How to Recover Data from a Crashed External Hard Drive using 3rd Party Software

Data loss is a frustrating and costly issue that affects many users. When your external hard drive crashes, the first step is to identify the problem and take corrective action. In this guide, we will explore various methods, starting with basic troubleshooting and moving on to more advanced techniques. We will also discuss how to prevent future data loss and the role of 3rd party software in the recovery process.

Troubleshooting and Basic Recovery Methods

Before jumping into advanced data recovery methods, it’s important to try some basic troubleshooting steps. Check the connections and power supply of your external hard drive, and try different USB ports or cables to ensure proper connection. You can also use built-in Windows tools such as File Explorer Disk Management and the chkdsk command to identify and fix any errors. These tools can help you recover data from a drive that has minor issues due to software corruption.

If the built-in tools do not resolve the issue, you can use 3rd party software to attempt a recovery. One such tool is Stellar Data Recovery Free. This software can help you scan and recover files from the drive. It is a user-friendly tool that can be particularly effective in recovering files from drives that were accidentally deleted or formatted.

When Professional Data Recovery Services are Necessary

However, if you encounter hardware damage, software alone cannot repair the drive. Professional data recovery services are recommended in such cases. These services use specialized equipment and expertise to recover data from physically damaged drives. While the success of such services is not guaranteed, they offer the best chance of recovering valuable data.

Preventing Future Data Loss

To prevent data loss in the future, it is essential to regularly back up your important data. This can be done using external drives or cloud storage. By creating regular backups, you can mitigate the risk of losing important files and have a fall-back plan in place.

Professional Data Recovery Services

Professional data recovery services can be expensive, but they are often the best option when dealing with physically damaged drives. Success is not guaranteed, and the cost can be high, especially for larger drives. For instance, recovering data from a 1 TB drive can cost up to $20,000 if the data is crucial. The cost scales with the capacity of the drive, making it prohibitive for most users.

Tools and Programs for Recovery

For those who prefer to use open-source tools, TestDisk is a powerful and reliable option. Although it may seem a bit primitive, it has proven to be effective in many recovery scenarios. TestDisk can be downloaded from CGSecurity. To use it from the command line, you can run the following command:

chkdsk /f /r X:

Replace X with the correct drive letter of your external hard drive. This command will check and repair errors on the drive. However, it is important to note that software cannot recover data from drives that have suffered physical damage, such as those that have been dropped or experienced severe mechanical issues.

Best Practices for Handling Damaged Drives

If your external hard drive suffers physical damage, such as a fall or a drop, it is best to avoid attempting any DIY repairs. Connecting the drive to another system or using disk repair tools may cause further damage and negate any chance of recovery. The standard operating procedure (SOP) for handling such situations is to:

Acquire a new hard drive, preferably of the same size or larger. Make a binary copy of the failing hard drive onto the new one using tools like DMDE. Operate on the copy, with an ideal scenario involving two drives to safeguard against further damage.

By following these steps, you increase the chances of successfully recovering your data without causing any additional damage to the original drive.

Conclusion

Data recovery can be a complex and expensive process, but with the right tools and procedures, you can increase your chances of retrieving important files. Whether you use 3rd party software or seek professional help, always prioritize regular backups to minimize the risk of data loss. If you find yourself in a situation where your external hard drive has crashed, do not hesitate to seek professional assistance to avoid further data loss.