Recover formatted hard drive - does it work?

A hard drive that has just been formatted can be restored without problems in most cases. We show you what you need to consider.

Important: Do not write to the hard disk again

Formatting the hard drive initially only deletes the table of contents of the hard drive. So the data is still there. Your computer just doesn't know where they are.

• Avoid all writes on the hard drive. By rewriting data, you overwrite the old files, making recovery very difficult very quickly.
• If it is an external, additional hard drive, you should simply not save any files on the data carrier.
• If you have formatted your main hard drive when installing an operating system, the issue is more difficult. You then need another computer, another hard disk with an operating system or a boot CD. Another practical tip tells you how to create a boot CD.

Recover formatted hard drive

With luck, you can still save most files on a formatted hard drive.

1. Connect the hard drive to a PC with a working operating system.
2. There are many programs to save the data. For example you can use "Recuva" or "Easeus Data Recovery Wizard". You can purchase additional premium content from most freeware programs of this type, but the free range of functions is usually sufficient.
3. Let the program search the formatted hard drive. Note that the process can take several hours or even days, depending on the capacity of the hard drive. You also need a disk that offers enough space to save the saved files.
4. After all files are restored, you have to sort them manually. This will also reveal data that you deleted in the recycle bin a long time ago. For a better overview, use the "Created on" and "Changed on" sorting of your operating system.
5. If your important data does not appear during the restoration, the process is not easily possible. Many programs also offer searches for overwritten files, but this service usually costs extra.
6. As a last resort, you still have the recovery from an expert. You can now find this service in most electronics stores, but it will cost you more than 60 euros.

To prevent data loss, we show you in another practical tip how you can create a backup with Windows 8 or Windows 7.