Recovering hard drive information. Recovering data from a hard drive: Causes of problems and solutions. When you shouldn’t do recovery yourself

After deleting files from the hard drive, even if it is impossible to remove them from the recycle bin, they will still remain on the laptop’s hard drive or personal computer, however, in a slightly different form. In the file table, such files are marked “zero”, which gives the system the right to overwrite them with any others. They will be lost forever unless other information is written to the area occupied on the hard drive.

What to do if important information is accidentally deleted

If your laptop computer is dropped or HDD formatting impossible to count important information, but you plan to restore it, you need to remember the following:

1. To save data, you can immediately turn off the computer in emergency mode and do nothing with it. hard drive do not take further action;
2. In any case, you cannot copy any data to disk C and install applications;
3. For subsequent work, it is recommended to use only external media.

The reason was stated above - the area of ​​the hard drive with the necessary data can accidentally be overwritten, and you will lose the deleted files. Before contacting specialists to extract information from a laptop, agree in advance how much it costs - the price sometimes turns out to be too high. If this is exactly the case, then you will have to act independently.

How to recover lost data yourself

To recover data from hard drive you can use special applications.

They don't give a 100% guarantee. positive result, but usually most of the lost information can be recovered with their help.

A condition that dramatically increases the chances of successful recovery is starting the system from another external HDD, that is, you cannot download and install these programs on a disk or at least a partition of a disk with which you will continue to work.

All of these applications operate almost identically, scanning the surface of the hard drive with a certain depth. Both the table and the load record are checked, and certain types of data are recognized by specific headers. After recovery, sometimes the location of files or their names may be lost.

R-Studio

After launching the application, the “Disk Panel” - the main window of the program - will open. All laptop media available in the system will be displayed, from which you will need to select the disk or partition containing the damaged information. All important information about it will be presented in the right window. If there is no damage file system, then you can do the following:

1. Select the required media or partition by clicking on it double click in the program explorer;
2. An almost familiar-looking explorer will open, in which deleted folders can be distinguished by a characteristic icon crossed out with a red cross;
3. Select the required files with a tick;
4. IN top menu select the “Restore marked” command, specify the location for the restored information.

Do not forget that you can only restore data to another HDD or to another partition. This window also provides other useful features, such as search deleted files by extension, name, size or creation date, data recovery by mask, etc.

Actions with formatted and failed drives

If a computer or laptop “fell” or was formatted, individual sectors on it are faulty and the disk has failed, then, accordingly, the file system is modified or damaged. In this case, there is a possibility that data recovery from the hard drive will be incomplete.

The complexity of working with the program does not increase much, but it will take more time.

You will need to create an image of the disk to be restored and associate all further actions only with it. This will secure the files on the disk and prevent further damage:

1. Open the main R-Studio window;
2. In the menu ribbon, find the “Create image” item and run this procedure, indicating in the window that opens the storage location for the image;
3. Once the process is complete, open the created image by returning to the main program window and selecting the appropriate menu item.

After the image has been created and opened, you can begin the disk scanning procedure:

• in the main menu, select “Scan”;
• a window will open in which you determine the type of scanning - detailed or simple view;
• Next, click the “Scan” button and wait for the results.

The scan type you choose depends on the media size. For small ones, you should select the “Detailed view” item, since in this case a window will appear detailed information about the data found and the structure of sectors. If you are working with large media, to speed up the process, select the “Simple View” option.

At the end of the scanning process, a window will open with a list of found files that can be restored completely or selectively.

You should be prepared for the transfer process to be quite lengthy.

Working with Minitool Power Data Recovery on a damaged hard drive

If the HDD has crashed and is not detected on a laptop or PC, there are specialized programs to recover information, such as Minitool Power Data Recovery. This application is no less popular than R-Studio, but it specializes in working with faulty HDDs. It performs a deep scan, as a result of which the program manages to find many deleted data that cannot be retrieved by other applications.

