What is fragmentation?

The process of writing and deleting files on a disk can cause fragmentation. This is a lack of continuity in the saved data. In other words, by using the disk and deleting files from it, empty spaces can be left behind.

What causes data fragmentation on disk?

When we save a file that is too large to fit into an empty space on the hard drive, the system intentionally fragments it, splitting it into smaller pieces to fit in memory. Then, when the operating system reads the data, it puts the pieces back together.

There is free space on a new, empty hard drive, so the data is saved "side by side". Over time, as the drive is used, files are fragmented, which can slow down its operation and extend the time it takes to load data, the system, or other programs. In such a case, defragmentation can be helpful.

What is defragmentation?

Defragmentation is the opposite process to fragmentation. The stored data is put together and arranged next to each other so as to reduce the resources needed to read it. This action organizes the data on the hard drive.

Defragmentation allows you to speed up the loading of data by organizing it. Often, in a system such as Windows, regular, periodic defragmentation is set, e.g. monthly.

The main goal of this process is to increase the comfort of work and the quality of the system. After such an action, you can often notice an immediate difference in improving the overall performance of your computer.

When is defragmentation necessary?

In the event of a noticeable deterioration in the speed of reading data from a hard drive, defragmentation may help. However, it should be remembered that such action only makes sense if an HDD (platter) drive is installed in our device. In the case of SSD drives, such action is unnecessary, because it will not bring the desired effects. It is worth remembering that defragmenting an SSD drive may even reduce its lifespan and have the opposite effect to its intended purpose.

Is disk fragmentation bad?

No. The process of file fragmentation is natural to the operation of a hard drive. It is an integral part of its operation and is intended to save disk space. However, after some time, the disk can slow down due to fragmentation and then defragmentation is used.

Causes of data loss in the fragmentation process

Losing fragmented files from a hard drive can be caused by many things. To better understand the causes of data loss, it's worth learning how a drive works.

Deleting files on your hard drive

When files are deleted from a disk, they are not completely erased, and in the case of the Windows operating system, they are only marked as deleted. In a special part of the subassembly, all metadata about such files should still remain on it. The data is not destroyed, only changes are made to the information about the files.

Information about folders and files is also known as metadata. By storing it, deleted files should remain intact on the disk. However, when new files need to be written in place of previously deleted data, the information is overwritten. If the operating system needs to allocate space after deleted files, recovering them may not be so easy.

Differences in recording in different file systems

Depending on the file system, information about folders and files is saved slightly differently and in different places. The most popular systems are FAT32 and NTFS.

• The FAT file system stores this information in the File Allocation Table (FAT)
• In the case of NTFS, such data is stored in the Master File Table (MFT)

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Reasons why files get lost

There are several possibilities for why data is lost during the fragmentation process. The most common are:

• Accidental deletion of files by the user
• Hard drive failure
  • Mechanical damage
  • System failure
• Unexpected power loss during file write and fragmentation or defragmentation process
• Errors in the folder and file information section located on the hard drive

What to do if you lose fragmented data from your hard drive?

When we lose our valuable data, we should immediately take appropriate steps:

• Do not overwrite any new data, as this can make file recovery much more difficult and worsen the condition of the disk
• Start the data recovery process with one of the selected methods
• After recovering your files, back up and secure your files as soon as possible

If the data has not been overwritten and the disk still supports queries, there should be no problem recovering the lost data, especially if the NTFS file system is used.

Data Recovery Methods

Commonly available programs use the data analysis method from folder and file information and/or from searching for known file types (raw file recovery). There are several methods to cope with the recovery of lost data, the best of which are:

• Using one of the available programs, e.g. StrongRecovery
• Using the services of a professional company that deals with data recovery from damaged disks

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Recovering Fragmented Files with StrongRecovery

StrongRecovery has a function that recovers data by assembling it (defragmenting). Defragmenting data is useful when there is no information in the file system about its fragments, this happens most often when:

1. The NTFS entry, which is part of the MFT, has been lost (the file is not normally visible, and StrongRecovery often finds it at most as RAW - "lost files - detection")

2. A file has been deleted in the FAT (FAT16, FAT32, EXFAT) system. In this case, the information about the file allocation (its fragments) is erased and it is impossible to put the file back together using the information in the file system.

The defragmentation recovery option for file data is located in the context menu (right mouse button on the file) of the StrongRecovery browser and is called: "Recover (DEFRAGMENTATION)":

Recover (DEFRAGMENT) option uses data fragmentation rules based on the arrangement of data blocks by file systems. These rules are very general, but sometimes allow the file to be assembled in its entirety. Note that the "assembly" operation in this case will be much more likely when there are relatively few data fragments (from 2 to 5) and a large fragmented file is being recovered, which was the only one deleted (leaving behind free blocks that can be assembled).

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How to prevent loss of fragmented data?

There are several options and best practices that will help prevent the loss of fragmented data in the future.

It is worth remembering proper habits when using the disk:

• Regularly create a backup copy of the data on the disk and store it on another device or in the cloud
• Do not disconnect the device from the power supply during file saving or defragmentation.
• If you have an HDD disk, defragment the disk regularly, e.g. monthly. This can be done using the tools built into the operating system.
• Check the disk condition using the appropriate tools and programs. If the disk is in poor condition, do not save new data on it and back it up to a new disk as soon as possible.

Przydatne artykuły

• Recovering Deleted Files from Disk
• Recovering Partitions
• Recovering Data After Format

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FAQ - Recovering Fragmented Files

1. What is fragmentation?

Fragmentation is a phenomenon that occurs when files are written and deleted on a disk, leaving empty spaces between them. This can slow down your computer.

2. What are the causes of fragmentation?

• Saving large files that don't fit into one empty space on the disk.
• Deleting files that leave empty space on the disk.

3. What is defragmentation?

Defragmentation is a process that combines fragmented files into one whole to speed up access to data.

4. When is defragmentation necessary?

• When you notice a drop in computer performance.
• When you use an HDD (platter) drive.

5. Is fragmentation bad?

No, fragmentation is a natural process for HDDs. However, it can slow down your computer.