It can be stressful to lose access to your data. Even if your disk is damaged, corrupt, or hard to get to, your data is still important. The good news is that you can get it back.
This guide will show you how to do things manually and also provide a simple software alternative. You don't need to be a tech whiz to do this.
Most Common Reasons for Drive Issues
It's helpful to know what went wrong before you try to recover. Some common explanations are
- Damage to the body by drops, shocks, or water
- File system corruption might happen if you shut down your computer or lose electricity.
- Bad sections because of wear and tear.
- A virus, malware or other malicious software that changes data or deletes files.
- Problems with connections, like ports that are broken or cables that are too loose.
Knowing what caused the problem can help you pick the best way to fix it.
How to Recover Data Manually
You can try doing things manually initially. These work when the damage isn't too bad or when your system can still see the drive.
1. Look at the connections
- Remove the drive and connect it back again.
- Try a different USB port or cable.
- Try connecting to a different computer.
Sometimes the problem is only a loose or broken connection.
2. Use Windows' built-in error checking.
- Open File Explorer.
- Click the right mouse button on the drive
- Choose Properties, then Tools, and then Check.
- Let Windows check for and resolve problems.
This can fix common problems or issues with the file system.
3. Run the command CHKDSK
- Press Windows + S and type “cmd”.
- Right-click on the CMD and pick "Run as administrator".
- Type
chkdsk X: /f /r /x
Replace X with your drive letter
- Hit Enter
CHKDSK resolves faults in the file system and faulty sectors.
4. Use Windows File Recovery (Windows 10 and up)
- You can get Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store.
- For scan and recover files again, follow the steps on the screen.
When Manual Methods Might Not Work
You don't have to pay for manual recovery, but it doesn't always work. If your drive is very corrupt, can't be accessed, or has physical damage, built-in tools might not be able to find it.
You require professional data recovery software in these situations. This provides you a better possibility of getting your data restored without inflicting more damage.
A Simpler Choice to Recover Data
If the manual methods for recovering data from damaged, corrupt, or inaccessible drives appear too hard or don't work, you can utilize Softaken Windows Data Recovery. It was intended for everyone, even those who don't know much about technology.
Why pick it
- Gets data back from drives that are broken, corrupt, or hard to get to
- It works with USB devices, memory cards, and internal and external disks.
- Restores files that were deleted with just a few clicks.
- Maintains the primary folder's structure and the quality of the files.
- Works with all versions of Windows
How it works
- Get the software and install it on your computer.
- Choose the drive you want to get back.
- Look for files that are missing or broken
- Look at the results before saving them.
- Get files back and put them in a secure place. The process is quick, easy, and safe for your data.
Ways to Increase the Success Rate of Data Recovery
- Stop utilizing the broken drive right away. This stops lost data from being overwritten.
- Don't save recovered files to the same drive; save them to a separate one.
- Don't try to recover too many times, as this can make things worse.
- If you hear strange noises coming from the drive, stop and get aid from a specialist.
How to Protect Your Data in the Future
Once you get your files back, do all you can to keep them safe-
- Make sure to back up your files often to an external device or the cloud.
- To stop malware attacks, use antivirus software.
- Safely eject drives before unplugging them.
- Don't let drives get too hot, wet, or shocked.
- Before they break, get new drives.
In Conclusion
It is feasible to get data back from drives that are broken, corrupted, or hard to reach. Start with ways to recover data manually. If these don't work, Softaken Windows Data Recovery is a straightforward and reliable way to retrieve your files back without any technical problems.
Your information is important. You can get it back safely if you act quickly and utilize the correct tools.