The Ultimate Guide to Recover Data from a Hard Drive

26 minutes read

Did you lose all your valuable data from your hard drive? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Our article covers various data loss scenarios from hard drives and provides solutions to help you recover data from a hard drive. Plus, we’ve included powerful hard drive recovery software Remo Recover that can quickly retrieve your data. So, take a deep breath, read on, and let’s get your data back!

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The experience of losing data can be both stressful and frustrating, significantly when vital files such as documents, photos, and videos are affected. While there are various causes of data loss, hard drive failure is one of the most common. Whether caused by physical damage or logical errors, a failed hard drive can result in the loss of valuable data.

Fortunately, there are several methods for recovering data from a hard drive, even in the event of a complete system failure. From hard drive recovery software to professional hard drive data recovery services, options are available for every situation and budget.

In this article, we'll explore the best ways to recover data from a hard drive, including various data loss scenarios and solutions to recover data from hard drives.

Data Loss Scenarios and Solutions to Recover Data From Hard Drive

Below we have mentioned different data loss scenarios, their symptoms, causes, and solution to help you recover data from the hard drive.

Data Loss ScenarioDescriptionPossible Causes
Human ErrorsAccidental deletion or formatting of data, improper shutdown, mishandling of the hard driveHuman error, lack of training or knowledge
Corrupted or Damaged Hard DriveDamage to the hard drive's file system or physical componentsPower surges, malware or virus attacks, physical damage to the hard drive
Dead Hard DriveHard drive failure due to mechanical or electrical issuesWear and tear, power surges, or manufacturing defects
Undetected or Unrecognized Hard DriveThe hard drive is not recognized by the computer or operating systemCable or connection issues, outdated drivers, or BIOS issues
Unbootable Hard DriveOperating system unable to boot from the hard driveOperating system corruption, damaged boot sector, virus or malware attacks
Unmountable Hard DriveInability to access data on the hard driveFile system corruption, disk errors
Uninitialized Hard DriveThe hard drive is not initialized or formattedA new hard drive or previously used hard drive not initialized or formatted

Scenario 1: Recover Lost Data from a Hard Drive Due to Human Error

Data loss due to human error is a common problem for anyone using a computer or other digital device. Human error can lead to many data loss scenarios, such as accidentally deleting files, formatting the wrong drive, or overwriting essential data. Below we have mentioned some solutions that will help you recover data from hard drives caused by human errors.

Solution 1: By using a Professional Data Recovery Software

There are many data recovery software programs available that can help recover lost data due to human errors. One of the best data recovery software is Remo Recover.

Remo Recover is a professional HDD data recovery tool to recover data from the hard drive. This tool works with advanced data recovery algorithms to scan and recover more than 500 file formats (like photos, raw images, videos, audio, documents, etc) in simple clicks.

Steps To Recover Data From Hard Drive Using Remo Recover:

  • Download and install Remo Recover for Windows software on your computer.
  • Now, click the Scan button after choosing the hard drive from which you wish to recover data.
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  • While the scan is ongoing, you can access the Dynamic Recovery View to recover lost files from your hard drive.
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  • Once the scanning process is complete, your missing data can be found under either the "Lost and Found" or "Lost Partition" folder.
  • You can double-click any file to Preview the recovered files, such as documents, PPTs, excel sheets, photos, videos, etc., for free.
preview-the-recovered-files-for-free
  • If you are satisfied with the hard drive recovery results, choose the files you wish to restore, and click the Recover button to save them to your preferred location.
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Solution 2: Perform Hard Drive Recovery Using Backup

The easiest and quickest solution to recover deleted files from an external hard drive is to use a recent backup. Simply copy and paste the desired files to a location of your choice for recovery.

Windows users can also take advantage of the built-in tool called Windows File History. It is a useful backup feature included in Windows 10 that automatically creates copies of your files at regular intervals, making it easier to restore them in case of data loss due to human errors such as accidental deletion.

