Find answers to common questions about data recovery and best practices.
General
What is data recovery?
Data recovery is the process of retrieving inaccessible, lost, corrupted, or formatted data from storage devices like hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, and memory cards.
Can deleted files be recovered?
Yes, in most cases. When you delete a file, the data remains on the storage device until it's overwritten by new data. The sooner you attempt recovery, the higher the chances of success.
How long does data recovery take?
Recovery time varies depending on the storage device size, damage extent, and amount of data. Simple recoveries may take minutes, while complex cases can take hours or days.
Technical
What file systems are supported?
We support all major file systems including NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, HFS+, APFS, ext2/3/4, and more. Both Windows and Mac file systems are fully supported.
Can I recover data from a formatted drive?
Yes, formatting doesn't immediately erase data. Quick format only clears the file table, leaving actual data intact. Full format is harder but often still recoverable.
What about physically damaged drives?
Physical damage requires professional lab recovery. Do not attempt to open the drive yourself. Contact a professional data recovery service for physically damaged devices.
Best Practices
What should I do immediately after data loss?
Stop using the affected device immediately. Don't install new software or save new files to it. This prevents overwriting the lost data and maximizes recovery chances.
How can I prevent data loss?
Regular backups are essential. Follow the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies of data, on 2 different media types, with 1 copy offsite. Also use surge protectors and handle devices carefully.
Should I use free recovery software?
Free tools can work for simple cases. However, for important data, professional software offers better recovery rates, support, and won't risk further damage to your data.
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