CHKDSK deleted all files

How to use TestDisk to recover lost partition
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jonno1805
Posts: 2
Joined: 14 Jun 2019, 00:35

CHKDSK deleted all files

#1 Post by jonno1805 »

Hey guys,

I ran CHKDSK after being prompted by Windows, which then appeared to delete all my files. I have tried to recover files through recovering the partition, but when I list files, they are all just random letters and symbols. using Recuva, I can see the files which can be recovered to an extent. Unfortunately my external HDD is now failing, and connects/disconnects at random. This means I can't recover files through Recuva. Any advice on how to get my data back? I assume if it is visible to Recuva, testdisk must be able to see it somehow?

Thank in advance!

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cgrenier
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Re: CHKDSK deleted all files

#2 Post by cgrenier »

You should clone your disk to a new empty one using ddrescue as described in https://www.cgsecurity.org/testdisk.pdf
Once it's done, remove the original disk and try to recover your data from the clone.

jonno1805
Posts: 2
Joined: 14 Jun 2019, 00:35

Re: CHKDSK deleted all files

#3 Post by jonno1805 »

This is on an external HDD, how can I run drescue on Windows?

recuperation
Posts: 2720
Joined: 04 Jan 2019, 09:48
Location: Hannover, Deutschland (Germany, Allemagne)

Re: CHKDSK deleted all files

#4 Post by recuperation »

You can only run ddrescue on linux.
ddrescue comes with various live linux distributions like Knoppix p.e.
Such distributions can be booted from CD, DVD or even a USB-stick.

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