Follow the below simple steps to recover data from an external hard drive using Windows File History Backup:

  • Type "file history" in the search box and select "Restore your files with File History" from the result list.
  • With the help of the left and right arrows, find the latest file version and select the files you want to restore.
  • Click on the green "Restore" button to restore the selected files. If you want to restore your files to a different location, you can click on the "Settings" icon and select the "Restore to" option to choose a new path.
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Solution 3: Hard Drive Recovery Using Professional Data Recovery Services

Professional data recovery services have specialized equipment and expertise to recover data from formatted hard drives that have been caused due to human errors. This can be expensive, but it is often the most effective way to recover important data.

Scenario 2: Recover Data From a Corrupted or Damaged Hard Drive

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Source: Reddit

A corrupt or damaged hard drive is a type of hardware failure that occurs when the hard drive can no longer function correctly. Various factors, including physical damage, software issues, malware or virus infections, and power surges, can cause this. A corrupt or damaged hard drive can result in data loss or other system issues, and in severe cases, it may render the hard drive unusable.

Losing important data from your corrupted hard drive can be a real bummer, but fear not! There are some pretty cool solutions out there that can help you recover data from a corrupted or damaged hard drive like a pro.

Solution 1: Try a Different Cable or Port for Hard Drive Recovery

If switching it up is more your style, try using a different cable or port to access your hard drive. Sometimes a faulty cable or port can be the culprit behind damaged hard drives. This solution can be both easy and budget-friendly for corrupted hard drive recovery.

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Solution 2: Use Disk Repair Tools to Fix Hard Drive Issues

Many operating systems have built-in disk repair tools that can scan and fix hard drive issues. On macOS, for example, Disk Utility can repair your disk and help recover data from hard drives that have errors or bad sectors. Pretty nifty, right?

Follow the below steps to fix hard drive issues using Disk Repair Tool:

  1. First, open the disk repair tool on your computer. Depending on your operating system, this could be Disk Management or Disk Cleanup on Windows or Disk Utility on macOS.
  1. Once you've opened the tool, select the hard disk you want to repair from the available disks.
  1. Run a Scan to identify any issues with the hard disk. This process might take some time depending on the size of your disk, so be patient.
  1. After the scan is complete, take a look at the results. The tool will tell you if there are any errors or bad sectors on the disk that need to be repaired.
  1. If the tool offers a repair option, follow the instructions to repair the issues. Before starting the repair process, make sure to save any important data to a different location.
  1. Once the repair process is complete, run another scan to confirm that all issues have been resolved.

Solution 3: Use Data Recovery Software to Recover Data from a Damaged Hard Drive

The best solution to recover data from a corrupted or damaged hard drive is to use a reliable and professional hard drive recovery tool, such as Remo Recover. Follow the below steps to start the corrupted hard drive recovery:

  • First, download and install Remo Recover software on your computer.
  • Open the software and select the damaged hard drive from which you wish to recover data. Click on the Scan button to begin the scanning process.
select-the-corrupted-hard-drive
  • After the scan is complete, you will be able to see all of the recovered files.
  • If you want to take a closer look at the recovered files, you can use the free Preview feature to examine them before restoring them.
preview-the-recovered-files-for-free
  • Once you're satisfied with the files that have been recovered, select the files you want to keep and click on the Recover button to save them in a location of your choice. 
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Solution 4: Consult a Professional Data Recovery Service

If your hard drive is seriously messed up, it might be time to call in the big guns. Professional data recovery services have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from hard drives that regular software cannot. They can help you recover data from hard drives that have physical damage or have suffered from catastrophic failure.

Scenario 3: Recover Data From a Dead Hard Drive

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Source: Reddit

A dead hard drive is a hard drive that is no longer functioning or accessible. There are two types of dead hard drives: Logical and Physical.

Logical Dead Hard Drive: It means that the drive is still functioning physically, but logical errors prevent it from being accessed or read. This can occur due to file system corruption, virus or malware infections, or other software issues.

Physical Dead Hard Drive: It means that there is a physical problem with the drive, such as a malfunctioning motor or a damaged read/write head. This can occur due to wear and tear physical damage, or other hardware issues.

Recovering data from a dead hard drive can be difficult and time-consuming, but several methods can be attempted, depending on the failure type and the damage's severity. Here are some possible solutions to recover data from a dead hard drive:

Solution 1: DIY Data Recovery Software: Quick and Easy

If you're in a hurry to recover your precious data from a dead hard drive, then look no further than DIY data recovery software. With a wide range of options available, from the free and user-friendly Recuva and EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to the more advanced Disk Drill and Stellar Data Recovery, you're sure to find a program that meets your specific needs.

