Recover erased files from external hard drive​

I. Recovering Erased Files from an External Hard Drive

Losing files from an external hard drive can be a distressing experience. Whether it was due to accidental deletion, formatting, a virus attack, or a hardware malfunction, the good news is that in many cases, it’s possible to recover those precious files. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods and tools available to recover erased files from an external hard drive.

II. Understanding File Deletion and Recovery Basics

How File Deletion Works: When you delete a file from an external hard drive, the operating system doesn’t actually erase the data immediately. Instead, it marks the space occupied by the file as available for new data to be written. The file’s entry in the file system’s directory is removed, making it seem as if the file is gone. As long as the actual data on the drive has not been overwritten, there’s a good chance of recovery.

Factors Affecting Recovery: The likelihood of successful file recovery depends on several factors. The time elapsed since deletion is crucial. The more time that passes, the higher the probability that the space occupied by the deleted file will be overwritten by new data. The type of file system used on the external hard drive (such as NTFS for Windows or HFS+ for Mac) also plays a role. Some file systems have more robust recovery capabilities than others. Additionally, the cause of file loss matters. If the drive has suffered physical damage, the recovery process can be more complicated than in cases of simple deletion.

III. Methods of File Recovery

A. Using the Recycle Bin/Trash (in case of accidental deletion)

Windows: When you delete a file on a Windows – connected external hard drive, it usually goes to the Recycle Bin. To recover it, simply open the Recycle Bin, locate the file you want to restore, right – click on it, and select “Restore.” The file will be moved back to its original location on the external hard drive.

Mac: On a Mac, deleted files go to the Trash. Open the Trash, find the file from the external hard drive, and click “Put Back” to restore it to its original location.

B. Using Built – in File Recovery Tools in the Operating System

Windows: Windows has a built – in utility called “Previous Versions.” To access it, right – click on the folder or file location on the external hard drive (if the file was in a folder) and select “Properties.” In the Properties window, go to the “Previous Versions” tab. Windows may have saved copies of the file from system restore points or shadow copies. You can select a previous version and click “Restore” to recover the file.

Mac: Time Machine is a powerful backup and recovery tool in Mac OS. If you have been using Time Machine to back up your external hard drive, you can connect the backup drive, open Time Machine, and navigate through the backup history to find and restore the erased file.

C. Third – Party File Recovery Software

Panda Assistant is a powerful, user-friendly data recovery software designed to help individuals and businesses retrieve lost or deleted files from a variety of storage devices. Whether it’s a hard drive, USB flash drive, memory card, or SD card, Panda Assistant provides an efficient solution for file recovery. It supports a wide range of file types, including documents, photos, videos, and more.

With its intuitive interface, users can easily navigate through the recovery process, even if they have no technical expertise. Panda Assistant offers advanced scanning algorithms to detect and recover lost files, even from formatted or damaged drives. Additionally, the software allows users to preview recoverable files before committing to the recovery process, ensuring they recover exactly what they need.

IV. Precautions Before and During File Recovery

Before Recovery:

Stop Using the Drive Immediately: As soon as you realize that files have been erased from the external hard drive, stop using it. Any new data written to the drive can overwrite the space where the deleted files are located, reducing the chances of successful recovery.

Backup the Drive (if possible): If you can, make a bit – by – bit backup of the external hard drive. This can be useful in case the recovery process itself causes further damage to the drive or data. There are software tools available that can create a disk image of the drive for backup purposes.

During Recovery:

Follow the Software Instructions Carefully: When using third – party recovery software, make sure to follow the instructions provided. Incorrect settings or operations during the recovery process can lead to further data loss.

Be Patient: File recovery, especially a deep scan of a large external hard drive, can take a long time. It’s not uncommon for a scan to take several hours, depending on the size of the drive and the amount of data.

V. Dealing with Physical Damage to the External Hard Drive

Symptoms of Physical Damage: Physical damage to an external hard drive can manifest in several ways. You may hear strange noises such as clicking or grinding when the drive is powered on. The drive may not be recognized by the computer at all, or it may connect and disconnect intermittently. In these cases, the chances of data loss due to physical malfunction are high.

Recovery Options:

Professional Data Recovery Services: If the external hard drive has suffered physical damage, it’s often best to seek the help of professional data recovery services. These companies have specialized equipment and clean room facilities to handle damaged drives. They can repair the hardware components of the drive and then attempt to recover the data. However, professional data recovery can be very expensive, and there’s no guarantee that all the data will be recovered.

DIY Hardware Repairs (with Caution): For those with some technical knowledge, it may be possible to attempt some basic hardware repairs. For example, if the problem is a loose connection, you can try to reseat the connectors. But it’s important to note that opening the hard drive enclosure can void the warranty and may further damage the drive if not done correctly.