How do i recover files from a formatted hard drive

​Formatting a hard drive is often considered a point of no return a quick, seemingly irreversible operation that wipes out every file in one swift motion. Whether it was done accidentally, as part of a system reinstall, or to remove a virus, the result is the same: your files are gone. Or are they?

Chapter 1: What Formatting Does

Before we dive into recovery techniques, it’s important to understand what happens during a format.

1.1 What Is Formatting?

Formatting prepares a storage device for use by erasing existing file structures and creating a new file system. There are two main types:

Quick Format: Erases file system tables and directory structures but not the actual data. Data remains until it’s overwritten.

Full Format: Erases file system and checks for bad sectors. On modern systems, it may securely wipe data—making recovery harder.

1.2 What Happens to Your Files After Formatting?

Contrary to popular belief, formatted files aren’t instantly destroyed. Only their “addresses” are removed from the file system, making the space available for reuse. This means recovery is possible as long as no new data has overwritten the old sectors.

Chapter 2: Scenarios Where Recovery is Possible

Here’s when file recovery from a formatted hard drive is likely to work:

Accidentally formatted a drive using Quick Format

Reinstalled Windows and formatted a partition

Formatted an external drive or USB stick by mistake

Formatted due to file system corruption or disk error

Recovery is not always possible if:

You performed a full format on an SSD (especially if TRIM was enabled)

The drive has been used extensively after formatting

The disk has physical damage

Chapter 3: Immediate Steps After Formatting

3.1 Stop Using the Drive Immediately

The single most important step: Don’t write new data to the drive. New files may overwrite the space where your old files were stored.

3.2 Disconnect the Drive (If External)

Physically unplug the drive to prevent background tasks or auto-sync from writing new data.

Chapter 4: Choosing the Right Recovery Method

Depending on your system and the severity of the situation, you’ll need a specific tool or approach.

4.1 What You’ll Need

A second drive (to save recovered files)

A file recovery tool (more below)

Optional: A sector-by-sector clone tool

Chapter 5: Best Software to Recover Formatted Hard Drive Data

Panda Assistant

When a hard drive is formatted, the actual data often remains on the disk until it is overwritten. Panda Assistant takes advantage of this by using advanced scanning algorithms to locate and recover files from deep within the drive’s sectors. It supports a wide range of file systems, including NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and HFS+, making it ideal for Windows and macOS users alike.

With Panda Assistant, you can perform both quick scans to recover recently lost files and deep scans to recover data from heavily formatted or corrupted drives. Its user-friendly interface allows even beginners to navigate the process step by step. You can preview recoverable files before restoring them, ensuring you only recover what you need.

To avoid further data loss, Panda Assistant allows you to recover files to a separate drive, ensuring the original formatted disk remains untouched. It also provides detailed drive health reports and recovery tips to help prevent future data loss.

Chapter 6: Step-by-Step Recovery Process

Let’s walk through how to recover files using typical software like EaseUS or Disk Drill.

Step 1: Install the Software on a Separate Drive

Do not install recovery software on the formatted drive.

Choose a second hard drive or USB stick.

Step 2: Launch and Select the Formatted Drive

The software will list all drives connected to your system.

Select the drive that was formatted.

Step 3: Choose a Scan Type

Quick Scan: Fast, for recent deletions

Deep Scan: Thorough, scans sector-by-sector for raw data

Step 4: Preview and Select Files

Most tools allow previewing of photos, documents, and videos.

Choose only the files you want to recover to save time and space.

Step 5: Recover to a Safe Location

Never recover files to the original (formatted) drive.

Use an external drive or separate partition.

Chapter 7: Advanced Recovery Techniques

7.1 Use a Clone Before Recovery

If the drive is old, unstable, or failing, consider cloning it first.

Tool Suggestions:

Clonezilla

ddrescue (Linux)

Macrium Reflect

This creates an image (.img) of your formatted drive, allowing safe recovery without risking further corruption.

7.2 Recovering Lost Partitions

If the drive’s partition table was wiped, use TestDisk to reconstruct partitions.

7.3 RAW File System Recovery

Sometimes a formatted drive becomes RAW (unrecognized format). You can still scan it using recovery tools like Disk Drill or R-Studio.

Chapter 8: Recovery on macOS, Windows, and Linux

macOS

Disk Utility shows formatted drives, but they may be unmounted.

Use Disk Drill or PhotoRec for formatted APFS or HFS+ volumes.

Windows

Use EaseUS, Recuva, or TestDisk for formatted NTFS, exFAT, or FAT32 drives.

Linux

Use extundelete for ext3/ext4 formatted partitions.

TestDisk and PhotoRec also work well in Linux environments.

Chapter 9: Recovery from SSDs

SSDs are more complex due to TRIM technology, which permanently erases deleted files to optimize performance.

Can You Recover from a Formatted SSD?

With TRIM enabled: Recovery is unlikely after formatting.

Without TRIM or on external SSDs: There’s a chance.

Tips:

Avoid using the drive immediately.

Use Disk Drill or R-Studio for best results.

Chapter 10: When to Use Professional Data Recovery Services

If:

The drive isn’t recognized at all

You hear clicking or grinding noises

You need mission-critical data back

Then it’s best to consult a professional data recovery company.

Top Data Recovery Services:

DriveSavers

Secure Data Recovery

Ontrack

Gillware

What They Offer:

Cleanroom environments for physical repair

Proprietary software for low-level access

High recovery success rates

Chapter 11: Preventing Future Data Loss

Recovery is stressful. Prevention is smarter.

11.1 Backup Strategy

Follow the 3-2-1 Rule:

3 total copies of your data

2 different types of storage (local + cloud)

1 copy offsite

11.2 Use Cloud Sync

Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, or iCloud can automatically back up files.

11.3 Avoid Accidental Formatting

Label your drives clearly.

Double-check before formatting.

Disconnect non-target drives when installing operating systems.

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