Data Recovery After Format | Using Software Tools

To safely complete a data recovery after format you need to make sure you do not cause any data loss when using these data retrieval tools. Here I’ll show you why some of these data recovery applications can actually cause further files to be lost if used incorrectly.

Disk drives are normally formatted when users want to reinstall the operating system or make Windows startup faster. This is great if you remember to backup every single piece of critical data you need first. If you do not then you will have to resort to using data recovery tools.

In terms of PC maintenance, data recovery tools are quite simple to use. Install the program, start it up and select the formatted drive for analysis. The application will bring back list of documents it could find by piecing together the data clusters. You simply copy the ones you want to new location.

The first issue you might experience is data lost due to installing the data recovery tool onto the formatted disk. This is a major problem as you could potentially overwrite your original/lost data. Use a second partition or some other drive if possible.

Similar faults can occur if you clone the found files back onto the formatted disk. This in itself will again overwriting original files once again.

Data recovery after format becomes even more difficult (sometimes impossible) if your formatting tool included a data wipe. Some applications provide this for data protection usage (i.e. clearing down the hard drive before selling it on). So the commercial tools will be able to identify files from any of the data fragments are or data shadows on the disk but many of your files would be lost for good.

Lastly, the best time to attempt a data recovery after format is straight away. Do not wait for any period of time or use the hard drive as this will result in more files being overwritten.