Two days ago I accidentally had gparted format a Tb Ext4 hard disk as fat32 (quick format) - early morning and not fully awake! Realising my error I immediately cancelled the action but too late. As I write Photorec is recovering files and in about 13 hours all should be complete.
However I wonder if there may be an alternative method. I had a look with Testdisk but couldn't find a solution. Please can anyone suggest a way of repairing the file system to enable a more ordered recovery of my files?
I took an image (checked) of the disk in question before starting the recovery operation.
Thank you for the excellent software.
Formatting mistake
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Before posting, please read https://www.cgsecurity.org/testdisk.pdf
When asking for technical support:
- Search for posts on the same topic before posting a new question.
- Give clear, specific information in the title of your post.
- Include as many details as you can, MOST POSTS WILL GET ONLY ONE OR TWO ANSWERS.
- Post a follow up with a "Thank you" or "This worked!"
- When you learn something, use that knowledge to HELP ANOTHER USER LATER.
Before posting, please read https://www.cgsecurity.org/testdisk.pdf
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recuperation
- Posts: 3121
- Joined: 04 Jan 2019, 09:48
- Location: Hannover, Deutschland (Germany, Allemagne)
Re: Formatting mistake
Try out commercial software.
The only alternative is to learn the file system structure, write your own recovery software.
Specific individual knowledge about the content should help with the recovery.
The only alternative is to learn the file system structure, write your own recovery software.
Specific individual knowledge about the content should help with the recovery.
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Oliverjames
- Posts: 2
- Joined: 28 Jan 2026, 15:26
Re: Formatting mistake
Which commercial software would you recommend?recuperation wrote: 29 Jan 2026, 23:15 Try out commercial software.
The only alternative is to learn the file system structure, write your own recovery software.
Specific individual knowledge about the content should help with the recovery.
Thanks.
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recuperation
- Posts: 3121
- Joined: 04 Jan 2019, 09:48
- Location: Hannover, Deutschland (Germany, Allemagne)
Re: Formatting mistake
None, they typically have test modes. Try them out!