Lost files after formatting your drive? Don't panic! While this error can be a headache, there are many ways to recover your data. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from explaining recovery mechanisms to choosing the best tools and strategies. In this extended version of the article, you will find even more information and tips to help you recover your lost data.

What is formatting and how does it affect data?

Formatting is the process of preparing a storage medium (e.g. hard drive, flash drive, memory card) for use. It involves creating a file structure on it that allows the operating system to manage data.

There are several types of formatting:

• Low-level formatting: Zeros out all data on the media and creates sectors, which are the basic unit of data storage.
• High-level formatting: Creates a file system, a structure that organizes data on the media. Popular file systems include NTFS, FAT32, exFAT.
• Quick formatting: Does not erase data, but only updates the file structure.

Formatting removes the file system, which prevents the operating system from accessing the data. However, the data itself is not erased, it only becomes invisible. Overwriting it with new data makes it impossible to recover.

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Is it possible to recover data after formatting?

Usually, when you start formatting a hard drive, you often use the quick format method. This is a practical approach, but it does not completely erase the data from the drive. In fact, quick formatting only modifies the partition table, hiding the existing data and making it invisible in the file system. However, the files themselves remain intact on the disk. This means that although it may seem that the data has been deleted, it is actually still on the hard drive, only inaccessible to the user.

It is important to understand that the formatting process does not mean that the data is completely deleted. Even after formatting a hard drive, partition, SD card or other storage media, it is possible to recover the data. The probability of success in data recovery after formatting is high, both in the case of data from a hard drive and other storage devices.

That is why there are many tools and programs dedicated to data recovery after formatting. Such software can be helpful when trying to restore lost files after accidental formatting or other types of data loss.

One of the popular data recovery programs is "StrongRecovery". This is a tool that has gained recognition for its effectiveness and versatility in recovering data after various types of loss, including disk formatting.

There is also the issue of the directory structure of the data, which can affect the recovery process. A well-preserved directory structure makes data recovery easier, but even in the case of its loss, there are specialized tools that can help in this process.

Data security and the use of appropriate practices are also important to minimize the risk of data loss. However, even in the case of data loss, there are various methods and tools for data recovery, which gives hope for returning to lost files and information.

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So how can you recover files from a formatted hard drive, partition, SD card...?

Depending on which method you choose, recovering data after formatting your device can be difficult or easy. In our opinion, there is no need to bother and it is worth trying a simple method, which involves using specialized data recovery software with a convenient wizard.

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So it can be done...?

Yes, recovering data after formatting is possible in most cases. There are several methods of data recovery:

• Data recovery software: There are many data recovery programs, both free and paid. These programs scan the storage medium and recover data that has not been overwritten.
• Professional data recovery services: There are companies that specialize in data recovery. These companies have specialized equipment and software that allows data recovery even in the event of serious damage to the media.

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How to increase the chances of data recovery?

There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of recovering your data after formatting:

• Don't write new data to the media: Overwriting the data with new data will make it impossible to recover.
• Use data recovery software as soon as possible: The sooner you use data recovery software, the better your chances of recovering your data.
• Choose the right data recovery software: There are many different data recovery programs available. The choice of the right program depends on the type of storage medium, file system, and formatting.
• If you are not sure what to do, contact a data recovery company: Professional companies have the knowledge and experience to recover data even in difficult cases.

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Data recovery methods:

1. Data recovery software:

There are many data recovery programs available on the market, both paid and free. These tools scan the disk and locate lost files, which can then be recovered.

Popular programs:

• StrongRecovery: The best and easy-to-use program that offers a free version for data recovery (a short instruction manual has been attached below, because this program was easiest to explain in this way).
• Recuva: Free program for recovering data from various media.
• Disk Drill: Intuitive program with file preview function before recovery.
• EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: Powerful tool with advanced recovery options.

When choosing a data recovery program, pay attention to:

• Features: Ability to recover various file types, support for various file systems, advanced recovery options.
• Compatibility: The program version is compatible with the operating system and storage media type.
• User Reviews: Recommendations and ratings from other users can be a valuable source of information.

Additional tips for using data recovery software:

• Do not install the program on the same drive from which you want to recover data.
• Run the program in safe mode to minimize the risk of overwriting lost data.
• Scan your disk thoroughly to find all lost files.
• Choose a safe place to save your data when recovering it.

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Reliable software for recovering formatted data - StrongRecovery

It seems that the disk with the data important to you has been formatted and now there is no trace of it. Contrary to what is often thought and what impression one has (there is nothing, it is empty), formatting is not always the final form of deleting data. Was it optimistic? That's good! But, so that it is not completely rosy, you have to bear in mind that uploading new data after formatting the disk already carries consequences in the form of permanent deletion of the original data (the ones we care about when we want to recover them). The more data there is, the greater the loss can be expected. Another type of formatting, the so-called low-level formatting, is dangerous in its consequences. Here the situation becomes more serious and after such a full format, all data on the disk will be erased. Data will also be erased if we decide to format the disk via Windows® shell and uncheck the "Quick Format" option.

