Data loss can happen for a variety of reasons – hard drive failure, accidental deletion, corruption, or malware. When important personal or business files go missing, data recovery software provides the best chance of getting them back. There are many data recovery programs available, so how do you know which one to choose?
What causes data loss?
Before looking at recovery solutions, it helps to understand what causes data loss in the first place. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- Hard drive failure – Hard drives can suffer from mechanical or electronic failures. This can prevent access to the data stored on them.
- Accidental deletion – Files and folders can be deleted accidentally and then cleared from the Recycle Bin.
- Corruption – Viruses, system crashes, and errors can all cause the data on a storage device to become corrupted or inaccessible.
- Malware – Malicious software is designed to cause damage, which may include deleting or encrypting files.
- Natural disasters – Floods, fires, and power surges can all potentially lead to data loss.
Choosing data recovery software
There are both free and paid data recovery solutions available. In general, premium software offers more features and capabilities. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting data recovery software:
- Supported devices – Make sure the software works with the type of device or storage media where your files are located e.g. hard drives, SSDs, USB sticks, SD cards.
- Supported file systems – The software needs to be compatible with the file system the lost data is stored on e.g. NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, HFS+.
- Success rate – Look at independent testing and reviews to understand the typical recovery rates for different data loss scenarios.
- Ease of use – The interface should be simple enough for both novice and expert users.
- Advanced capabilities – Software with features like corrupted file repair and deep scanning may be better for severe data loss cases.
- Customer support – Look for responsive technical support in case you need assistance using the product.
Top data recovery software
Based on capabilities, user reviews and third-party testing, here are some of the top options to consider for data recovery:
1. Stellar Data Recovery
Stellar Data Recovery is a popular all-around data recovery solution. Key features include:
- Recovers lost or inaccessible data from over 20 different devices and storage media.
- Supports recovering data after accidental formatting, corruption, or OS crashes.
- Advanced repair tools for severely damaged or corrupted files.
- Clones hard drives so that recovering data is non-destructive.
- Easy to use interface suitable for beginners and professionals.
Stellar Data Recovery has free and paid versions available. The free version lets you preview recoverable files. The paid version starts at $79.99 and is needed to export repaired files.
2. Disk Drill
Disk Drill offers versatile data recovery capabilities. Key features include:
- Recovers 200+ different file types from hard drives and storage media.
- Scans for lost partitions and reconstructs them to regain data access.
- Has optimized recover modes for different data loss cases.
- Protects data with features like disk health monitoring and backups.
- Free version available to preview recoverable data.
Disk Drill has free and paid versions. The Pro version starts at $89 for individual users. It adds faster scanning, free upgrades, and tech support.
3. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is a popular recovery tool with advanced capabilities. Key features:
- Recovers data after deletion, formatting, crashes, and even hard drive damage.
- Includes simple “Deleted File Recovery” and “Complete Recovery” modes.
- RAW file recovery for severely corrupted or damaged files.
- Clones hard drives allowing non-destructive recovery.
- Free version permits previewing files. Paid version starts at $69.95.
4. Ontrack EasyRecovery
Ontrack EasyRecovery provides professional-grade recovery. Key features:
- Recovers from logical corruption and mechanical failures.
- Repairs over 300 different file types.
- Advanced capabilities like RAID recovery and imaging.
- Includes a disk editor tool for manual data extraction.
- Free version allows previewing files. Paid Home version starts at $79.99.
EasyRecovery is on the pricier side but provides advanced capabilities suited for IT professionals. It’s been awarded Editors’ Choice for data recovery software by PCMag.
5. R-Studio
R-Studio is designed specifically for advanced recovery scenarios. Key features:
- File recovery after severe data corruption or damage.
- Advanced RAID reconstruction using proprietary algorithms.
- File search and preview without needing to scan the full drive.
- Compatible with disks larger than 2TB.
- Free version permits previewing files. Full version costs $79.99.
R-Studio’s deep scanning capabilities make it suitable for cases where other software fails. It’s primarily used by data recovery specialists.
How data recovery software works
Understanding how data recovery software works can help guide your choice of solution. Here’s a quick overview of the recovery process:
- Select Device – Choose the drive or media where lost files were located.
- Scan Storage – The software scans the device to identify recoverable data.
- Preview Files – Recovered files are displayed for evaluation before recovery.
- Recover Data – Selected files are exported to another drive to complete the recovery.
