How to Recover Deleted Partition Data During a Windows Setup

Recovering data from a deleted partition on a hard disk after a Windows installation can be a daunting task, but it's often achievable with the right tools. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of recovering your lost data, ensuring you understand each step of the recovery process.

Steps to Recover Data

1. Stop Using the Drive: The first critical step is to stop using the affected drive immediately. Do not install any new software or files to prevent new data from overwriting the deleted partitions.

2. Install a Partition Recovery Tool: Utilize a reliable partition recovery tool such as TestDisk, EaseUS Partition Master, or MiniTool Partition Wizard. These tools are designed to help recover lost partitions and restore your data. Install the software on a different drive to avoid complications with the affected drive.

3. Launch and Scan the Disk: Launch the partition recovery tool and scan the affected disk for lost partitions. Once the scan is complete, it will display any recoverable partitions. Select the partitions you wish to restore and follow the software’s prompts to recover the partitions.

4. Verify Your Data: After the recovery process, verify the integrity of your data to ensure all recovered files are intact. Regularly back up important files to prevent future data loss.

Additional Recovery Methods

Should the data be critical and recovery efforts fail, consulting a professional data recovery service may be necessary.

Recovering Lost Partitions Using CMD

In extreme situations where you cannot afford to wait for third-party software, here's a manual method using Command Prompt:

Open Command Prompt: Press “Windows” and “R” simultaneously to open the Run dialog box, type "cmd" and press Enter. Run DiskPart: In the Command Prompt, type “diskpart” and press Enter. Execute Commands: Follow the commands one by one, ensuring to replace the placeholders with the appropriate values: list disk: This lists all available disks. select disk 2: Replace "2" with the number of the hard drive that contains the lost partition. list volume: This lists all the volumes on the selected disk. select volume 4: Replace "4" with the number of the lost partition. assign letterg: Replace "g" with an available drive letter.

Using CMD for recovery is a more manual and technical approach but can be effective in certain circumstances.

Third-PartyPartition Recovery Tools

For those who prefer ease of use, there are powerful third-party tools that can help you recover deleted partitions. These tools offer user-friendly interfaces and are often free to use. Popular options include EaseUS Partition Master, MiniTool Partition Wizard, and TestDisk. These tools not only help in identifying and recovering the partition but also offer file repair capabilities, making them invaluable for data recovery.

Conclusion

Data recovery from lost partitions can be challenging, but with the right tools and techniques, it is often possible. Whether using specialized software or leveraging the power of Command Prompt, always act quickly to preserve your data. Regular backups remain the best defense against data loss, ensuring you can recover your files without the stress of emergency data recovery.