Losing data from a failed hard drive can be a devastating experience, especially when the data is important and cannot be replaced. Fortunately, there are several ways to recover lost data from a failed hard drive.
In this article, we'll look at the best methods that you can use to recover your lost data. Whether it's recovering data from a damaged hard drive, a corrupted drive, or an accidentally deleted file, these tips will help you get your data back. Keep in mind that you can always ask for help, that is why this article has been written as well as you might want to visit some sites that can provide you with this type of service check out https://www.techneticsdata.com.au/.
So, keep reading to learn more about recovering lost data from a failed hard drive.
Check if the Hard Drive is Recognized by the BIOS
When a hard drive fails, it's important to check if the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) recognizes the drive. The BIOS is the first thing that runs when you turn on your computer and it performs a variety of tasks to ensure everything is working properly.
To check if the hard drive is being recognized by the BIOS, enter your computer's BIOS menu by pressing a specific key or combination of keys when it boots. Once in the BIOS, look for the list of storage devices, which should include the hard drive you're trying to recover data from.
If it isn't listed, it's likely that your hard drive has failed and needs to be replaced. If it is listed, you can then proceed with the next steps to recover your data.
Connect the Failed Hard Drive to another Computer as an External Drive
Connecting a failed hard drive to another computer as an external drive is one of the easiest ways to access and recover lost data. To do this, you will need to purchase an external hard drive enclosure. This enclosure will allow you to connect the failed hard drive to another computer via USB.
Once connected, the failed hard drive will be recognized as an external storage device on the other computer, allowing you to access any data that was stored on it before it failed. It's important to note that this method can only work if the failed hard drive is still functioning, and you will have to be very careful when connecting it to the other computer in order to not cause further damage.
Use Disk Management to Recover Data
Disk Management is a Windows utility that helps you to manage your hard drive and its partitions. It can be used to view the data on a hard drive, create, delete and format partitions, and assign drive letters to them.
It can also be used to recover data from a failed hard drive. To access Disk Management, right-click on "My Computer" and select "Manage". This will open the Computer Management window. From here, select "Disk Management" from the list of options on the left-hand side. In Disk Management you'll see a list of drives, including the failed hard drive.
Select the drive and then use the options in the bottom pane to access the data on it. Be sure to create a backup of any recovered data before attempting to reformat or reinstall Windows.
Use Command Prompt to Recover Data
Using the command prompt can be a very effective way to recover data from a failed hard drive. A command prompt is a powerful tool which allows users to manipulate files and folders in Windows. To use the command prompt for recovering lost data, open the command prompt and navigate to the location of the hard drive.
Then type "dir" to display all the folders and files present in the hard drive. You may also use the "attrib" command to show hidden files and folders. Once you have located the lost data, copy it to another storage device or folder.
Additionally, you can use the "cd" command to change directories and use the "del" command to delete files. Be sure to be very careful when using the command prompt as any wrong commands could cause irreparable damage.
Use a Professional Data Recovery Service
When data recovery becomes too complex, it is best to seek the help of a professional. Professional data recovery services specialize in recovering data from failed hard drives, USB flash drives, and other storage media.
They have the necessary tools and knowledge to be able to retrieve lost data without damaging the drive or its contents. They may also be able to repair the damaged drive so that you can use it again. Before you hire a data recovery service, make sure that they offer a no-recovery, no-fee policy, as well as a guarantee that your data will be kept secure.
Use Data Recovery Software
Data recovery software is a great way to recover data from a failed hard drive. It is important to note that not all software will be able to access the data, depending on the severity of the damage to the drive. However, if the hard drive is still spinning, there are many software options available to help you retrieve your lost data.
Look for programs that specialize in recovering data from crashed hard drives and that offer advanced features such as deep scans and file filters to narrow down the search. Additionally, always make sure to research the software before using it, and read customer reviews to ensure that it's reliable and effective.
Reformat the Hard Drive
If none of the above methods have worked, you may need to reformat your hard drive. Reformatting the drive will erase all the data and partitions on it, but it is a last resort to recover data from a failed hard drive.
If you decide to reformat the drive, be sure to back up any data you have been able to access first. To do this, you should use a USB drive or an external hard drive to copy the data over. Be sure to make a backup in multiple places if possible. After backing up, restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup.
You should look for a setting that says œFormat Hard Drive. Once you find it, follow the prompts to reformat the drive. However, it is important to keep in mind that formatting a hard drive does not guarantee the recovery of lost data and should only be done as a last resort.
Reinstall Windows
Reinstalling Windows is a last resort to recovering data from a failed hard drive, and should only be considered if other methods have been unsuccessful. In this process, you'll need to boot the system with a Windows installation disc, then select the Repair option instead of Install when prompted.
Once you get to the command prompt, you can use the œDIR command to check for existing files, which you can then transfer to another storage device. Be sure to back up all of your important data before attempting to reinstall Windows. You may also want to consult a professional if you don't feel comfortable attempting this recovery method on your own.
Conclusion
If your hard drive has failed and you need to recover lost data, there are many ways to do so. From checking if the hard drive is recognized by the BIOS to using a professional data recovery service, you can try any of these methods to get back your lost data. No matter which method you choose, it's important to be patient and thorough in your approach as data recovery can be a lengthy process. If all else fails, you may want to consider reformatting the hard drive or reinstalling Windows. With some research and perseverance, you should be able to successfully recover the data from your failed hard drive.