How to Effectively Restore Deleted Files from an External Hard Drive- A Comprehensive Guide_1

How to recover deleted data from an external hard drive can be a daunting task, especially when you realize that important files have been lost. Whether it’s due to accidental deletion, formatting, or a corrupted drive, there are several methods you can try to retrieve your lost data. In this article, we will explore various techniques and tools to help you recover deleted data from an external hard drive.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to act quickly after realizing that your data is missing. The sooner you start the recovery process, the higher the chances of successfully retrieving your files. In this article, we will discuss several methods to recover deleted data from an external hard drive, including using built-in Windows tools, third-party software, and manual recovery techniques.

1. Use Windows File Recovery

Windows 10 and Windows 11 come with a built-in tool called File Recovery, which can help you recover deleted files from an external hard drive. To use this tool, follow these steps:

1. Connect your external hard drive to your computer.
2. Open File Explorer and navigate to the location where your files were stored.
3. Right-click on the folder and select “Restore previous versions.” If this option is not available, proceed to the next step.
4. Open Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by searching for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-clicking on Command Prompt, and selecting “Run as administrator.”
5. Enter the following command: “fsutil fsinfo files :”. Replace “” with the letter assigned to your external hard drive.
6. Look for the last known good version of your files and restore them to their original location or a new location.

2. Use third-party data recovery software

There are numerous third-party data recovery software options available that can help you recover deleted data from an external hard drive. Some popular choices include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Stellar Data Recovery. These tools offer a user-friendly interface and advanced recovery features to help you retrieve your lost files. To use third-party data recovery software, follow these general steps:

1. Download and install a reputable data recovery software on your computer.
2. Connect your external hard drive to your computer.
3. Launch the data recovery software and select your external hard drive as the target location.
4. Start the scanning process and wait for the software to search for deleted files.
5. Preview the recovered files and select the ones you want to restore.
6. Choose a location to save the recovered files and click “Restore” to recover your deleted data.

3. Manual recovery techniques

In some cases, you may be able to recover deleted data from an external hard drive using manual techniques. This involves using disk editing tools or third-party disk cloning software to create a sector-by-sector image of the drive. However, this method requires advanced technical knowledge and can be risky if not performed correctly. If you’re comfortable with these tools, follow these steps:

1. Download and install a disk editing tool or disk cloning software on your computer.
2. Connect your external hard drive to your computer.
3. Use the disk editing tool or cloning software to create a sector-by-sector image of the drive.
4. Extract the files from the image using a file recovery tool.

Conclusion

Recovering deleted data from an external hard drive can be challenging, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s often possible to retrieve your lost files. Whether you choose to use built-in Windows tools, third-party software, or manual recovery techniques, it’s crucial to act quickly and follow the steps carefully to maximize your chances of success. Remember to always back up your important files regularly to prevent data loss in the future.