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1 September 2024  John Weaver  Senior Program Developer
 

Summary
The article discusses the possibility of recovering data from a formatted partition, particularly focusing on the differences between a quick format and a full format. It explains that a quick format, which is the default option, does not completely erase data but instead marks the drive as empty, allowing new data to overwrite the existing files. The article emphasizes that data recovery is possible after a quick format as long as new data has not overwritten the old files.



Table of contents

table iconWhen Is DIY Data Recovery Possible After Formatting?
table iconMaximizing Data Recovery Chances
table iconYour Options for Recovering a Formatted Partition
table iconConclusion
table iconFAQ
A simple Google search about formatting reveals that it permanently wipes all data from your drive. However, there are several caveats to this. For one, if you performed a quick format (enabled by default) or if your system suddenly notifies you with a “Do you want to format it?” message, your data can still be recovered. How? That’s where this guide comes in. The sections below contain everything you need to know about formatted partition recovery.

When Is DIY Data Recovery Possible After Formatting?

Quick Format or Full format

As a Windows user, you can either perform a quick format, or a full format. Which one sounds more sinister? If your answer is a full format, you’d be right.
How to Format and Unformat an SD Card? - Rene.E Laboratory
A quick format doesn’t really wipe out your data; it simply tells your PC that there’s nothing on the drive, and that new data can be written to it. Irreversible data loss happens when these new files overwrite the existing (albeit invisible) files on the drive. The metadata and the file system are also removed during quick formatting. Data recovery is possible, and in most cases, quite easy, after a quick format. On the other hand, a full format does everything that a quick format does, plus it overwrites all existing data on your drive with zeroes. Additionally, it checks your drive/partition for bad sectors. DIY data recovery is impossible after a full format. In fact, a data recovery service may not be of much help either. Of course, if you have a backup of your files, you can copy your files back to the drive. In short—provided you don’t have a backup, DIY data recovery is only possible after a quick format.

Suddently notify (Do you want to format it?)

If you received this message, it means the file system in your partition is corrupted and cannot be automatically recovered by Windows.
Formatting is required to use the error message
This corruption may be due to hardware issues or a corrupted program accessing the i-node or superblock information directly. To recover important data, use data recovery software or backups as soon as possible. Afterward, you can use the built-in Windows tool, chkdsk, to fix the issue or format the partition for reuse.
Renee Undeleter - Powerful Data Recovery SoftwareRenee Undeleter data Recovery software

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes Fast partition scan, whole partition scan and whole disk scan for different recovery needs.

File types Support to recover pictures, videos, audios, documents, mails, etc.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Supported systems Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X10.6, 10.7, 10.8.

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes - 3 scan modes for different recovery needs.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

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3000 users have downloaded Renee Undeleter and found data back!

Maximizing Data Recovery Chances

Data recovery is a sensitive process. Seemingly insignificant actions—like copying a file to the formatted partition, or even continued passive usage of it—can reduce the chances of recovering all your files. To maximize your data recovery chances, follow these simple tips:
1. Avoid copying new files to the drive. Disconnect the drive with the formatted partition, and only connect it when recovering data.
2. Use a reliable data recovery program from the get-go. The first data recovery scan is typically the most successful.
3. If you full formatted your drive and don’t have a backup, send it to a professional data recovery service. Attempting DIY data recovery in this case is a waste of time.

Your Options for Recovering a Formatted Partition

Broadly speaking, there are three ways to restore a formatted partition. You can either restore a previously created backup, attempt data recovery using a data recovery tool, or send your drive to a data recovery company. Whenever possible, restore your data from a backup. Even if you don’t remember backing up your data, I suggest double-checking because Windows has an automatic backup feature (although it should have been enabled beforehand).

Option 1: Restore Your Files Using Windows File History

File History is Windows’ default backup and restore tool. Not only does it back up your files, it retains several versions of them, allowing you to restore the version you desire. However, there are two major caveats—File History isn’t enabled by default, and it only backs up files from your user Library folders (Pictures, Documents, Music, etc.). If you have File History enabled, use it to recover the formatted partition’s files, before moving on to full-fledged data recovery. Here’s how:
1. Ensure your File History drive is connected to your PC.
2. Search for file history in Windows Search (Windows Key + S), and click on Restore your files with File History.
restore your files with file history
3. Navigate through the backup timeline using the arrow buttons at the bottom of the File History screen. Select the folders and files you wish to restore, and click the green Restore button.
Windows File History
4. File History will restore the files to their original location. In addition to File History, it’s worth checking your OneDrive folder. You can either access the OneDrive folder using Windows Explorer, or visit the OneDrive website on a web browser.

Option 2: Use a Data Recovery Program

Don’t have a backup of the formatted partition? Besides using a professional data recovery service, a good data recovery program is your best shot at getting back your files. Keep in mind that data recovery programs can only recover your data after a quick format. When choosing a data recovery tool, make sure that it has a good track record, is easy to use, and supports data recovery from your drive. You can’t go wrong with any of these tools. Renee Undeleter is designed to restore lost/deleted data files. Whether you accidentally delete important files, empty the recycle bin, or format the disk/storage, this tool can retrieve lost data.
For formatted partition, Renee Undeleter scan the whole partition and list all files. Especially for the formatted partition or inaccessible issue.
Renee Undeleter - Powerful Data Recovery SoftwareRenee Undeleter data Recovery software

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes Fast partition scan, whole partition scan and whole disk scan for different recovery needs.

File types Support to recover pictures, videos, audios, documents, mails, etc.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Supported systems Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X10.6, 10.7, 10.8.

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes - 3 scan modes for different recovery needs.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Free TrialFree TrialFree Trial

3000 users have downloaded Renee Undeleter and found data back!