Minitool Power Data Recovery is characterized by a simple interface, the ability to work not only with hard drives and RAID devices, but also with CDs, DVDs, memory cards, USB flash drives, iPods, etc. The main screen is designed in a modern tiled interface, allowing you to select one of the five available program modules:

1. Restoring after deletion is the simplest option, in which you need to get back files destroyed by the Shift and Del key combination or erased from the Recycle Bin;
2. Digital media recovery - this utility returns lost data from flash drives, cameras, mobile phones, iPad, iPod, etc.
3. Recovering lost partitions – returning information from deleted partitions after unsuccessful partitioning or damage boot entry etc.;
4. CD/DVD recovery – the module allows you to “pull out” deleted data from scratched optical discs;
5. Recovering damaged partitions is the most powerful module that allows you to restore the necessary partitions, even if the disk has crashed and is not detected.

Procedure

Almost any procedure using this application can be done in a few clicks. Let's look at how the damaged partition recovery module works:

1. After clicking on the corresponding icon, a window will appear with all disks and partitions, from which select the one you need and click the “Open” button;
2. A list will open with all data, including deleted data (marked with a red cross);
3. Select files to recover and click “Save”;
4. A window will open in which specify the path to save the recovered information, click “Ok”.

To search for specific previously erased information after scanning is complete, the program offers an advanced filter in which you can specify its type, approximate creation date, or size range. Free version The program works without functional limitations, but allows you to recover no more than 1 GB of lost data.

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One of the main brain centers of every computer can be considered HDD. Thanks to it, we can remember information and store it, regardless of its nature. But, like any other mechanical device, a hard drive is subject to wear and tear and the risk of other negative influences: viruses, hackers, power surges, hardware failures, user errors, which certainly leads to the loss of information stored on the computer. And here many users may be faced with the question: how to recover data from a hard drive? Below we will look at several ways to do this; they can be applied in different situations, and can also be used as complements to each other.

How to recover data from a hard drive?

Most simple view Recovering information involves accessing a backup copy of files. However, this is only possible if they were previously created, as well as in the absence of significant failures in the drive. Once the loss of some data has been detected, you should turn off the computer from the network. In general, you should rely on a special automatic program regarding the creation of backup copies. If they were not created in advance, then there is no need to despair. When data is deleted on disk sectors, information about the files is retained, and if they have not been overwritten, the data can be restored by creating a complete copy of the disk and using special utility Live CD. It is important to note that on this moment The most common way to recover data is to use various types of software, however, this method can hardly be called the most effective. Utilities are not always able to recover data efficiently and correctly. This is especially difficult for a user who has little experience with them. Sometimes with the help of such programs you can only apply and then it will be impossible to correct the situation.

If you are concerned about the question of how to recover data from a hard drive if it was lost due to a hardware malfunction, then only mechanical manual intervention is required. A similar procedure may also be useful in case of damage to the disk surface. This part consists of a thin layer of crystals, some of which may crumble over time. The magnetic layer is sometimes damaged due to incorrect operation drive heads. All these devices need to be repaired to recover data and also to prevent further data loss. This is difficult and painstaking work.

Data recovery is a more complex procedure in case of damage to spyware or malware. In case of such an attack, it is necessary to immediately create backup copy, and also stop working with the computer. Data can be later restored by accessing the file table. Information on the hard drive may also be at risk due to errors in its boot sector. Sometimes, because of this, the computer does not even recognize it. But even here there is a simple recovery method: you will need to boot the computer from another medium, after which access to the information will be open. You can even restore deleted photos.

Often the loss of information is associated with damage to the file system itself. In this case, you will identify the problem by incomprehensible symbols that appears on the screen when you try to open a file. And here it is important not to write anything to disk. Data may be permanently lost due to any information entered.

Answering the question of how to recover data from a hard drive, it is worth noting that it is better to try to prevent any losses and related problems than to look for a solution later.

The hard drive is one of the main components of a PC, because it stores all the information and operating system files that enable it to run.

Sometimes a HDD can fail, which can make the data stored on it inaccessible. In this case, it is too early to despair - often it is still possible to restore them. In this article, we will look at the causes of mechanical and logical problems with hard drives and the process of repairing them.

Mechanical problems

Mechanical or physical problems with the HDD arise due to damage or failure of some of its components. Let's look at some of them.

