This article will help you with FAT32 data recovery using professional data recovery software. And guide you through 4 different DIY methods for repairing damaged or corrupt FAT32 file systems.
FAT32 is one of the earlier file systems that Microsoft introduced. It encompasses different file systems, such as FAT12, FAT16, and FAT32. However, while both of its earlier versions are no longer in use, FAT32 remains the most commonly used file system. In devices like USB flash drives, SD cards, and occasionally hard drives.
Data loss is not uncommon with the FAT32. This can happen due to various reasons:
- Accidental deletion of the data.
- Formatting of the FAT32 drive or partition.
- A corrupt partition.
- Improper or failed conversion of FAT to NTFS or any other file system.
- Virus intrusion.
- Improper partitioning or repartitioning of the FAT32 drive.
Table Of Contents:
How To Recover Data From FAT32?
Unfortunately, recovering deleted data from a FAT32 drive is not as simple as recovering files from a computer. One can always rely on backups in any minor or severe case of data loss. However, if you don’t have a backup, then you have no choice but to use specialized FAT32 data recovery software, such as Remo Recover.
Moreover, professional tools like Remo Recover are designed to help any Windows or Mac user recover more than 500 file types. Additionally, these tools can retrieve data from any internal or external hard drive. Also from pen drive, SSD, or SD card formatted with the FAT32 file system.
Also Check: How Remo Recover Brought Back Lost Data from a Formatted FAT32 SD Card?
Steps To Perform FAT32 Data Recovery Using Remo Recover
- Connect the USB drive formatted with the FAT32 file system to your computer.
- Download and install Remo Recover 6.0 on your computer.
To install Remo Recover follow the on-screen wizard and click on Finish to launch the software
- Launch Remo Recover software, select the drive, and click on Scan to begin the FAT32 recovery.
- Go to Dynamic Recovery View for the Deep Scan in progress. You can find the data of the FAT32 file system in the Lost and Found folder.
- Preview the recovered files to verify the integrity of the data.
- If you are satisfied with the recovery process, you can select the files you are looking for and save them to the desired location.
Now that you have safely recovered your data from the FAT32 drive. If your device has been corrupted or damaged, you can try the following methods to repair it.
Free Methods to Repair the FAT32 File System
Below, we have added 4 proven methods that can repair your FAT32 file system for free:
Method 1: Repair the Corrupted FAT32 File System with the Command Prompt
If you are trying to recover data from inaccessible partition. Or corrupt hard drive, you can try repairing the FAT32 formatted file system using CHKDSK.
CHKDSK is a command in Windows that will look for errors in the file system.
Follow the below-mentioned methods to repair the drive using CHKDSK:
- Ensure the FAT32 file system drive is connected to your computer.
- Open the command prompt by typing cmd in the search bar and hitting Enter.
- Right-click on cmd.exe and select the Run as Administrator option.
- In the window, type chkdsk followed by the drive letter that is formatted with FAT32, a colon, and /f
Eg: chkdsk h: /f Where h is the drive letter
After you enter the command and hit enter, your Windows will verify your FAT32 file system for several minutes. By the end of it, if you see a text saying Windows has made corrections to the file system, you have successfully repaired your FAT32 file system.
Method 2: Use System File Checker to Repair a Corrupted FAT32 File System in Windows
The System File Checker is a built-in tool in Windows that checks the health of your system files and repairs the issue if it finds any.
Here are the steps to use the System File Checker to repair a corrupted or missing FAT32 file system:
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
- Wait for the scanning process to complete. This may take some time.
- If any errors are found, SFC will attempt to repair them automatically.
After running this tool, restart your computer and see if the issue with the FAT32 file system has been resolved. If it has, congratulations. If not, proceed to the next method.
Method 3: Repair the FAT32 File System Using System Restore
System Restore is a Windows built-in feature that can help recover files. As well as system settings to an earlier state when the system works properly.
Note: This method will only work if you enabled system restore in the past. It is ineffective when dealing with damaged or corrupted FAT32 file systems.
Here’s how to use System Restore to recover files on a FAT32 file system:
- Open the Control Panel and click on System and Security“.
- Click on System>System Protection.
- Locate System Restore and select a restore point when the file system works properly.
- Follow the prompts to complete the System Restore process.
Once the process is finished, check if you can fix the issue with your FAT32 file system. If this method also didn’t work, proceed to the next method.
Method 4: Use Windows Disk Management Tool to Repair a FAT32 File System
If you’re experiencing issues with a corrupted FAT32 file system, try using the Windows Disk Management tool to recover it. Here’s how:
- Right-click on the start menu and select Disk Management.
- Now, Find your drive with the corrupted FAT32 file system and right-click on it.
- Select Properties from the context menu.
- Go to the Tools tab and click the Check button under the Error-checking section.
- Now, click on Scan Drive; this tool will run a scan and repair your FAT32 drive.
Key Distinctions Between FAT32 and NTFS
Here is a quick comparison of Features between FAT32 and NTFS File Systems:
| File System Feature | FAT 32 | NTFS |
| Max. File Name | Up to 8.3 characters | Up to 255 characters |
| Max. File Size | Up to 4 GB | Up to 16 TB |
| File/Folder Encryption | Not supported | Supported |
| Fault Tolerance | No auto-repair | Auto-detect and repair |
| Security | Network security | Local and network security |
| Compression | Not supported | Supported |
| Conversion | Can convert to NTFS | Cannot convert to FAT 32 |
| Compatibility | Windows 95/98/2K/2k3/XP | Windows NT/2K/XP/Vista/7 |
3 Tips to Never Lose Your Data From FAT32 Drives
- Regular data backup is the key to never losing your data. Switching to smart backup options like cloud backup can permanently solve data loss.
- If unaware, you never proceed with process partitioning or disk management without a proper guide.
- Always protect your computer with trusted antivirus software, and if you happen to lose data, make sure you choose Remo to recover it.
Conclusion
Data loss from a FAT32 drive can happen for any reason, like accidental deletion of the stored data, virus or malware attack, formatting the drive without proper data backup, incorrect partitioning or repartitioning of the drive, etc. I have explained Remo Recover as a reliable solution to help you with FAT32 data recovery and provided step-by-step instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions on FAT32 Data Recovery
To recover data from a FAT32 USB drive, follow these steps using Remo Recover:
1. First, download and install Remo Recover.
2. Next, connect the USB drive to your computer.
3. Launch Remo Recover and select the FAT32 USB drive.
4. Proceed by scanning the drive for recoverable files.
5. Preview the recovered files.
6. Select and recover the desired files to a chosen location.
To Recover a Corrupt FAT32 Partition, you must download and install the Remo Recover Software. And follow the above mentioned steps.
Follow the below simple steps to Format to FAT32 for USB or external hard drive in Windows 10
1. Connect the USB or external hard drive to your Windows 10 PC.
2. Now, open the File Explorer. Locate and right-click on the USB drive. And select the “Format” option.
3. Set the FAT32 as the target file system. Tick the “Quick Format,” and click “Start” to start the formatting.
4. Wait until the process ends and click “OK” to confirm. And now your USB is FAT32.
Yes, Linux supports the FAT32 file system. And the other two types of FAT file systems (FAT12 and FAT16).
All Linux filesystem drivers are designed to recognize and support all three FAT types. Which means that any storage device formatted in FAT32 can be accessed from a Linux computer.
