How can I recover files from external hard drive?

External hard drives are a convenient way to store important data, back up files, or transfer large media libraries between devices. However, like any storage device, they are vulnerable to accidental deletion, file corruption, formatting, or hardware failure. If your external hard drive is no longer showing your files or becomes unreadable, don’t panic. In many cases, the data can still be recovered.

🔍 Step 1: Identify the Problem

Before attempting recovery, determine the cause of data loss:

Accidental deletion or formatting

File system corruption (e.g., RAW drive or prompts to format the drive)

Virus or malware infection

Physical damage (clicking sounds, drive not detected at all)

Improper ejection or power surge

Understanding the problem will help you choose the right method.

💾 Step 2: Stop Using the Drive

Once you realize that data is missing or corrupted, immediately stop using the drive. Continued use can overwrite the data you're trying to recover, reducing your chances of success.

🛠️ Step 3: Try Basic Fixes First

Sometimes, the issue is minor. Try the following:

Use a different USB port or cable

Connect to another computer

Check Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac) to see if the drive is detected

Run CHKDSK (Windows) or First Aid (Mac) to repair minor disk errors

🧰 Step 4: Use Data Recovery Software

If basic troubleshooting fails, try a trusted recovery tool. Popular options include:

Recuva (Windows, free and paid)

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard (Windows/Mac)

Disk Drill (Windows/Mac)

PhotoRec/TestDisk (advanced, open source)

R-Studio (professional-grade)

How it works:

Download and install the software (on a different drive, not the external one).

Launch the tool and select your external drive.

Choose a deep scan for better results.

Preview and recover the files to a different location (never restore to the same drive).

⚙️ Step 5: For Physical Damage – Use Professional Services

If your external drive has suffered physical damage (e.g., it doesn’t spin, clicks, or smells burnt), do not open it yourself. Seek help from a professional data recovery service such as:

DriveSavers

Ontrack

Stellar Data Recovery

These services have cleanroom environments and advanced tools for physical repairs — though they can be expensive.

🔐 Prevention Tips

Back up your data regularly (cloud or secondary storage)

Eject the drive properly

Use antivirus protection

Avoid sudden power loss or drops

📝 Conclusion

Recovering files from an external hard drive is often possible — especially if you act quickly and use the right tools. For logical issues like deletion or formatting, DIY software recovery is effective. For physical failures, professional recovery is the safest option. Take proactive steps to prevent future loss by backing up your important files regularly.