Software to Recover Format and Deletion Issues
You swore it could never happen to you. After all, you know what you're doing when it comes to computers. But here you are staring at a freshly, accidentally reformatted hard disk drive. Go ahead, kick yourself - but not too hard. Accidental file deletions and formatting of storage devices happen to best of the best. The good news is that software is available to recover format and deletions.
If you're wondering how this is possible, take a look at what really happens during the reformatting process. Reformatting is a complex process but it essentially takes away your File Allocation Table (or Master File Table), boot sector, and root directory and replaces them with brand new, empty File Allocation Tables, boot sectors, and root directories. These areas of the disk no longer contain references to your programs or data which remain on the disk, hidden from view and fair game for future overwriting.
What does this mean to you? It means the bulk of your data is recoverable and you can recover format issues! The same is true if you accidentally delete files, folders, directories, or entire partitions. All you need is the appropriate type of data recovery software.
When it comes to software that will recover format problems, look for a product compatible with your file system. If your disk is a FAT drive, look for data recovery software that can recover format problems related to the FAT file system. Likewise, if you have a NTFS file system, look for data recovery software capable of NTFS recover format tasks.
Now, before you go crazy and start reinstalling your operating system or using your recovery discs, stop and take a deep breath. Don't do anything to your disk including trying to restore the operating system. Your files are in a temporary state and vulnerable to being overwritten by other programs, processes, and files.
Instead, get your hands on a data recovery utility that boots from CD or floppy. These self-booting utilities do not need to install onto the disk before they can operate. Instead, they boot up and get to work trying to recover format problems.
The same thing is true if you've accidentally deleted partitions, folders, directories, or files. Any new data written to the disk that stores the original file could potentially overwrite your data permanently.
After you recover from your format mistake, you'll be impressed at how effective data recovery software is and how easy it is for just about anyone to use. You may also be a little leery the next time you need to dispose of an old computer. In the past, you might've purposely reformatted the disk to protect your data from falling into the wrong hands. If it's so easy to recover formatted disks, then your preventative formatting steps won't protect your sensitive data from potential identity thieves who also have access to these tools. No problem – use a data shredder when the time comes.
Data recovery tools offer a last ditch safety net but they don't replace regular backups. Back up your data and try not to reformat your drive next time.
