Hard Drive Recovery

Chances of Successful Hard Drive Data Recovery

Two primary factors influence the success rate of hard drive data recovery: file overwriting and the extent of sector damage. When a file is deleted from a disk, it disappears from the hard drive, and the sectors holding its data become free space. However, the file remains recoverable until you overwrite the sectors containing the file's contents with new data. If a disk suffers physical damage, reconstruction is possible, provided the damage isn't excessive.

High

File Deletion

When a file or folder is deleted from a hard disk, it only removes the information pointing to its location on the disk. The actual file remains intact until overwritten with new data. Therefore, even if you have emptied the Recycle Bin, still highly possible to recover your deleted files and folders.

High

Formatting or Partitioning Errors

The most frequently used formatting technique, known as Quick format in Windows, simply reconstructs the file system structure without overwriting the existing data. So, data recovery is possible from a hard drive that has undergone this type of formatting. Conversely, more secure formatting methods, such as the Full format in Windows, make data recovery difficult.

High

File System Corruption

Issues such as operating system errors, improper shutdowns, or malware can cause the file system to become unreadable. In many cases, it’s possible to recover data from corrupted hard drive using data recovery software since the actual files are still intact on the disk.

Moderate to High

Firmware or System Area Corruption

A hard disk is composed of sectors that are organized into blocks. These blocks are utilized by the hard disk's firmware for wear-leveling purposes. When an excessive number of blocks fail or become corrupted, the hard disk might become inoperable. Despite this, the data stored on it should still be repairable and recoverable using the techniques outlined on this page.

Moderate

Mechanical Failure (Head Crash, Motor)

The mechanical failures typically affect the hard drive's ability to access and read the data, rather than causing direct harm to the data itself. In such cases, the data remains intact on the disk platters, allowing for potential recovery. The possibility of data recovery depends on the severity of the damage and the affected components.

Moderate

Electronic component failure

Data loss caused by damage to electronic components of a disk, such as PCB or power supply, can be recoverable if the damage isn't too severe and doesn't directly affect the data on the disk. Electronic component failures typically impact the drive's functionality rather than the stored data, which usually remains intact despite malfunctioning components, allowing for potential recovery.

Low

Severe physical damage

A hard drive with extreme physical damage, such as exposure to fire or crushing force, rendering it unrecognizable by any device, might not be recoverable using only hard drive recovery software. Although the best hard drive recovery services can sometimes extract data from physically damaged hard disks, successful recovery is not guaranteed in such cases.