Formatting a drive accidentally can be a nightmare, resulting in complete data loss if you don’t act quickly. However, with the right tools and techniques, recovering deleted files after a format is possible in many cases. Here’s how to maximize your chances of getting those precious files back in 2024.
What Happens When You Format a Drive
Formatting a drive erases all data by resetting the file system and partition structures. The files themselves are not immediately overwritten, but the links to their data locations get destroyed.
Without those file system links, the drive appears empty even though the file contents still physically exist on the disk. However, they get vulnerable to being overwritten by new data written to the drive. So it’s critical to act fast before too much new data gets written.
Step 1: Stop Using the Drive Immediately
The most important thing is to stop using the accidentally formatted drive right away. Every new bit of data written to the drive increases the risk of overwriting deleted file fragments.
Power down the drive if possible and connect it to a different system. The more you use the formatted drive, the lower your chances of recovery.
Step 2: Use Data Recovery Software
Data recovery software is the best way to retrieve deleted files after a format. The utilities scan the drive and rebuild the file system links to rescued data.
Look for recovery software that supports unformatting for your specific file system like NTFS or exFAT. Also ensure the tool can recover recently deleted files, not just older archived ones.
Popular and user-friendly options include:
- Stellar Data Recovery – works for various file systems and storage media
- EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard – known for quick NTFS unformatting
- Disk Drill – straightforward interface and scanning
Many providers offer a free trial to test the tool first.
Step 3: Select the Correct Formatted Drive
Launch your recovery software and select the drive you want to unformat. Make absolutely sure you’ve chosen the correct volume, or you could overwrite existing files.
If the formatted drive doesn’t show up, try using a different SATA/USB port and rebooting. The tool should display all connected drives.
Step 4: Scan the Drive for Recoverable Data
Start the scan process to search for recoverable data on the unintentionally formatted drive. This can take some time depending on the drive size and amount of data.
A deep scan is more thorough but also slower. You can start with a quick scan first. Filtering scan results by file type can also speed up the process.
Step 5: Preview and Recover Files
Once the scan finishes, preview found files to confirm they are intact. Select the ones you want to recover and restore them to another drive, not the formatted one!
Searching scanned results for specific file types or names can help locate important documents quickly. Expect larger files like photos and videos to have a higher chance of recovery.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes that lower your chances of successfully retrieving files after an accidental format:
- Continuing to use the formatted drive normally
- Saving recovered files back to the same formatted drive
- Formatting the drive a second time after realizing the mistake
- Using unreliable or outdated data recovery software
Following best practices like the steps outlined can help maximize your chances when data loss strikes through an unintended format. Just don’t panic, stop using the drive, and let data recovery software work its magic!