The appearance of damaged hard disk sectors

This is one of the common problems that arises due to the appearance of “bad” sectors.

• errors that appear when working with some files;
• increased HDD loading time;
• the appearance of a grinding noise when the disk operates.

This problem is not critical. Its solution uses specialized utilities, for example: HDDScan – to determine the presence of bad sectors, HDD Regenerator- to restore their functionality. If after applying them, data errors remain, you can try to recover them using special software. In this case, any data recovery program is suitable - Recuva, R-studio and others.

PCB fault

This problem occurs if there is a problem with the power supply to the drive. It is quite easy to determine - the hard drive either does not start or produces characteristic knocking sounds. Such a failure may be caused by an incorrect connection of the HDD to the PC.

In this situation you need:

• check the correctness of the connection;
• replace the board;
• repair it.

Important! For replacement or repair printed circuit board You will most likely need professional help.

Problems with the magnetic head unit

This problem is quite serious.

Its “symptoms” are:

• unstable operation of the hard drive;
• the appearance of characteristic knocks and clicks.

A malfunction of the BMG can lead to data loss, so repairing this component must be carried out especially carefully. The solution to the problem is to replace the block, which it is advisable to entrust to professionals.

Logic problems

The second group of malfunctions are software failures that lead to certain errors. Read more about the most common ones below.

Formatting a disk drive

One of the most common problems of this kind. If formatting occurs accidentally or as a result of a failure, all previously recorded data disappears from the HDD. You can return them using special software.

Important! After formatting, it is necessary to ensure complete isolation of the hard drive. When new data is written to it, the previous files will be completely lost.

Hard drive boot block failure

In this case, it becomes impossible to start the installed operating system. The error occurs during serious OS failures, as well as as a result of exposure to viruses. This problem is not very serious and the data can be recovered.

Video: Failed hard drive

Preparing to recover data from a damaged hard drive

If logical (software) failures occur, when the files on the hard drive remain in a state suitable for recovery, you can begin the process of “curing” and saving them. Before using the programs designed for this, you need to prepare the hard drive for connection to another PC, because installing and using them on a damaged device will not work.

Using an External Hard Drive Pocket

A hard drive pocket is a special device that allows you to connect it and run it using another PC.

Note! Pockets are available for different models HDD, so before purchasing, make sure it is fully compatible with your device.

The hard drive connection process will look like this:

Connecting the hard drive to the computer system unit

You can also start recovering data from a damaged hard drive by connecting it directly to system unit working computer. If you are using a laptop hard drive, you will need a special adapter, which can be purchased in specialized stores.

• go into the BIOS by holding down the “Del” key when starting the system (may differ for different models);
• find the section “Standard CMOS Settings” or “IDE Config”;
• when setting up disks in “master” and “slave” modes, set all options to the “auto-detection” position;
• save the changes and reboot the system.

1. after the restart, go to “My Computer”, where a new device should be detected;
2. view, copy or restore files.

R-Studio program

When the problematic hard drive is connected and detected by another computer, you can begin to restore data on it.

We will look at this process using the R-Studio utility as an example:

Once the data is available again and saved, the failed drive can either be formatted and a new operating system installed on it, or (if available) serious problems) submit for repair.

Now you know that if problems arise with your hard drive and files on it are unavailable, it is too early to sound the alarm. Depending on the severity of the problem, the data can be rescued on your own or with the help of a professional.

Data recovery from a hard drive is carried out in cases where it is necessary to obtain all the information that was previously located on it.

Its loss can occur for various reasons, which can be determined through diagnostics and running special programs.

List of reasons for losing information from a disk

In a number of reasons that lead to data deletion, four groups can be distinguished:

1. Consequence of wrong human actions:

• Accidental formatting or erasing of information.
• Incorrect storage area layout

However, very often, to solve this kind of problem, you can try using special data recovery programs.

Advice! With a competent approach, this will not have any risk for the further recovery process, and therefore, if nothing works out for you, then specialized companies will still be able to help you. Next, we will look at the best data recovery programs.

