Recover deleted files in external hard disk​

Losing important files from an external hard disk can be a stressful experience, but it’s important to remember that deletion doesn’t always mean the files are gone for good. Many times, when files are deleted from a hard drive, the data isn’t immediately erased. Instead, the space where the files were stored is marked as available for reuse. This means there is a chance to recover the deleted files if they haven’t been overwritten by new data.

Before we dive into recovery methods, it’s essential to understand how files are deleted from external hard drives. When you delete a file from your external hard disk, your operating system doesn’t physically erase the file’s data. Instead, it removes the file’s entry in the file allocation table and marks the space as available. As a result, the file still exists on the disk until new data is written over it.

The key takeaway is that if you act quickly after realizing a file has been deleted, there’s a high likelihood of recovering it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Recover Deleted Files

There are several methods to recover deleted files from an external hard disk, ranging from checking your Recycle Bin to using specialized data recovery software. Below is a detailed breakdown of each step you can take.

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

When you delete a file, it typically goes to the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac). Before moving on to more complex recovery methods, it’s worth checking these locations first.

Windows: Open the Recycle Bin on your desktop. If you find the deleted file, right-click on it and select “Restore.” The file will be returned to its original location on the external hard disk.

Mac: Open the Trash from the Dock. If you see the file you want to recover, right-click on it and select “Put Back.”

If the deleted files aren’t in the Recycle Bin or Trash, it means they were permanently deleted or you emptied the bin after deleting them. In this case, you will need to use other methods to attempt recovery.

2. Use File History or Time Machine

If you have file backup services enabled, such as File History on Windows or Time Machine on macOS, you can easily restore deleted files from a backup.

Windows File History:

Connect your external hard disk to your computer.

Open the folder where the deleted file was stored.

Right-click on the folder and select “Restore previous versions.”

Select a version of the folder from before the file was deleted and click “Restore.”

Mac Time Machine:

Connect the external hard disk.

Open the folder where the file was located.

Launch Time Machine by clicking the Time Machine icon in the menu bar.

Scroll through the timeline to find the date when the file was still present and select the file for recovery.

If you regularly back up your data, this is one of the easiest ways to restore deleted files.

3. Use Windows or Mac File Recovery Tools

Panda Assistant is an advanced and user-friendly data recovery tool designed to help individuals and professionals retrieve lost, deleted, or corrupted files from a variety of storage devices. Whether you’ve accidentally deleted important documents, experienced a system crash, or faced physical damage to your storage media, Panda Assistant offers a reliable solution for recovering your valuable data.

What sets Panda Assistant apart is its intuitive interface, which makes it easy for users to perform data recovery, even without technical expertise. The software features a real-time preview of recoverable files, allowing users to assess which files are recoverable before committing to the restoration process. This ensures that only the necessary data is recovered, saving time and storage space.

4. Use Professional Data Recovery Services

If the above methods don’t work, or if the external hard disk is physically damaged, you may need to rely on professional data recovery services. These services specialize in recovering data from damaged or inaccessible storage devices, including external hard drives.

Here’s what to expect from professional data recovery services:

Assessment: The first step involves a thorough evaluation of your external hard disk to determine the cause of data loss. If the drive is physically damaged (e.g., due to a mechanical failure or water damage), the technicians will inspect it for signs of damage and prepare it for recovery.

Recovery Process: Data recovery specialists use advanced tools and techniques to recover files from damaged or corrupted external hard drives. This may involve repairing the disk or using specialized software to extract the data.

Cost: The cost of professional data recovery can vary depending on the severity of the issue, the type of external hard disk, and the amount of data to be recovered. Typically, the cost ranges from $200 to $1.000 or more.

Risks: While professional data recovery services are highly effective, they may not guarantee 100% recovery, especially if the data has been overwritten.

5. Tips for Preventing Future Data Loss

While recovering deleted files is often possible, the best way to protect your data is to prevent loss in the first place. Here are some tips for safeguarding your files:

Regular Backups: The most effective way to protect your data is by regularly backing it up. Use a reliable backup solution, such as external hard drives, cloud storage, or both.

Use a Backup Software: Utilize automatic backup software to ensure your files are backed up regularly. Software like Acronis True Image, Backblaze, or Time Machine (for Mac) can help automate this process.

Avoid Overwriting Data: If you delete a file, avoid writing new data to the same disk. Writing over the old data decreases the chances of successful recovery.

Disk Maintenance: Regularly check the health of your external hard disk by using disk diagnostic tools. Monitoring for bad sectors or signs of physical damage can help you take action before data loss occurs.

Create Multiple Copies: Store important files in multiple locations (e.g., cloud storage and external drives) to reduce the risk of data loss.