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-   -   Freeware for Recovering Data from external hard drives ? (https://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/computers/3645-freeware-recovering-data.html)

naripeddi 11-08-2011 02:48 AM

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.

lordsmurf 11-08-2011 08:55 AM

Most free recovery software is either:
  1. Limited version of full edition (only able to see what can be recovered, maybe recover up to a certain file size)
  2. Inefficient, weak, and wholly inferior to paid software.
Easeus makes good freeware, and has a freeware that can recover up to 1GB of files: http://www.easeus.com/datarecoverywi...y-software.htm
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!

naripeddi 11-11-2011 04:59 AM

Thanks LS. I will try Ubuntu first.

kpmedia 11-11-2011 09:45 AM

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.

naripeddi 11-14-2011 01:39 AM

Yes will keep in mind kpmedia. Thanks.

-- merged --

Sure. Will try it out. Thanks.

admin 12-01-2011 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naripeddi (Post 18226)
Sure. Will try it out. Thanks.

No, don't do that. Don't support spammers, and don't be misled into believing spam is legitimate help or advice. That post was poorly written gibberish English (Engrish), full of spelling and grammar errors, and had several linked keyword phrases. That alone should have revealed it as being junk -- especially since it was from a person with only 1 post to date. They're selling overpriced ($99) garbage software. Legitimate software companies with good products don't need to spam. This pathetic spammer has been added to our list: http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/news...on-thread.html

Just looking to keep you safe from buying spammy junk. :)

naripeddi 12-01-2011 04:41 AM

Oh ok. Thanks for the alarm admin.

admin 12-19-2011 06:46 AM

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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