When a computer’s hard disk is logically divided into more than one storage sector, it is called as partitioning the hard drive. Windows OS looks at each partition as a separate storage sector and also individually manages data and information present within each of the partitions.
When partitions are created, managing data is easier for the OS and data becomes less vulnerable to virus and malware attacks. Yet, partitioning the drive does not shield your hard disk from encountering errors.
There can be times where your whole partition can go missing, inaccessible or gets deleted. So, how would you recover the deleted or lost partition and the data present within?
Read through the following sections of this informative write-up attentively to know how you can recover a deleted or lost partition from Windows computer.
How does a Partition Get Lost or Deleted?
There are several factors that lead to missing or deleted partitions such as abrupt shutdown of the computer, bad sectors, accidental deletion, incorrect values or methods to resize partition and data corruption. Let us know in the comments about how you have lost the partition to help you better.
- Improper Partition Modification:Human errors are one of the major reasons for partition loss or deletion across the globe. If users are not fully aware about the features of Disk Management, entering improper values while creating, modifying and resizing leads to a missing or deleted partition.
- Bad Sectors:Every storage device is divided into storage units called sectors which hold your data. The stored data on these sectors is accessed for read and write processes. If a sector is corrupted or goes bad, the OS of your computer cannot read or write data on it and leads to data inaccessibility. As the number of bad sectors increase within your partition, the computer stops recognizing the partition or data present within. Hence partition is lost or deleted.
- Partitioning Using Third-Party Tools:Making use of malicious third-party software to resize hard disk partitions can lead to partition loss. It is always suggested to make use of the partition wizard available within the Windows computer. Resize your partition safely by going to Disk Management.
- Abrupt Shutdown of Computer:When a file or a folder is being transferred from or to a partition, any interruptions like sudden power failure or abrupt system shutdown can cause data loss or sometimes complete partition loss. Thus, when the system is rebooted, the OS cannot read the partially transferred data and leads to deletion or corruption of that partition
And other common factors such as computer crash and virus and malware attack also lead to a deleted or lost partition. You might be wondering if the partition that has been deleted can be restored or not? Read the next section to know if data can be restored from a deleted partition.
Can Data Be Recovered from A Deleted Partition?
Yes, data can be restored from a deleted partition. However, the following criteria has to be met for a successful partition recovery. Generally, when a partition gets deleted, the operating system removes the pointer of that partition and is considered as ready to be overwritten with new data. This means that you should not store any new data on the hard drive to efficiently perform partition recovery. Hence, the ability to restore the deleted partition will be lessened if you continue using the hard disk.
How to Recover Partitions for free?
Before trying to recover deleted or lost partitions with the help of a professional partition recovery wizard, try to restore the deleted partition with the help of these various free methods that will be listed below.
Restore Deleted Partition Using Disk Management:
If the partition has been accidentally deleted or improperly partitioned, the deleted space on the disk is indicated as Unallocated.
You need to scan the unallocated space with the help of Disk Management. Follow the steps mentioned below to know how you can restore the deleted partition.
Step 1: Press Windows logo button + X and select Device Manager on your Windows 10 computer.
Step 2: Expand Disk drives and then right-click on your unallocated space.
Note:If the unallocated space is not displayed in the list, click on Actions from the toolbar and select Scan for hardware changes.
Step 3: Click on Scan for partitions after right-clicking on the unallocated space and wait for the scan to complete.
Step 4: Click on Restore partition and wait till the dialog box is displayed.
Step 5: Assign a drive letter and click on Restore to start the partition recovery process.
Once the process is complete, your deleted partition will be restored. However, if you encounter Format the drive while trying to access the restored partition, follow the method which will be mentioned below.
How to Restore Deleted or Lost Partition Without Formatting?
The restored partition might contain a lot of bad sectors which is stopping the operating system from recognizing it. Follow the steps mentioned below to know how you fix the Bad sectors and access your restored partition without formatting and losing the data present within.
Step 1: Search for Command Prompt and click on Run as administrator.
Step 2: Type or copy-paste this command “chkdsk /f /r X:” and hit Enter
Note: Replace X with the letter assigned while restoring the deleted or lost partition.
Step 3: Wait for the Command Prompt to scan and repair the partition.
This process will take time depending on the number of files present within the partition. Reboot the computer once the process has been completed and do not stop the process abruptly as this may lead to permanent data loss and inaccessible partition.
Recover Deleted or Lost Partitions Using CAT Data Recovery
If you were not able to recover lost partitions with the above-mentioned methods, you can make use of a professional data recovery software to perform partition recovery.
CAT Data Recovery is a robust software that is known for its easy to use interface and efficient partition recovery wizard. This software can recover more than 300+ file types from your deleted or lost partitions and recovers them without compromising on the quality. Download the software now to scan and preview the files that can be restored from your partition.
Read the next section that will be help you in using this partition recovery wizard
Steps to Recover Lost or Deleted Partition Using CAT Data Recovery
Step 1: Download, install and launch CAT Data recovery software on your computer.
Step 2: Click on Recover Partitions, select your restored partition from the Storage Devices and then hit on Scan.
Note: If your partition is missing, click on the main volume drive rather than selecting any partition and then hit on Scan.
Step 3: Wait for the software to scan and display the files that can be recovered from the deleted or lost partition hard disk.
Step 4: Once the data has been recovered from the partition, save the data to a desired location. You can also save it on any external storage device as a backup.
Note: Do not save the recovered files on the same partition from where the data has been recovered. This may lead to an inaccessible partition.
Conclusion:
This informative write-up must have helped you in restoring deleted or lost partitions with the help of Disk management or with CAT Data Recovery software. However, if you have any queries regarding the software or future use, make use of the technical assistance provided by CAT Data Recovery team.
