Best software for data retrieval on a working hard drive?

[hmunster123]

I have a hard drive that's had many files deleted over the last five years. I transferred a lot of it to an external drive which broke and can't be repaired. I know that some software will retrieve what was erased but what's the best one to try? Also I would like to retrieve entire folders not just the files. Any advise is appreciated. Thanks and Happy 2018 to all.

 

[JaredDM]

In my opinion, your two best options are R-Studio and R-Explorer. Don't let the similar names confuse you, they are from two different companies. I've found that for certain file systems such as Apple HFS+ and FAT32 R-Explorer often gets marginally better results with rebuilding the folder structure. However, for RAW file recovery, R-Studio has an edge, especially since it allows you to create your own custom search headers for unusual file types.

That having been said, if files were deleted some time ago and the drive has been in continued use, don't expect great results. Files that are overwritten with new data can't be recovered by any means. It's simply not possible despite what the conspiracy theorists will tell you.

Regarding your external, did you actually have it evaluated by a data recovery lab? Or, is it just your personal diagnosis that it 'can't be repaired'?

 

[hmunster123]

Thanks JaredDM, I am trying to recover raw files so I will try R-Studio.

The exteral drive was looked at by DriveSavers and Gillware, neither could fix it. The drive has three platters in it and they said one of them was scratched and they sent it back.

 

[USAFRet]

Thanks JaredDM, I am trying to recover raw files so I will try R-Studio.

The exteral drive was looked at by DriveSavers and Gillware, neither could fix it. The drive has three platters in it and they said one of them was scratched and they sent it back.

If its been looked at by two recovery companies with no success, and the platter has actual scratches...you are out of luck.

 

[hmunster123]

Thank you USAFret

 

[RolandJS]

"...platter has actual scratches...you are out of luck..." -- and if there was no routine of making full image backups onto external media, one is really out of luck

 

[USAFRet]

"...platter has actual scratches...you are out of luck..." -- and if there was no routine of making full image backups onto external media, one is really out of luck

If only there were free and easy to use software for that, and documented, tested procedures.

If only....http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3383768/backup-situation-home.html