Retrieve files from external hard drive​

External hard drives serve as a convenient way to store and back up large amounts of data. Whether it’s for personal use, work, or backing up important files, external hard drives provide reliable storage. However, it’s not uncommon for users to encounter issues when trying to retrieve files from these drives. Problems such as accidental deletion, formatting errors, or corrupted drives can prevent access to important data.

1. Initial Troubleshooting: Check for Simple Issues

Before diving into more advanced methods, it’s important to rule out simple issues that might be preventing you from accessing your files.

1.1 Check Physical Connections

The first thing you should do is ensure that your external hard drive is properly connected to your computer. Sometimes, a loose or improperly connected cable can be the culprit. Here’s what you should do:

Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable from both the external hard drive and your computer.

Try using a different USB port on your computer. Sometimes, specific ports can malfunction.

If possible, use a different USB cable to rule out a faulty cable.

Try the hard drive on another computer to check if the issue is with your computer or the drive itself.

1.2 Power Supply Issues

External hard drives that are powered by an adapter may face issues with power supply:

Check the power connection and ensure the adapter is plugged in securely.

Some drives have an on/off switch. Verify that the drive is switched on.

If your drive has multiple USB connections (such as a Y-cable), ensure both cables are connected correctly.

1.3 Update Device Drivers

If the external hard drive isn’t showing up on your computer, outdated or corrupted drivers could be to blame:

Open Device Manager (on Windows) or System Information (on macOS) and check if your external hard drive is recognized.

If there is a yellow exclamation mark next to the drive, the drivers may need updating. Right-click and select Update Driver on Windows, or check for system updates on macOS.

2. Accessing Files: When the Drive Is Recognized But Files Aren’t Accessible

If your external hard drive is visible in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac), but you’re unable to access the files, it may indicate problems like file corruption, logical errors, or bad sectors.

2.1 Use the Built-in Repair Tools

Both Windows and macOS have built-in tools for checking and repairing file system errors.

Windows:

Run Check Disk:

Open File Explorer and locate your external hard drive.

Right-click on the drive and select Properties.

Go to the Tools tab and click on Check under the “Error Checking” section.

Follow the prompts to scan and repair the drive.

macOS:

Use Disk Utility:

Open Disk Utility from the Applications > Utilities folder.

Select your external hard drive from the list.

Click on First Aid and then click Run to fix any file system errors.

2.2 Try Data Recovery Software

Panda Assistant also offers features like previewing recoverable files before restoration and the ability to save the recovery process, ensuring that no data is overwritten. Whether you’re recovering files from a malfunctioning USB drive or from a corrupted SD card, Panda Assistant provides the tools necessary for a successful recovery. This software offers a reliable, fast, and efficient solution to data loss challenges, giving users peace of mind when it comes to their valuable files.

3. Data Recovery: Retrieving Files from a Formatted or Corrupted External Hard Drive

If you’ve accidentally formatted the external hard drive or if it has become corrupted to the point where it’s not accessible, the situation becomes more complex. However, it’s still possible to retrieve data, provided that the data hasn’t been overwritten.

3.1 Stop Using the External Hard Drive

Once you realize that your external hard drive is corrupted or formatted, stop using it immediately. The more data you write to the drive, the greater the chance of overwriting your lost files, making recovery more difficult or even impossible.

3.2 Use Data Recovery Software

In this case, data recovery software is essential to retrieve your lost files. Many data recovery tools are designed to recover files from formatted or corrupted drives.

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Software:

Download and install recovery software: Choose a recovery software like Panda Assistant install it on your computer.

Scan the external hard drive: Open the software and select your external hard drive as the target drive for scanning. The software will perform a deep scan, looking for recoverable files.

Preview recoverable files: After scanning, most recovery tools will display a list of recoverable files. Preview these files to ensure they are intact.

Select files to recover: Choose the files you want to recover and specify a location on your computer to save them. Do not save the files back to the external hard drive, as this could overwrite other recoverable data.

Complete the recovery: Click on the recovery button, and the software will save the selected files to your computer.

3.3 Professional Data Recovery Services

If the above methods don’t work or if the external hard drive is physically damaged (e.g., clicking noise, drive not spinning), it may be necessary to seek the help of a professional data recovery service. These services have specialized equipment and expertise to recover data from severely damaged drives.

While these services can be costly, they offer the best chance of recovering important data in extreme cases. Popular data recovery service providers include:

DriveSavers

Ontrack

Secure Data Recovery

4. Preventive Measures: Avoid Future Data Loss

Once you’ve recovered your files, it’s essential to take preventive measures to avoid future data loss. Here are a few tips:

4.1 Regular Backups

Create a regular backup schedule to avoid data loss. Consider using the 3-2-1 backup strategy:

3 copies of your data: 1 primary copy and 2 backups.

2 different types of storage: E.g., an external hard drive and cloud storage.

1 copy off-site: Use cloud storage for one backup to prevent data loss due to local disasters.

4.2 Use Disk Monitoring Tools

Regularly check the health of your external hard drive using disk monitoring tools. These tools can alert you to issues like bad sectors, temperature problems, or declining health, giving you time to back up your data before failure.

4.3 Safely Eject Your External Drive

Always eject your external hard drive safely from your computer before unplugging it. This ensures that no files are in the process of being written, reducing the risk of file corruption.

5. Advanced Techniques: Data Recovery from a Physically Damaged Drive

In the worst-case scenario, your external hard drive might suffer from physical damage (e.g., a head crash, motor failure, or water damage). In these cases, DIY recovery efforts may not be enough, and professional help is required.

5.1 Opening the Drive

If you suspect physical damage and are comfortable with the risk, some advanced users attempt to open the drive in a clean room environment to attempt recovery. However, this is not recommended unless you have experience, as it can further damage the drive.

5.2 Specialized Data Recovery Services

As mentioned earlier, professional recovery services are your best bet for retrieving data from physically damaged drives. These services use advanced tools to recover data from severely damaged hard drives, often in a clean room environment to avoid contamination.