What To Know
- Wait for the scan to complete, and any recovered data will be stored in the root directory of the new drive.
- Replace [drive letter] with the drive letter of the damaged disk, [file path] with the location of the lost file, and [destination path] with the location where you want to save the recovered file.
- The recovery time depends on the size of the hard disk and the amount of lost data.
Data loss can be a devastating experience, especially when it involves crucial information stored on your hard disk. While there are numerous data recovery software available, they often come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, there’s a free and effective solution right at your fingertips: the Command Prompt (CMD). This powerful tool allows you to access and manipulate data on your hard disk, including recovering lost or inaccessible files.
Prerequisites for Hard Disk Data Recovery Using CMD
Before we delve into the recovery process, ensure you have the following prerequisites:
- A Windows computer with CMD access
- An external hard drive or USB flash drive for data backup
- Administrator privileges
Step-by-Step Guide to Recover Hard Disk Data Using CMD
1. Run CMD as Administrator
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “cmd” and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to run CMD as administrator.
2. Determine Hard Disk Drive Letter
- In the CMD window, type “diskpart” and press Enter.
- Type “list disk” and press Enter to view all connected hard drives.
- Identify the drive letter of the hard disk containing the lost data.
3. Select the Hard Disk Drive
- Type “select disk [drive letter]” and press Enter. (Replace [drive letter] with the actual drive letter.)
- Type “clean” and press Enter to wipe the drive’s file system.
4. Create New Partition
- Type “create partition primary” and press Enter.
- Type “format fs=ntfs” and press Enter to format the drive using the NTFS file system.
5. Assign Drive Letter
- Type “assign letter=[new drive letter]” and press Enter. (Replace [new drive letter] with a unique letter not currently in use.)
6. Recover Data Using CHKDSK
- Type “chkdsk [new drive letter]: /r” and press Enter to scan the drive for errors and recover lost data.
- Wait for the scan to complete, and any recovered data will be stored in the root directory of the new drive.
7. Backup Recovered Data
- Once the recovery process is complete, connect your external hard drive or USB flash drive.
- Copy the recovered data from the new drive to the backup device to ensure its safety.
Advanced Techniques for Hard Disk Data Recovery Using CMD
1. Using the ATTRIB Command
- Type “attrib -h -r -s [file path]” to remove hidden, read-only, and system attributes from lost files.
- Replace [file path] with the location of the lost file.
2. Using the RECOVER Command
- Type “recover [drive letter]: [file path] [destination path]” to recover specific files from a damaged hard disk.
- Replace [drive letter] with the drive letter of the damaged disk, [file path] with the location of the lost file, and [destination path] with the location where you want to save the recovered file.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- No data recovered: The data may be permanently lost or corrupted.
- Error messages: Check the syntax of your commands and ensure the drive is not physically damaged.
- Slow recovery process: The recovery time depends on the size of the hard disk and the amount of lost data.
Final Thoughts: Empowering You to Recover Lost Hard Disk Data
Recovering hard disk data using CMD may seem daunting, but with the right steps and techniques, it’s entirely possible. By utilizing the power of the Command Prompt, you can regain access to valuable data without costly software. Remember, it’s always important to back up your data regularly to avoid such situations in the future.
Questions You May Have
Q1: Can I recover data from a formatted hard disk using CMD?
A1: Yes, using the CHKDSK command with the /r parameter. However, the success rate depends on the severity of the formatting.
Q2: What if the lost data is on a partition that has been deleted?
A2: You can use third-party data recovery software or try using the RECOVER command in CMD, but recovery chances may be lower.
Q3: Is it safe to use CMD for data recovery?
A3: Yes, as long as you follow the steps carefully and understand the potential risks. Always back up your data before attempting any recovery operations.