Information becomes inaccessible due to physical damage to the hard drive and its individual components, namely the read-write head or the electric motor.

To recover data in such a situation, you will need the help of specialists. repair of hard disks.

Voltage fluctuations, spikes or drops, or complete power outages can harm devices that store data.

According to Bell Labs research, data loss in 80-86 percent of situations occurs due to unstable voltage.

Windows users very often encounter problems with the operating system, after which it stops starting.

In such cases, most users think that all data from the hard drive is erased and the only way out of this situation is to contact a specialized service center.

But in reality, all data remains on the hard drive, and an operating system failure has nothing to do with this.

Helpful information:

Programs for data recovery from disk

Utility for damaged disk is a great way to recover data yourself. These include the following programs:

• . This program is provided absolutely free. It is characterized by ease of installation and use, as well as fast data recovery.
  However, the software also has its drawbacks: when reconfiguring the digital media, images and documentation have no chance of recovery.

• Undelete Plus. Such a program does not cope with all information storage devices. However, it is quite effective at recovering data from a hard drive.
  Downloading and installing do not cause problems, and the utility brings back up to 90 percent of lost information. UndeletePlus is provided in Russian, which allows it to be used by a wide range of people.

• R-studio. The utility does an excellent job of dealing with the main reasons for deleting data, but it is only available for a fee. So, it copes with tasks such as: returning data from disks, flash drives, memory cards and the like.
  In addition, the software helps recover deleted data from damaged and reissued media. The program is offered from disk or from the Internet.

• Recovery Software. Despite the single name, this program is a set of programs for everyone individual case. They are as effective as possible. This happens thanks to each individual disk.

So, here we can highlight:

1. A utility for working with all file systems.
2. Program for working with NTFS partition.
3. Applications for activities with FAT32.
4. A program with two components: File and Photo.
5. A utility for working with files.
6. File Repair is a program that restores and edits distorted images and documents.

Helpful information:

Pay attention to the program. This is a tool for resuscitating deleted, lost and damaged files. The program recognizes all common types of documents, the number of which exceeds 550 pieces.

• The program is ideal when you need to recover files and pictures. It can also be used when certain areas are damaged.

• Stellar Phoenix. This program provides every user with excellent opportunities for recovering data, photos and videos. Its advantage is a pre-compiled menu with a list of all deleted data.
  Thanks to it, the user can restore only what he needs.

• Data Rescue PC. This program allows you to not only recover lost data, but also restore RAID. Boots from disk, which allows you not to worry about the inability to start if the operating system freezes.

• Seagate File Recovery for Windows. An old, but very effective program that restores not only general data, but also a clear picture of each image.
  In addition, it is capable of extracting information even after redesigning the entire system and its individual components.

• HDD Regenerator. This application is easy to use and recovers effectively hard disks. In the event of a complete failure, the program will not be able to perform repairs, but will quickly diagnose and correct errors present on the disk.

• The program returns and composes data even after severe damage and shifting of sections on the disk.
  Its use consists of a series of sequential actions that will be understandable even to an inexperienced user of the Internet and special programs.

You should not worry about the impossibility of recovering information on the disk. In the absence of formatting, any utility can easily bring any file back to life.

A file that has disappeared from the hard drive remains on the disk until formatting is carried out.

However, when viewing programs on the HDD, such a file is considered to have disappeared, which means that its place can be taken by new files and folders.

When this action is performed, the file disappears completely.

Based on the above, we can conclude: first you should try to recover at least part of the deleted data, and only then “write” something new.

You can see additional programs and methods for recovering information in this video:

How to recover data from a hard drive

Data recovery to hard drives, flash drives or flash cards - a very popular topic

Many of us have deleted them by mistake at least once. necessary files from PC. It is known that nothing fatal will happen when deleting it to the trash: the information is not physically deleted, but is transferred to a special place on the drive, and it is not difficult to return it if desired. Users often think that deleting using Shift+Del leads to complete “overwriting” of files. In practice, even after this, the data can be recovered. Let's try to figure out how to recover data from a hard drive.