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Step 1

Run StrongRecovery. If the disk or other media has been formatted to the same file system, then simply open this disk in the disk selection window (additionally, you can right-click on disk -> settings -> damaged, which sometimes gives more complete results):

If the disk has been formatted to a different file system, then after right-clicking on it, select "Settings" from the menu and make the necessary configuration:

Select the previous file system (FAT16/FAT32/NTFS)> and click OK.

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Step 2

After selecting the disk, a browser window will appear and scanning will begin. After some time, the results will be completed and the directory structure will appear:

In the meantime, you can browse the results and save them, which is also worth doing (Menu -> File -> Save Session File). The saved session file can be opened in the disk selection window using the "Open" button.

Data recovery in the program is very intuitive - just right-click on the selected file or folder and select "Recover" from the menu. There are also options for selecting more files under the right mouse button. You can also use check boxes to selectively select interesting files / folders. Check boxes - the so-called "checkboxes" are not in the evaluation version.

StrongRecovery efficiently handles data recovery with directory structure and recovers it as it is presented in the program browser.

Thanks to its simple operation, transparency and the ability to recover data with an interesting directory structure, StrongRecovery is an easy, effective and often chosen solution that can be used by anyone and easily recover important data after formatting a disk or other medium (i.e. flash drive, SD/microSD card, external disk). It is also important that this process is safe - the program does not affect the data on the formatted disk in any way (the disk is in read-only mode).

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2. Professional data recovery services:

If your own data recovery attempts fail, you can use the services of a professional company. These companies have specialized equipment and software that allow you to recover data even in the event of serious damage to the media.

When is it worth using the services of a professional company?

Your own data recovery attempts may not always be successful. Especially in the case of serious damage to the media or complicated cases of data loss, it is worth using the help of specialists. Professional companies have advanced equipment and software that are not available to the average user, which allows them to recover data in situations where independent attempts may fail.

To summarize:

Professional data recovery services may be necessary in case of serious data loss problems. However, before you take these steps, use data recovery program and make sure that you are not able to recover them otherwise.

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3. Do-it-yourself data recovery:

Experienced users can try to recover data after formatting by themselves, using system tools or special techniques. However, it should be remembered that improper action may result in overwriting the lost data, making it impossible to recover.

Things to remember after formatting your drive:

• Do not save new data to the drive: Saving new data to a formatted drive can overwrite lost files, making them impossible to recover.
• Choose the right software: Carefully reading the instructions for the data recovery program will increase the chances of successfully recovering your files.
• In case of severe disk damage, do not attempt to recover the data yourself: Contact professionals who have the knowledge and equipment to recover data from damaged media.
• Keep Calm and Carry On: Formatting your drive can be stressful and cause unnecessary emotions, but remember that in most cases you can safely recover your data.

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Preventing Data Loss

Losing data after formatting can be frustrating, but it doesn't have to be the end of the world. By taking the right precautions, you can minimize the risk of losing your data and make it easier to recover it if necessary.

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Here are some tips to prevent data loss:

1. Back up your data regularly:

This is the most important step in protecting your data from loss. Backups should be stored on a separate medium, such as an external hard drive or in the cloud.

2. Use antivirus and antimalware software:

Viruses and malware can damage or delete data. Using up-to-date antivirus and antimalware software can help protect against these threats.

3. Keep your computer secure:

Use strong passwords and keep your software up to date. Avoid opening suspicious emails or downloading files from unknown sources.

4. Use secure formatting tools:

Some formatting tools can accidentally delete data. Use only trusted and secure tools.

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Useful articles:

• How to quickly recover lost data from a disk? - Effective and stress-free file recovery
• Recover data from Card SD / microSD, easy and fast! - or a guide on how to recover data from an sd card
• Recover your data from a Pendrive / USB drive - or how to easily recover files from your pendrive

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Glossary of terms:

• Formatting: The process of preparing a data medium for use.
• File system: A structure that organizes data on a medium.
• Data recovery software: Tools for recovering lost data.
• Backups: Copies of data stored on separate media.
• Malware: Software that can damage or delete data.

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FAQ:

What if I formatted my drive and lost my data?

There are several ways to recover your data after formatting. The best way is to use data recovery software, which will recover your data quickly and effectively!

How can I prevent data loss?

Back up your data regularly, use antivirus and anti-malware software, keep your computer safe, and use safe formatting tools.

What are the most popular data recovery programs?

Popular data recovery programs include StrongRecovery, Recuva, Disk Drill, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.

Remember:

Data loss can happen to anyone. By taking the right precautions and having a data recovery plan, you can minimize the risk of data loss and make it easier to recover if necessary.