Best Methods to Retrieve Lost Data from a Formatted Hard Drive
It is a nightmare when the data goes missing due to formatting an internal hard drive, an external HDD, or an SSD. Most of them consider a fact that whenever the hard disk gets formatted, all the data is completely erased. Not true. The data remains on the disk until new files overwrite it when a hard drive is formatted. It is quite possible to retrieve lost files from a formatted hard drive by applying the right recovery techniques. Here, we look at the best DIY methods and professional data recovery services in Hyderabad to help you recover your important files safely and efficiently. We look at all free recovery tools, built-in Windows commands, and expert recovery services that may help you in recovering your lost data. Introduction Accidental hard drive formatting can be a stressing process, with a potential risk of losing files from an internal hard drive, external HDD, or SSD. Scenarios often involve formatting a hard drive in Windows 10, losing critical files from an external hard drive, or simply making the wrong selection during an installation. In this case, however, the data is not actually erased-it’s just marked to be overwritten-and recovery can occur with the proper methods. For crucial data loss situations, professional data recovery services in Hyderabad provide the best solution. With cutting-edge recovery tools and certified cleanroom facilities, experts can retrieve lost data safely and efficiently, ensuring maximum recovery success. Can You Recover Data from a Formatted Hard Drive? A large number of users believe that a formatted hard drive will always and completely delete the data it contains. Not quite. How formatting works helps ensure the likelihood of successful recovery. Quick Format vs. Full Format Quick Format: Removes file system references but keeps the data intact until overwritten. Recovery is highly possible. Full Format: Overwrites data by writing zeros across the disk, making recovery extremely difficult. Why Data Recovery is Possible The hard drive is divided into sectors. During a format of the hard drive, only the directory of the file is removed. The actual data remains on the drive until overwritten by new files. But, after writing data to the drive after the format, it will be almost impossible to recover the data. To increase the likelihood of restoring lost files, avoid using the formatted drive and immediately use reliable data recovery software or seek professional data recovery services in Hyderabad for expert assistance. Best DIY Methods to Recover Data from a Formatted Hard Drive Now if you have reformatted your hard drive by error, you have a chance for self-recovery of lost data without professional attention. There exist several DIY means of data retrieval, including various built-in free Windows features as well as useful free recovery instruments and even secure software like Data Recovery Disk Drill. Here you can find what is the most effective way for retrieving your missed data. 3.1 Using Built-in Windows Features How to Recover Formatted Data from Hard Disk Using CMD Windows provides some built-in commands that may help recover deleted or hidden files from a formatted hard drive. These methods work best if the data is still intact and has not been overwritten. Steps to Use CMD for Data Recovery Open Command Prompt: Press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter. Run CHKDSK Command:Type chkdsk X: /f (replace X with your drive letter) and press Enter.This checks for disk errors and attempts to fix them.Use ATTRIB Command to Recover Files:Type: attrib -h -r -s /s /d X:*.*. ( dont use this ! )(Replace X with your drive letter.) This command restores hidden files.When to Use This Method?Best for recovering hidden or deleted files.Works well for external hard drives and accidentally formatted hard drive Windows 10 users. Not effective for deep recovery after full formatting. Free Software Solutions Recover Files from Formatted Hard Drive Free When CMD method doesn’t work, it is advisable to use free data recovery software like Recuva, TestDisk, or PhotoRec. Such programs like the ones above ensure the files will be retrieved despite their unavailability. Recuva has the simplest user interface, ideal for recovering deleted files within the most recent days, but may fail for deeper recoveries. TestDisk is a free tool, open-source, that focuses mainly on partition recovery. Lost partitions can easily be recovered as well as restoration of file systems, but needs technical knowledge due to lack of graphical interface. PhotoRec is designed for recovering images, documents, and multimedia files. It works on multiple file systems but does not restore original folder structures. Steps to Recover Data Using Recuva Download and install Recuva on a different drive to avoid overwriting lost data. Open Recuva and select the formatted drive. Choose “Deep Scan” for a thorough search. Click “Start” and wait for the scan to complete. Preview and restore lost files to a safe location. Limitations of Free Data Recovery Tools Free software has some limitations. It may not work if the data has been overwritten, and it is often less effective for SSD recovery with TRIM enabled. Additionally, these tools have a lower success rate for deep file recovery compared to professional-grade software. If these tools fail, you may need to seek help from data recovery services in Hyderabad for better results. 3.3 Using Disk Drill Data Recovery (Recommended DIY Solution) Disk Drill Data Recovery is, therefore, another very reliable application in case you want something better. It includes deep scanning algorithms and has easy user interface where you can be able to restore your files after the formatting on your HDD or from an external hard drive/SSD. Disk Drill works with all major file systems, including NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and EXT4. It might work well for users who have formatted hard drive Windows 10 by mistake and need a potent recovery tool. Deep Scan mode helps recover lost files where the structure of the file was damaged. How to Use Disk Drill to Recover Lost Data Download and install Disk Drill on a separate drive. Open