In most cases, files can be recovered using special software

After the format operation or deliberate deletion of information, everything can be returned back; many convenient utilities have been developed for this:

• Recuva;
• Disk Drill;
• PhotoRec;
• the increasingly popular R-Studio package

The procedure is only available on a working device. If you try to recover data on a drive that creaks and makes clicking noises, then scratches may appear on its parts (there is a high risk of losing data forever).

With certain skills, information can be easily restored using one of the tools from the list above. If they do not help, use the services of computer services.

Such programs first scan all the information on the device, after which they create a kind of “map” that displays the location of the pieces of interest to us. Here connections between files and sectors, names, sizes, and many other features of the file system are built. At the last stage, the data we need is transferred to another disk. No writes are made to the source drive while packets are being resumed.

Let's take a closer look at well-known packages for restoring memory after formatting. Remember that after downloading such utilities to your PC, you need to check them with antivirus software: often hackers plant various viruses and additional, completely unnecessary software.

PhotoRec

The tool allows you to quickly return the necessary types of files to your PC. The software uses special operating algorithms, which puts it an order of magnitude higher than its analogues.

The first version was designed only to work via “cmd”, which was not very convenient for a novice user. The developers worked hard and started releasing a user friendly interface from version 7, which has become much easier to use.

You can get it for free from the Internet; to work, you should run the *.exe file inside the archive. The process of returning lost files looks like this:

• Launch the program;
• select the device on which the files you needed were previously located;
• specify the file system;
• specify the path where the recovered files will be stored;
• Click on “File Formars” to select the required type (video, disk image, photo, music);
• click on the “Search” button.

The utility in auto mode will transfer the information you are interested in to the previously specified folder; no additional steps are required.

Recuva

Recuva does not require paid subscription, it does not take up too much virtual memory, the operating logic is elementary. Even a novice user will be able to take advantage of its capabilities, which is very pleasing. You can return data from a hard drive, microSD or flash drive. If you need to resume a specific file type, Recuva will tell you how to do it.

You can get the installation package for free by downloading it from the Internet. The built-in wizard will help you work with the utility; there is a Russian language. If we talk about efficiency, then the program works 100% only if the hard drive was not touched after removal. In other words, the utility helps you roll back a couple of steps.

File Scavenger

It is used to return files from flash drives and hard drives. The product is amazingly efficient and can be used in conjunction with RAID. The program is capable of returning information piece by piece after repeated rewriting and formatting.

The only drawback of the utility is its cost - for normal operation you will have to pay for the full package. In order not to spoil the physical hard drive, experts recommend initially creating an image and then working with it.

The product does not require mandatory installation; you just need to launch it by clicking on the .exe file after downloading. Stable operation is ensured for users of systems 7, 8, 10 from Windows, as well as the good old XP.

There are only two steps to follow:

1. In the “Look For” field, enter the type lost file(you can leave the “*” sign there, it works like in a regular search);
2. In another free field, indicate the disk or specific partition on which we will search.

In addition to these fields, the program has a “toggle switch” for selecting the type of search. After pressing the “Scan” button, the program will begin to operate and display a list of required elements.

Performance: it took less than 30 minutes to work with a 16 Gb flash card.

After you find the required file, follow the instructions described in the utility.

R-studio

This package is respected by millions of users. The program is considered one of the most effective. Here is a list of the main features and functions:

• Return RAID;
• possibility of renewal from means of various configurations and types;
• receiving files when device partitions are erased or data is lost due to virus programs;
• formation of images for renewal, work with the image itself;
• works on Mac OS X, Linux, Windows.

The professional package makes it possible to return files that for one reason were damaged, were deliberately sent to trash or formatted. If the OS is not working, then you can run the utility from a disk or flash card.

Disk Drill

This type of software was previously only available for Apple products, but for Windows lovers a compatible version was recently released. The utility, like others, makes it possible to restore photos and important files from various drives without much effort. The advantages include the use of images, as well as a friendly interface.

Results

As you can see, there are many software tools that allow you to recover information from a drive. Some utilities are distributed free of charge, some options require payment, but they have wider functionality and quality. The choice is yours! If the issue cannot be resolved, contact a special service.