How to retrieve files from external hard disk

External hard drives are an essential part of modern digital life. They allow users to store large volumes of data, back up important files, and easily transfer information across computers. But despite their utility, external hard disks are not immune to problems. Accidental deletion, formatting, file system corruption, or physical damage can lead to data loss that can feel irreversible. The good news is that in most cases, you can retrieve files from an external hard drive often without needing professional help.

Chapter 1: External Hard Disk Data Loss

Before diving into recovery, it’s helpful to understand how and why data loss happens.

Common Causes of File Loss:

Accidental Deletion

Files are mistakenly moved to the Recycle Bin or deleted outright.

Formatting Errors

Drives are accidentally formatted, erasing the file table (though not always the data).

File System Corruption

Sudden power loss or removal during transfers can corrupt the drive.

Virus or Malware Attacks

Malicious software can delete, encrypt, or hide files.

Physical Damage

Drops, water exposure, or aging components can result in inaccessible data.

Drive Errors or Bad Sectors

Specific areas of the disk become unreadable, affecting stored files.

Partition Loss or Errors

Partitions may be deleted, lost, or changed during updates or installations.

Chapter 2: Stop Using the Drive Immediately

As soon as you notice missing files:

Stop using the external drive.

Do not write new data to it.

Avoid formatting or reinitializing the drive.

Why? Because deleted or missing files still physically exist on the drive until they’re overwritten by new data. The less the drive is used, the higher your chances of recovery.

Chapter 3: Check for Simple Fixes First

Sometimes, file loss is not due to actual deletion or corruption but simply due to visibility or connectivity issues.

Try the Following:

Reconnect the drive using a different USB port or cable.

Use another computer to access the drive.

Check if the drive is assigned a letter in Windows Disk Management or macOS Disk Utility.

Enable hidden items in the File Explorer/View tab.

If files are still missing, proceed to recovery methods.

Chapter 4: Recovery Using Recycle Bin or Trash

In many cases, deleted files are not permanently lost—they may still be in the Recycle Bin or Trash.

Windows:

Open Recycle Bin.

Locate the deleted files.

Right-click and choose Restore.

macOS:

Open Trash from the Dock.

Find your file.

Right-click > Put Back.

This method only works if files were deleted from a system with a Recycle Bin and were not removed using Shift + Delete.

Chapter 5: Use Built-In System Tools

1. File History (Windows)

If File History was enabled:

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup.

Click More options > Restore files.

Browse your backup and restore missing items.

2. Time Machine (macOS)

If your external drive was backed up:

Open Time Machine.

Navigate to the folder where files were lost.

Use the timeline to locate and restore files.

Chapter 6: Use File Recovery Software

Panda Assistant

When you lose files from an external hard disk, they’re not always gone for good. The system may have simply marked their space as available, meaning the actual data still exists waiting to be recovered. That’s where Panda Assistant comes in. Its intelligent scanning engine digs deep into your drive to locate and restore lost files without damaging your data.

Getting started is easy. First, connect your external hard disk to your computer. Launch Panda Assistant and select the drive from the list of detected devices. You’ll have the option to run a quick scan for recently deleted files or a deep scan for more serious cases like formatted or corrupted drives.

Panda Assistant supports recovery of various file types, including photos, videos, documents, audio files, and more. Once the scan is complete, you can preview the results and choose exactly which files to recover. Best of all, Panda Assistant saves recovered files to a separate location, preventing any risk of overwriting the original data.

Chapter 7: Step-by-Step Software Recovery Process

Step 1: Download and Install

Install the software on your internal drive, not the external drive you’re recovering.

Step 2: Connect the External Drive

Use a direct USB connection rather than a hub for best results.

Step 3: Launch the Program

Select the external drive from the list of storage devices.

Step 4: Choose a Scan Mode

Quick Scan: Good for recently deleted files.

Deep Scan: Better for formatted or corrupted drives, but takes longer.

Step 5: Preview and Select Files

After scanning, preview recoverable files.

Filter by file type (e.g., documents, photos, videos).

Step 6: Recover Files

Choose a safe recovery destination (not on the same external drive).

Complete recovery and verify the files.

Chapter 8: Recovering Data from a Formatted Drive

Formatting a drive removes the file structure, but not necessarily the data.

To Recover:

Use a deep scan in software like Panda Assistant or EaseUS.

Wait for file indexes to populate.

Preview and recover.

Avoid writing any new files to the formatted drive until recovery is complete.

Chapter 9: Recovering Files from a Corrupted Drive

If your drive shows errors like:

“Drive not accessible”

“The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable”

Then try the following:

1. Run CHKDSK (Windows)

Open Command Prompt (Admin).

Type: chkdsk X: /f /r (replace X with drive letter).

Wait for it to scan and fix errors.

2. Run First Aid (macOS)

Open Disk Utility.

Select the external drive.

Click First Aid.

Then, try scanning with data recovery software for file restoration.

Chapter 10: Recovering Files from a RAW File System

If your drive suddenly becomes RAW (unformatted):

Don’t format it when prompted.

Use software that supports RAW recovery (e.g., Disk Drill or Stellar).

Deep scan and recover files before formatting.

Chapter 11: Recovering from Unrecognized Drives

If your computer doesn’t detect the drive:

Try a different USB port, cable, or computer.

Check Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (macOS).

If listed but unallocated, scan with data recovery software.

If the drive isn’t detected at all, professional recovery may be required.

Chapter 12: What to Do If Files Are Not Recoverable

If you can’t recover files with software:

Check if the drive shows symptoms of physical damage (clicking, buzzing).

Use read-only modes in recovery tools.

Avoid running formatting or repair tools that may overwrite remaining data.

Consider sending the drive to a professional recovery service.

Chapter 13: Professional Recovery Services

Professional recovery may be necessary if:

The drive is physically damaged.

Software recovery has failed.

You have critical, irreplaceable data.

How It Works:

Send your drive to a certified lab.

Experts use cleanroom environments to disassemble and extract data.

You receive a list of recoverable files and an estimate.

Cost: $300–$2000+, depending on damage severity.

Chapter 14: Preventing Future Data Loss

1. Use Cloud and Local Backups

Always keep two backups: one local (external HDD/SSD) and one in the cloud.

2. Eject Drives Properly

Never unplug your drive without using “Safely Remove Hardware” (Windows) or “Eject” (macOS).

3. Avoid Shocks and Drops

Handle drives carefully. Mechanical drives are sensitive to impact.

4. Use High-Quality Drives

Stick with reputable brands like Western Digital, Seagate, or Samsung.

5. Monitor Drive Health

Use tools like CrystalDiskInfo to check S.M.A.R.T. status.

6. Replace Aging Drives

Drives have a limited lifespan. Replace them every 3–5 years.

Losing files from an external hard drive is distressing, but recovery is often possible with the right tools and methods. Whether your data was deleted, formatted, or lost due to corruption, this guide has given you the steps to recover it safely and effectively.