You might use an external hard drive to store crucial files. Nevertheless, the misfortune of losing files due to a hard drive failure can be significant. Moreover, the process of recovering data from an external hard drive is both complex and challenging.
However, don't worry too much. After a data loss incident, the first step is to identify the root cause of the data loss and then choose the appropriate solution. Whether it's physical damage, software bugs, or files mysteriously vanishing, you can find solutions in this article.
- Stop using the external hard drive immediately.
- Start data recovery as soon as possible.
- Turn to a reliable data recovery tool or professional service nearby.
Solution 1. Recover Lost Files From External Hard Drive with Data Recovery Tools
1. FonePaw Data Recovery
FonePaw Hard Drive Recovery is a reliable tool to effectively recover lost data, including photos, documents, and archives, from your external hard drive. It supports various brands such as Seagate, Sandisk, Western Digital, Toshiba, Apricorn, Lacie, and more.
Whether the data loss is due to accidental deletion, a system crash, or a virus attack, FonePaw scans (for free) deeply into your external hard drive, ensuring that it does not miss any persisting data on the drive. So that it can even recover files from a formatted hard drive.
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Follow the tutorial below to recover files from external hard drive with FonePaw:
Step 1. Launch FonePaw Data Recovery. Connect your external hard drive to computer with a USB cable.
Step 2. On the main interface. Check the file types you want to scan. And check your external hard drive under Removable Drives. Then click Scan.
Step 3. After scanning, preview and select the files you want to recover. Click Recover. FonePaw will help you get back the lost files.
2. Manufacturers' Data Recovery Program
Some external hard drive manufacturers provide their software to help users address data loss issues. You can visit the brand's official website or contact customer support to see if there is a dedicated data recovery program available. Here, we'll take Seagate as an example.
- Launch the Seagate Drive Manager on your computer.
- Click the AutoBackup icon on the main interface.
- Click the backed-up data button. Then choose files you want to recover.
- Set the restore location, etc.
- Click OK. Enter your SafetyKey password. Wait for the restore to finish.
Solution 2. Recover Files from External Hard Drive Using Windows System Tools
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Command Prompt
Windows itself has a built-in system checking and repairing utility that may help you recover lost data from an external hard drive. By running different commands, this tool can scan the disk, display the disk information, and fix errors for you. To get access to this utility, follow these steps:
- Plug the external hard drive into the USB port on your Windows.
- Press down Windows + R on the keyboard to activate the Run box.
- Enter cmd in the Run box, and then, click "OK".
- In the "cmd.exe" window, type chkdsk F: /f and press "Enter".
- Press Y to proceed with the process.
- Type F (drive letter) and hit “Enter” again.
- Enter F:>attrib -h -r -s /s /d ., and wait for the utility to finish the command.
2. Recycle Bin
An external hard drive has its own Recycle Bin, which works similarly to the Windows system's recycle bin. However, the recycle bin of an external hard drive is classified as a system folder and is hidden. You may follow the steps below to view the recycle bin of your external hard drive to recover lost files.
- Launch File Explorer Options or Folder Options in your Windows search bar. Click it.
- Go to View, and uncheck "Hide protected operating system files". Click Apply.
- Connect your external hard drive to the computer. Launch File Explorer.
- Navigate to View > Show > Hidden items.
- Double-click the “$RECYCLE.BIN” folder and recover your lost files from it.
3. File History
If your computer is running Windows 8/8.1/10/11, there is an automatic data backup and restoration feature: File History. You can use it to restore lost files from external hard drive. Follow the steps below.
- Attach your external hard drive to your computer.
- Go to Settings, then navigate to Updates & Security, followed by Backup, and select More options.
- Choose the option to Restore files from a recent backup.
- Explore the File History backup options tailored for recovering data from an external drive.
- Pick the specific folders or files you want to restore. Then click the Restore button to revert the selected items to their default location.
Solution 3. Reveal Hidden Items to Restore Files on External Hard Disk
- Open File Explorer on Windows by clicking Windows + E.
- Select “View” on the top menu bar, choose “Options > Change folder, and search options”.
- Choose “View” again, and click “Show hidden files, folders, and drives”.
- Check if your lost data appears on your external hard disk.
Solution 4. Turn to Reliable External Hard Drive Repair Services
1. Manufacturers' Official Repair Service
When your hard drive is severely damaged, seeking official repair services from the original manufacturer is the most reliable option. They possess the deepest understanding of the issues your hard drive has encountered and will do their utmost to assist you in recovering lost data.
Depending on your hard drive's brand, you can visit their official website to locate addresses providing authorized repair services.
2. Third-party Hard Drive Repair Services
If there is no official repair service from HDD manufacturers available in your area, you can turn to reliable third-party hard drive repair services nearby. They may be able to help you recover files from external hard drive.
However, it's crucial to note that before deciding to seek third-party repair services, you should research online or ask friends about the reliability of the service and its costs. Additionally, be aware that these services may pose risks of further damaging your external HDD, so careful consideration is advised.
Final Words
When your hard drive encounters issues leading to data loss, it's essential not to panic. Timely and correct actions can help you retrieve lost files and data. A reliable tool like FonePaw Hard Drive Recovery can assist in recovering files lost due to software malfunctions. If your hard drive undergoes severe physical damage, seeking trustworthy repair services from HDD manufacturers or third parties is advisable.
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Nevertheless, overall, the most crucial aspect is to regularly back up your data and take preventive measures to safeguard against potential data loss on your hard drive.
- Don't plug it into too many systems to prevent it from infecting viruses.
- When it is still writing or reading, do not unplug it.
- Pay attention to the storage conditions of the external hard drive.
- Avoid using it too frequently to update files.