Some software offers different scan modes optimized for specific recovery scenarios. For example, there may be a “Deleted File Recovery” mode vs. a “Complete Recovery” mode scanning the entire drive for all recoverable data.
Scan and preview
Scanning identifies lost files by looking for their signatures on a drive. Signatures are data patterns associated with certain file types. Preview then displays recoverable files to check their integrity before recovery.
Deeper scanning finds more lost data but takes longer. Scans may also identify the drive partitions and file systems required to reconstruct lost files and directories.
Recovery and repair
Recovering files involves exporting them from the lost drive to another safe storage device. Some software lets you clone damaged drives before recovery as a protective measure.
Advanced data recovery software is also designed to repair corrupted file contents. Special algorithms can reconstruct files that have been severely damaged.
Choosing the right software for your needs
With many data recovery software options available, think about your specific situation to pick the best one for your needs:
- If you just need to recover a few lost files or photos, a free or low-cost program with basic capabilities may suffice.
- For entire lost partitions or reformatting scenarios, choose software with full drive scanning such as Stellar, Disk Drill or EaseUS.
- If your drive suffers physical damage, Ontrack EasyRecovery provides advanced repair capabilities.
- For RAID recovery or extremely corrupted files, a specialist tool like R-Studio is preferable.
- Businesses should select software with technical support available, such as Ontrack or Stellar.
Testing software on a problematic drive can also help determine the most effective solution. Many vendors offer free trial versions to preview recoverable data before purchasing. This lets you verify the software works with your specific data loss situation.
Tips for successful recovery
Here are some important tips to improve your chances of getting back lost files:
- Stop using the device with lost data – Continuing to use it reduces the chance of recovery.
- Don’t attempt your own repair – This can make software data recovery impossible.
- Clone the drive before recovery – This protects the drive from further damage.
- Select software compatible with your file system – Software that can read the format has the best chance of retrieval.
- Try multiple software tools – If one fails, another may succeed in recovering your files.
Following these best practices will give you the optimal chance to get your important data back.
When is data recovery impossible?
While data recovery software enables retrieving lost files in many cases, it’s still important to have realistic expectations. Here are some cases where data is likely impossible to recover:
- Physically damaged media – Severe physical damage like platters scratched beyond repair make recovery unlikely.
- Encrypted data – Without the encryption keys, encrypted data is unrecoverable.
- Overwritten files – Saving new data over deleted files makes them unrecoverable.
- Insufficient remnants – Heavily corrupted files may have too little recoverable data left.
If the storage media still appears physically intact and you avoid saving new data on it, recovery software has a fighting chance. But with extreme damage or encryption, even advanced tools can’t restore access to deleted data.
Professional data recovery services
When DIY software fails to recover lost or corrupted files, professional data recovery services provide an alternate solution. Experts have access to specialized tools and methods that go beyond typical consumer software capabilities.
Common capabilities offered by data recovery services include:
- Repair of physically damaged drives.
- Retrieval from severely corrupted media.
- Access to lost data on outdated formats.
- RAID reconstruction.
- Breaking of encryption and password locking.
The downside to professional services is the high cost. Prices often start around $300 but can reach $1000 or more depending on the complexity and number of drives. As a result, data recovery services tend to focus on business clients and valuable personal data.
The benefits of professional recovery must be weighed against the price tag for your specific situation. But for mission critical and highly complex cases, their expertise may justify the expense.
Preventing data loss
While recovery software provides reassurance, prevention is still the best solution. Here are some key steps you can take to avoid data loss:
- Backup your data regularly.
- Store backups off-site or in the cloud.
- Install security software to prevent malware and cyber attacks.
- Use surge protectors and UPS battery backups.
- Handle drives gently and avoid shocks.
- Regularly check drives for errors and failures.
Combining preventative measures with data recovery software helps provide maximum protection for your important files.
The bottom line on data recovery software
Data recovery software provides the best DIY method for retrieving lost or deleted files from hard drives and storage media. Selecting software with capabilities suited to your specific data loss scenario will provide the greatest chance of recovering your files. Using preventative measures like backups along with recovery tools ensures maximum protection.
While data recovery experts can retrieve some files that consumer software cannot, their high costs make them best suited for business recovery cases. For personal files, software solutions from trusted brands like Stellar, Disk Drill, and EaseUS provide an accessible and affordable way for most users to regain lost data.
Backing up irreplaceable documents, photos, and other files provides the ultimate protection. But even responsible users periodically suffer data loss. In those cases, data recovery software gives you the best shot at restoring your lost bits and bytes.