Step 1: Download, install, and open Renee Undeleter, and select (Whole Partition Scan) which is suitable for “Formatted data recovery” and “Memory card data recovery”.
Note: Do not install Renee Undeleter in the disk where data is lost to avoid data overwriting.
select whole partition scan in renee undeleter to recover deleted video from sd card
Data Recovery Functions
Fast Partition Scan – Retrieve files lost from accidental deletion or emptying the recycle bin.
Whole Partition Scan – Recover files from inaccessible or formatted partitions.
Whole Disk Scan – Analyze partition information and perform a full scan of the entire partition.
Image Creation – Create an image of a partition to back up its current state.
Step 2: Select the Formatted partition where the files are lost, and click (Next).
Renee Undeleter Whole Partition Scan
Step 3: After the scan is over, select the files you want to recover and click the (Recover) button.
Note: To prevent data overwriting, ensure to save the recovered files onto different disks rather than the original storage location.
preview and select the files to recover in renee undeleter
undeleter preview ppt

Option 3: Contact a Professional Data Recovery Service

Now, professional data recovery services are the most expensive option of the lot. But, you do get unmatched peace of mind for your money. Even in the most dire data loss situations, a data recovery service can usually get at least some of your data back. In case of a full-formatted drive, a professional data recovery service is the only way to get back your data. When picking a data recovery company, always pick one that’s well-reputed locally. This will save you the hassle of shipping your drive, and then waiting for your data to arrive in a new drive. This is what to expect when using a professional data recovery service:
1. Call up the data recovery service, or send an email. Most companies have a 24*7 emergency hotline.
2. Explain your data loss scenario in detail—tell them when you formatted the drive, whether you continued using the drive, and if you wrote new data to the drive.
3. Drop-off the drive at the company office, or ship it to them.
4. The data recovery company will analyze the drive, and tell you if data recovery is possible, and if yes, to what extent. This is usually free.
5. The company will give you a quote. You can then choose to proceed further or not.

Conclusion

Contrary to what you may believe, recovering a formatted partition is possible. The only exception is when you specifically unchecked the “Perform a quick format” option before formatting. Your options for formatted partition recovery include restoring a backup, and performing data recovery using a third-party program. Unfortunately, if you full-formatted your drive, your only option is to contact a professional data recovery company.

FAQ

Can a fully formatted drive be recovered?
While several articles on the web would like to make you believe it, the truth is—a Full Formatted drive can’t be recovered. That is, if you unticked the “Perform a quick format” option and then formatted your drive, you can’t get back your data using conventional means. You may try contacting a professional data recovery service, but even then, it’s unlikely that all your data could be recovered.
Does formatting a disk erase data permanently?
This exclusively depends on the type of format you performed. By default, Windows performs a quick format, which simply marks the disk space as available for use, and deletes all the pointers to the data. The data itself still exists on your drive, until overwritten by new files. But, if you performed a full format, your data is gone for good, as Windows overwrites each sector with zeroes.
Can you undo formatting?
While you can’t “undo” formatting, you can certainly get back your data using a data recovery tool like Renee Undeleter. The only exception is if you performed a full-format of the drive, in which case, the data is overwritten with zeroes, making it irrecoverable.
Does formatting damage HDD?
No, formatting is not inherently harmful to your HDD. In fact, it’s a good way to give your drive a fresh start. On SSDs, frequent formatting may lead to premature wear and tear since they have limited read/write cycles.
How do I restore a wiped partition?
Restoring a wiped partition can be a difficult task, as wiping a partition usually involves securely erasing all data and overwriting it with random or zero characters. However, if you have a backup of the wiped partition or if you have taken certain precautions, you may be able to restore it.
How to recover data from formatted hard disk without software?
If you are not going to use recovery software to recover formatted partition data, you can try the following approaches:
1. Check for backups: if you have a backup for formatted data, you can restore it easily. Check your cloud backups, external drives, or other backup methods to see if there are backups for formatted data.
2. Professional data recovery service: you can send the hard drive to data recovery experts who can handle all kinds of data loss issues. Keep in mind such services can be costly.
How to recover formatted hard drive using CMD?
Recovering a formatted hard drive using the Command Prompt (CMD) is a complex process and may not guarantee successful recovery. That’s because cmd commands suggested by some guides to recover data are “attrib -h -r -s /s /d X:\.” or “chkdks”, and yet these commands are not designed to recover formatted data, and they cannot get back data in most cases.
What are the chances of successful format recovery?
The chances of successful format recovery depend on various factors such as the extent of data overwriting, the [formatting method](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disk_formatting), the file system used, the actions taken after formatting, the health status of the formatted drive, and the recovery software you choose. If the formatted partition has been extensively overwritten or if the formatting process included secure erasure methods, the chances of successful recovery may be reduced. However, if the partition was recently formatted and minimal data has been overwritten, the chances of successful recovery are higher.
Can you recover files after formatting twice?
Yes, you can recover files after quick formatting the drive twice. Actually, each formatting process involves almost the same actions, for example, create file system, remove data, etc. There won’t be much difference how many times you format the drive as long as each formatting is “Quick format”. You can perform data recovery with ease before formatted data gets overwritten.
Renee Undeleter - Powerful Data Recovery SoftwareRenee Undeleter data Recovery software

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes Fast partition scan, whole partition scan and whole disk scan for different recovery needs.

File types Support to recover pictures, videos, audios, documents, mails, etc.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Supported systems Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X10.6, 10.7, 10.8.

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes - 3 scan modes for different recovery needs.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Free TrialFree TrialFree Trial

3000 users have downloaded Renee Undeleter and found data back!