And let's not forget Remo Recover, one of the most efficient and affordable data recovery tools available, with over 10 million downloads to date. With a 4.5-star rating on trusted review platforms like Trustpilot, you can trust in the effectiveness and reliability of this tool.

So, why wait? Download Remo Recover today and recover data from your dead hard drive with ease. Say goodbye to data loss and hello to data recovery success!

remo-recover-trustpilot-review-best-hard-drive-recovery-tool
Source: Trustpilot

Solution 2: Swap PCB

If your hard drive is not working due to a faulty Printed Circuit Board (PCB), you may be able to recover data by swapping the PCB with a similar one from a working hard drive of the same model. This solution requires some technical skills and tools, as you need to identify the exact model and revision of your hard drive, remove the damaged PCB, and attach the replacement PCB without damaging the delicate components.

Alert: Be very careful while swapping the PCB because if you choose the wrong or incompatible PCB, you may damage both the PCB and the hard drive, rendering the data irretrievable. Therefore, before attempting to swap PCB, make sure that you have a proper backup of your data.

Solution 3: Freezing the Hard Drive | A Controversial DIY Method

Another DIY method to recover data from a dead hard drive is to freeze it. Freezing a hard drive involves wrapping it in an airtight bag and putting it in a freezer for several hours, then quickly connecting it to a computer and copying the data before the hard drive warms up and fails again.

recover-hard-drive-by-freezing-the-hard-drive

This method may work for hard drives that have mechanical issues, such as stuck read/write heads or seized bearings. However, it is not a guaranteed solution and may cause further damage to the hard drive or the data. Moreover, freezing a hard drive can be messy and risky, as it involves exposing the hard drive to moisture and condensation, which can affect its integrity and reliability.

Solution 4: Professional Data Recovery Services: When All Else Fails

If you've tried the above methods and still can't recover your data, or if your hard drive has suffered severe physical damage, it may be time to consider professional data recovery services. These services employ specialized equipment and experienced technicians who can diagnose and repair various issues that may have caused the hard drive to fail. They can also work with various types of hard drives, including HDDs, SSDs, RAID arrays, and USB drives.

Scenario 4: Undetected or Unrecognized Hard Drive

recover-data-from-undetected-hard-drive
Source: Reddit

If your hard drive is undetected or not showing up, it might be because it needs to be initialized or it needs formatting. Ensure your disk is correctly connected to the motherboard with the SATA cable. Due to some BIOS settings, your HDD might also not be visible in Windows or Mac Operation systems.

So, if you're freaking out over a hard drive that's not being detected, don't sweat it! There are actually a few kickass solutions you can try to recover data from an undetected hard drive to get your precious data back. Check it out!

Solution 1: Check your Connections

Make sure that your hard drive is properly connected to your computer. Sometimes a loose connection can prevent the hard drive from being detected. Try unplugging and plugging it back in to ensure a secure connection.

check-your-connections

Solution 2: Check BIOS Settings

One of the common causes of a hard drive not being recognized by your computer is a disabled or unrecognized hard drive in the BIOS settings. When you turn on your computer, it loads the BIOS program which detects all the hardware components connected to your computer, including the hard drive. If the BIOS doesn't recognize your hard drive, it will not show up in the operating system.

If your computer is not recognizing the hard drive, you can try accessing the BIOS settings to resolve the issue. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Start your computer and look for a message that tells you which key to press to access the BIOS settings. Key may be different depending on your computer model, but it is usually F2, F10, or Delete.
  1. Once you are in the BIOS settings, navigate to the Advanced or Integrated Peripherals section.
  1. Look for the hard drive options and make sure that the hard drive is set to Auto or Enabled. Check if it appears in the list of detected hardware components. If the hard drive is not detected, try manually detecting it by selecting the "Detect Hard Drive" option.
check-bios-settings
  1. After making any changes, save and exit the BIOS settings.
  1. Restart your computer and check if the hard drive is now recognized by the operating system.

