How to Retrieve Lost Data from a Formatted External Hard Disk

Lost important data on an external hard disk? Formatting can seem like a complete obliteration of any recoverability. But fear not! There are methods and tools, with varying degrees of effectiveness, that can help you retrieve your data. Discover the process and tools that can aid in the recovery of your lost data.

Understanding the Format Process

When you format a hard drive, the operating system essentially removes the logical links that allow it to read the information stored there. Windows 10, or any other OS, writes to and reads from a file system database. Formatting clearances these entries, making the data seemingly inaccessible. However, until new data overwrites the original content, the data is still there, waiting to be recovered.

The Importance of Immediate Action

Immediate action is crucial when attempting to recover lost data from a formatted external hard disk. If you continue to use the disk for storage, the risk of overwriting the original data increases, making recovery much more challenging. Therefore, the moment you realize your mistake, stop using the disk.

Exploring Data Recovery Software

To increase your chances of successful data recovery, consider using specialized data recovery software. One such option is Recoverit. This application offers an intuitive interface that works across all operating system versions. Follow these steps to use Recoverit for data recovery:

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Recoverit

Select the Location: Attach the external hard drive that is suffering from data loss to your computer, and open Recoverit. Select the correct location for the drive from the list. Trigger the Scanning: Click the ‘Start’ button to initiate the scanning process. This scans the available files on the external hard drive. Preview and Recover Data: After the scan, you can preview the files that have been recovered. Hit the ‘Recover’ button to save the files to another location.

It is recommended to perform these actions as soon as possible to maximize your chances of recovering the data.

WhyProfessional Help May Not Be Reliable

While there are professional PC repair shops that might offer data recovery services, be cautious. They are unlikely to guarantee successful recovery. The steps and outcomes in data recovery are often beyond deterministic, making it a highly technical and risky process. Common formats like Windows simply clear entries from the file system database, offering a chance for recovery but not a certainty.

Conclusion

Data recovery from a formatted external hard disk is not a trivial task, but it is not impossible either. Utilize specialized software like Recoverit to increase your chances of successful data recovery. Remember, immediate action and the right tools can make all the difference.