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Free Image Format ConversionCan data be recovered after low-level formatting?
"I've reformatted my hard drive and reinstalled Windows, but didn't do anything else. I've been looking at various disk recovery options, many of which say they can recover data after a format, but I did a low-level format, not a quick format. Technically, is it possible to retrieve files after a low-level format?"
While most people know that formatting wipes a hard drive or storage device clean in one go, without any additional effort required on their part, few are aware that formatting actually comes in two different levels – low-level formatting and high-level formatting.
Usually, the Format option from the right-click context menu in Windows Explorer, the Format Volume option in Disk Management, and even the CMD: format fs=ntfs or format fs=fat32, all perform an advanced format. You can use the Advanced Format Recovery Wizard in this software to recover data lost after an advanced format.
For low-level formatting, you need to use a third-party tool, such as HDD Low-Level Format Tool, the Iformat command in DOS, or a formatting utility provided by manufacturers like Seagate and WD. Can data be recovered after performing such operations on your device? Read on to find out.
Overview of Low-Level Format Data Recovery Low-Level Formatting (LLF) is a process that sets the underlying structure of a disk, typically used to initialize a hard drive or storage device. Unlike high-level formatting, LLF defines the exact positions of tracks and sectors and how data is read and written at the hardware level. However, this process can lead to data loss as it thoroughly erases existing data. When faced with data loss after a low-level format, data recovery becomes quite complex. Here's a general overview of low-level format data recovery: 1. Data Loss Confirmation: First, confirm that the cause of data loss is indeed a low-level format. This can be done by checking the device's formatting history or using specialized tools. 2. Hardware Inspection: Before attempting recovery, ensure that the hard drive or other storage device has no physical damage. If there are hardware issues, professional data recovery services might be required. 3. Using Specialist Software: Try using data recovery software, which can sometimes recover some or all data from a low-level formatted device. Note that not all software is suitable for recovery after an LLF. 4. Scanning the Disk: The software will scan the entire disk to locate recoverable files and data. This can take a long time, especially for large-capacity drives. 5. File Preview and Recovery: After finding recoverable data, the software usually provides a preview function to verify if files are readable and complete. Then, select the files to restore and save them onto another secure storage device. 6. Professional Services: If the above methods fail, consider seeking assistance from professional data recovery services. They have specialized tools and techniques that may enable deeper levels of data retrieval. It's important to note that data recovery after a low-level format isn't always successful, especially when data has been overwritten or there's hardware damage. Therefore, regularly backing up critical data is crucial to prevent irreversible data loss.
When discussing the possibility of low-level format recovery, it's essential to understand how it works. It is said to completely wipe a hard drive, making it a blank slate and resetting the drive. Technically, it destroys the data structures, making data recovery seemingly impossible. So, is there any chance of recovering data from such a level of formatting?
Whether or not data can be recovered after a low-level format depends on how the formatting was done. Because a low-level format can take a very long time, you might be able to recover data if:
- 1. You may have only initiated the formatting process, but the hard drive or storage device didn't complete the formatting fully.
2. The formatting process was interrupted or you manually stopped it while formatting the device.
3. The data sectors on the storage device haven't been completely erased, or some data might have been partially deleted.
How to Recover Data After an Incomplete Low-Level Format
For an average user, who might have used any of the above situations, there is a way out from low-level formatting through correct low-level format recovery methods. Check out the data recovery methods provided below:
# 2. Recover Data with Data Recovery Software (from an Interrupted or Incomplete Low-Level Format)
If the low-level formatting process is interrupted, stopped, or the data sectors are not fully wiped, you may turn to professional format recovery software for help.
With its quick scan and deep scan features, the Data Recovery Wizard can thoroughly search for all formatted data on each sector. It is famous for recovering data after a quick format in Windows File Explorer and a full format in Windows Disk Management. Though not a 100% guarantee, it's worth a try to attempt data recovery after formatting.
# 2. Seek assistance from manual data recovery services
Get one-on-one manual recovery service consultation with tools Data Recovery Experts. After a free diagnosis, we offer the following services:
- Repair of damaged RAID structures, unbootable Windows operating systems, and corrupted virtual disk files (e.g., .vmdk, .vhd, .vhdx)
- Recovery/repair of lost partitions and repartitioned drives
- Unformat hard drives and repair original drives (including BitLocker encrypted drives)
- Fix disks converted to GPT protective partition
Individual users, big companies, or non-emergency outfits might also pay top dollar for specialized tools or turn to local data-recovery service providers. But there's no guarantee of success.
Protecting data from being formatted
Instead of looking for a reliable way to recover data after formatting, it is much more important to find a reliable way to protect your data from being formatted. Tools offer you a complete plan to apply and protect your data.
Regularly back up important data
Normally, backing up important data to an external hard drive or even the cloud can perfectly prevent data loss due to formatting, deletion, and other issues. You can choose to copy files or back up all files on a storage device with the assistance of professional file backup software.
Here, we recommend you try using Todo Backup. It allows you to back up files, entire disk partitions, or even your Windows system with just 3 simple steps:
Step 1: Run the Todo Backup tool and then choose "File Backup", "Disk/Partition Backup" or "System Backup" according to different backup needs.
Step 2: Select the system, disk partitions, and files you want to back up. Then choose a location to save the backup file.
Step 3: Click on "Start" to initiate the backup process.