Solution 3: Try a Different Port or Cable

If your hard drive is still not recognized, try using a different port or cable to connect it to your computer. A faulty port or cable can prevent the hard drive from being detected.

try-different-port-or-cable

Solution 4: Use Disk Management Tools

On Windows, you can use the Disk Management tool to manage your hard drives. If the hard drive is detected but not showing up, it may need to be initialized or assigned a drive letter.

Solution 5: Test the Hard Drive on Another Computer

If the hard drive is still not recognized, try connecting it to another computer to verify if it works. If it does, the issue may be with your computer.

test-hard-drive-on-another-computer

Solution 6: Use Hard Drive Recovery Software

If your hard drive is detected but you are unable to access your files, data recovery software like Remo Recover can help. Simply download the software and run a scan on your hard drive to recover your data. This can be a quick and easy solution to retrieve your files without having to spend a lot of money on professional data recovery services.

Scenario 5: Recover Data From Unbootable Hard Drive

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Source: Reddit

What do you do if your computer refuses to boot? First, a message appears saying there is a problem with the hard drive or the Operating System. Then, when you turn on your computer, the boot process begins, and the Operating System starts. So if you have essential data on your computer that won't boot, you won't be able to view the files stored on your hard drive.

Coping with an unbootable hard drive can be a frustrating experience, particularly when important data is at stake. Fortunately, there are options available to recover data from an unbootable hard drive.

Solution 1: Use Safe Mode

If your computer is running Windows, booting it in Safe Mode can help you identify and fix any issues with the hard drive preventing it from booting normally. Safe Mode loads only basic drivers and services, which can help you troubleshoot any problems with the hard drive.

Solution 2: Use System Repair

Windows has a built-in System Repair tool that can help fix issues with the hard drive. To access this tool, you can boot from your Windows installation media or recovery drive. This tool can help repair any issues with the startup files or the boot sector of the hard drive.

On macOS, you can use the Disk Utility tool to repair your hard drive. This tool can help fix issues with the file system or disk structure preventing it from booting. Disk Utility can also help repair any physical errors on the hard drive.

Solution 3: Use a Bootable Disk or USB Drive

You can also try booting your computer from a bootable disk or USB drive that contains diagnostic tools or an operating system. This can help you identify and fix issues with the hard drive. For example, you can use a bootable disk to run a virus scan or check the hard drive for errors.

Solution 4: Use a Professional Hard Drive Data Recovery Tool

If none of the above solutions work, you can try using a data recovery tool like Remo Recover. This software is designed to recover data from unbootable hard drives and can help you retrieve lost or inaccessible files.

Scenario 6: Unmountable Hard Drive

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Source: Reddit

An "Unmountable" hard drive refers to a condition where the operating system cannot mount or access a hard drive's file system due to an error. This error makes the hard drive inaccessible and unreadable. It occurs when the file system on the hard drive is damaged, corrupted, or has errors.

There are many reasons why a hard drive can become unmountable. Some common causes include physical damage to the hard drive, bad sectors on the disk, virus infections, software or system errors, and improper shutdown of the computer.

Here are some solutions you can try to mount and recover data from an unmountable hard drive:

Solution 1: Check the Physical Connections

Before trying anything else, make sure the hard drive is properly connected to your computer and all cables are secure. Sometimes, loose connections can cause hard drives to become unmountable.

Solution 2: Try a Different Computer:

If the hard drive is still unmountable, try connecting it to another computer to see if it can be mounted. If it works on another computer, the issue may be with your computer or operating system.

Solution 3: Use Disk Utility:

On a Mac, you can use Disk Utility to repair disk errors. Launch the Disk Utility app and select the problematic hard drive. Click on First Aid and then Run. The tool will scan for any errors and attempt to repair them.

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Image Source: support.apple.com

On Windows, you can use the built-in CHKDSK command. Open the command prompt and type chkdsk [drive letter]: /f. This will scan the hard drive for errors and attempt to fix them.

chkdsk-command

It's crucial to exercise caution when running chkdsk commands since the process can be complicated and may result in file loss if not done correctly. If you've already encountered data loss due to a chkdsk operation refer to this article to find out how to recover files deleted by chkdsk.

