Freeware for Recovering Data from external hard drives ?
I found this site great not only for audio & video, but also for general computer-related advice.
I have an external hard drive (USB) (with power adapter) that, when connected to the computer, started to say "This drive needs to be formatted". I have some valuable data in it. Could anyone suggest a FREEWARE recovery program that I can try to recover the data as much as possible? I don't mind even if it takes days to recover the data. Thanks. |
Most free recovery software is either:
The full version is $70 and can recover more than 1GB. Recuva is more of an "undelete" tool, and not a drive recovery program: http://www.piriform.com/recuva It's free, and comes from the makers of CCleaner. Quite a few people have found using an Ubuntu Linux boot disc as helpful, too. Ubuntu is often able to mount discs that other operating systems gave up on, including Windows XP and Windows Vista, as well as Mac OS X. I've used an Ubuntu boot disc before, to fix the NTFS equivalent of a "FAT table" on an external USB2 drive (drive removed). Many times, it's necessary to remove the drive from the enclosure -- it's often impossible to recover over USB. The best paid recover software is from Kroll OnTrack: http://www.krollontrack.com/resource...ree-downloads/ The trial version lets you recover one file for free. And if you ever have a drive that's physically damaged, these are the people you need/want to send your drive too! |
Thanks LS. I will try Ubuntu first.
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Just remember that you'll need to be experienced with using Linux. It's not as easy, or the same as, using Windows or Mac OS.
I'd start out with Windows/Mac software options first. If that gets you nowhere, try the Ubuntu boot disc next. |
Yes will keep in mind kpmedia. Thanks.
-- merged -- Sure. Will try it out. Thanks. |
Quote:
Just looking to keep you safe from buying spammy junk. :) |
Oh ok. Thanks for the alarm admin.
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Because Remo Software has decided to repeatedly spam this site (and this thread in particular), in order to "get their name out" about their various recovery software, I'll go ahead and give them a mention:
Never buy anything from windowsfilerecovery.net Never buy anything from remosoftware.com This company is just a spammer. Legitimate companies don't need to spam blogs and forums. Legitimate companies advertise, seek reviews, etc. Companies that spam junky software generally have these kinds of problems: (1) Ruins your computer, (2) Steals or mishandles your credit card information, (3) Provides no support, (4) Provides buggy software that's not even beta-grade. Attention RemoSofware: Stop visiting this site. You are not welcome here. Your spam will always be deleted. Tired of wasting my time on spammer dumbasses. :mad: |
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