connect the formatted disk to a computer. Here are a few options depending on the type of disk:

For Internal Hard Drives (HDDs/SSDs):

If you are attempting to recover data from an internal drive, you will need to connect it to a computer where the software is installed. You can do this by using a second computer, connecting the drive via SATA or an external enclosure.

For External Drives (USB, SD Cards, etc.):

If you’re recovering data from an external disk like a USB drive or SD card, simply plug the drive into your computer and ensure the recovery software can detect it.

Step 4: Run a Scan for Recoverable Data

Once the disk is connected and your data recovery software is ready, you can begin the scanning process. The scanning process will differ slightly depending on the software used but generally follows these steps:

Select the Drive:

Open the software and select the formatted disk from the list of available drives.

Choose the Scan Type:

Select between a quick scan (for files that may not have been overwritten) and a deep scan (for more thorough recovery, including data that may be hidden deeper in the sectors).

Start the Scan:

Once you’ve chosen the scan type, click “Start” to begin scanning the disk. Depending on the size of the disk, this process can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

Preview Results:

After the scan completes, most data recovery tools allow you to preview the files before you recover them. This is an essential step to ensure you are recovering the correct data.

Step 5: Recover the Data

Once the scan is complete and you’ve identified the files you want to recover, it’s time to restore them. Here’s how to proceed:

Select the Files:

Browse through the list of recoverable files. Most recovery software will categorize files by type (e.g., images, documents, videos, etc.) to make navigation easier.

Choose a Recovery Location:

Important: Do not recover the files back to the same formatted disk as this could overwrite more of the lost data. Instead, select a different drive or an external storage device as the destination for the recovered files.

Start the Recovery:

Once you’ve selected the destination, initiate the recovery process. The time it takes will depend on the size of the files being recovered.

Verify the Recovered Files:

After the recovery process is complete, check the recovered files to ensure they are intact and functional. This is particularly important for files like videos and images, as they can sometimes be partially corrupted during the recovery process.

Step 6: Consider Professional Data Recovery Services (If Needed)

While software tools can recover a significant amount of data, there are times when recovery may be impossible or too complicated for a software solution. If the following conditions apply, you should consider contacting a professional data recovery service:

Severe Physical Damage:

If the formatted disk has physical damage (e.g., a scratched or damaged hard drive), the recovery software may not be able to help, and you should seek professional services.

High-Value Data:

If the lost data is irreplaceable or very valuable (e.g., business-critical information), it might be worth investing in professional recovery to ensure the highest chances of success.

Failed Software Recovery:

If software tools fail to recover the data or the data is corrupted, a professional recovery service might have specialized equipment to recover the lost information.

Step 7: Prevent Future Data Loss

After successfully recovering your data, it’s essential to take proactive steps to avoid future data loss. Here are some recommendations:

Backup Your Data Regularly:

Use cloud storage or external hard drives to back up important files regularly.

Use File Versioning:

Use systems or applications that support file versioning, so you can always roll back to a previous version if needed.

Avoid Frequent Formatting:

Only format disks when absolutely necessary, and make sure to back up your data beforehand.

Invest in Data Protection Software:

Consider using software that protects against accidental deletions, system crashes, and formatting issues.