Solution 4: Use Data Recovery Software

If the above steps don't work, you can try using data recovery software to recover your files. Remo Recover, EaseUS Data Recovery, and Recuva are some popular options. Install the software and follow the instructions to scan your unmountable hard drive for recoverable files. Once the scan is complete, you can preview the recoverable files and save them to a different location.

Solution 5: Seek Professional Help

When all else fails, it may be time to call in the big guns and seek help from professional data recovery services. These experts are equipped with cutting-edge technology and years of experience to handle even the toughest cases of unmountable hard drives.

But be warned, the cost of professional data recovery services can sometimes be as jaw-dropping as a Hollywood action flick.

Scenario 7: Uninitialized Hard Drive

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Source: Reddit

An uninitialized hard drive refers to a storage device that has not been formatted or partitioned, rendering it inaccessible for use. Essentially, it is a blank slate that needs to be properly initialized and formatted with a file system before any data can be stored on it.

There are several reasons why a hard drive may be uninitialized. It could be a new hard drive that has not yet been set up, or it may have been previously used on a different operating system or computer. In some cases, the partition information may have been lost due to damage, corruption, or accidental deletion by the user.

Regardless of the reason for the hard drive being uninitialized, the result is the same the data cannot be accessed until the hard drive is properly initialized and formatted. This can be a frustrating situation, but fortunately, there are ways to recover data from an uninitialized hard drive.

Solution 1: Initialize the Hard Drive

If your hard drive is not initialized, you won't be able to access the data on it. To initialize the hard drive, you can use the Disk Management tool on Windows or Disk Utility on Mac.

Steps to Initialize an Uninitialized Hard Drive on Windows:

  1. Right-click on the Start button and select Disk Management from the context menu.
  2. In the Disk Management window, locate the uninitialized hard drive and right-click on it.
  3. Select Initialize Disk and follow the on-screen instructions.

Steps to Initialize an Uninitialized Hard Drive on Mac:

  1. Open Disk Utility on your Mac.
  2. Select the uninitialized hard drive.
  3. Click on the Erase tab and select a file system format.
  4. Click Erase to initialize the hard drive.

Note: It's important to remember that initializing the hard drive will erase all data on it. Therefore, make sure to back up any important files before proceeding with the initialization process.

Solution 2: Partition of the Hard Drive

If your hard drive is initialized but not partitioned, you won't be able to use it. To partition the hard drive on your Mac and Windows computer follow the below steps:

Steps to Partition an Initialized Hard Drive on Windows:

  1. Open Disk Management by right-clicking on the Start button.
  2. Right-click on the initialized hard drive and select New Simple Volume.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a partition and format it.

Steps to Partition an Initialized Hard Drive on Mac:

  1. Open Disk Utility on your Mac.
  2. Select the initialized hard drive and click on the Partition tab.
  3. Click on the "+" button to add a partition and adjust the size as needed.
  4. Select a file system format and click Apply to create the partition.

Solution 3: Use Data Recovery Software

If the hard drive has been initialized but you cannot access the data on it, you can use professional data recovery software like Remo Recover to retrieve it.

Remo Recover is a powerful data recovery tool that can retrieve data from uninitialized hard drives. Simply download and install the software, connect the hard drive to your computer, and run a scan. Remo Recover will display a list of recoverable files, which you can preview and select for recovery.

Its user-friendly interface and advanced features make it a top choice for data recovery. Download Remo Recover for Free now!!

Conclusion

Data loss is a bummer, but fret not! There are a plethora of ways to recover your precious files. From regular backups to using nifty data recovery software or seeking pro help, there are myriad methods to recover data from a hard drive.

Remember, each data loss scenario is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. So, stay cool, identify the cause of data loss, and choose the best hard drive recovery method.

Stay ahead of the curve by being proactive and preparing for data loss by taking a backup of your computer. But, if the worst happens, the steps we've outlined in this article will get your data back in a jiffy.

About the Author: John Harris

With a decade of experience in data recovery, John Harris, Senior Editor at Remo Software, is your go-to specialist. His focus includes partition management, Windows solutions, and data troubleshooting, delivering insightful content that serves both users and search engines. John's expertise shines through in illuminating blog posts, untangling data loss intricacies across diverse storage platforms.…