User Query: Recover Files From An Unallocated External Hard Drive
Source: Reddit
Solution:
Existing hard drives, like the disk drive you are now using, occasionally have free space. Hard drive space marked as “unallocated” cannot have data written to it because it is not part of any partition. Instead, a new partition must be created, or the existing partition on the drive must be expanded to use that unallocated space.
But occasionally, an entire hard disk can become free! Yes, sometimes, a perfectly functional hard disk will appear unallocated for no apparent reason, rendering all your files and folders inaccessible.
You can fix your unallocated hard drive using the advice in this article and learn how to recover data from unallocated hard drive. Continue reading.
Table of Contents:
- What is an Unallocated Partition?
- Reasons Behind Hard Drives Become Unallocated?
- How to Recover Data from Unallocated Space in Hard Drive?
- How to Fix Data From an Unallocated Hard Drive?
- Why choose SFWare Hard Drive Recovery?
- Tips to Avoid Data Loss of Unallocated Recovery Partition
- Conclusion
What is an Unallocated Partition?
A hard drive that has no drive letter assigned to it or that is not a part of any partition is referred to as an unallocated drive. Partitions are hard disk segments conceptually split to organize the data. Multiple partitions can exist on a single disk. When you notice unallocated space on your drive, it refers to hard drive space that still needs to be assigned to a partition.
Unallocated space cannot be utilized to store files or programs. Therefore, it is useless to the operating system unless it is used to build a new partition or is added to an existing disk to extend it.
Therefore, you must partition the unallocated hard drive while installing the operating system on your new computer since a hard disk can only be used with a drive letter and file system being assigned to it.
Reasons Behind Hard Drives Become Unallocated?
Partitions are not present on a newly purchased hard drive. However, as part of the operating system installation process, you must establish at least one partition while installing it. Unallocated space is any area that is not devoted to a partition.
Unallocated space, nevertheless, can also show up for other reasons. Here are a few typical explanations for why there can be free space on your hard drive:
- Hard drives with a partition that was unintentionally destroyed or lost frequently appear unallocated.
- Hard disks with a broken or corrupted file system.
- Any internal problem may prevent the operating system from recognizing your hard drive.
- Virus attack on hard drives due to malware infection.
- Additionally, an accumulation of defective sectors may result in unallocated disk space.
- Outdated software for hard disk drives, etc.
- Improper handling of hard drives, such as incorrectly ejecting them.
These are some of the frequent causes of hard drives being unallocated. The good news is that you can repair the unallocated hard disk regardless of what caused it to reach its current state.
This guide is separated into two sections to make it easier for you to fix your unallocated hard drive and execute hassle-free data recovery:
Part 1: How to Recover Data from Unallocated Space in Hard Drive?
- Method 1: Scan Unallocated Drive with an Antivirus
- Method 2: Update Hard Drive Driver
- Method 3: Run the Chkdsk Command
- Method 4: Run the DiskPart Command
- Method 5: Use your Unallocated Drive Space
- Method 6: Recover Using a Hard Drive Recovery Tool
Note: Prioritising data recovery from an unallocated hard disk over trying to fix it is advised because doing so may make the recovery process more difficult.
Part 2: How to Fix Data From an Unallocated Hard Drive?
How to Lost Data on Unallocated Hard Drive?
Various techniques can fix an unallocated hard drive, including disk part, disk management, and even updating your device drivers. There is one crucial detail you need to be aware of, though, before moving forward. It entails formatting the disk as part of mending an unallocated hard drive. Unfortunately, repairing the unallocated hard drive will permanently wipe out previously stored data.
Therefore, recovering the data before repairing the unallocated hard disk is strongly advised if you have any vital information saved.
Method 1: Scan an Unallocated Drive with an Antivirus
Run reliable antivirus software to remove the infection or dangerous scripts from your unallocated hard disk.
Method 2: Update Your Hard Drive Driver
- First, Open Device Manager from the Start menu.
- Then, type msc in the Run tab or from Control Panel.
- Now, Go to the Device Manager.
- Right-click on the unallocated hard drive found under the Disk drive.
- Select Properties, then Driver, and hit the Update Driver
Method 3: Run CHKDSK to Repair the Unallocated Hard Drive
- Press Win + R keys together, then type cmd and hit Enter (right-click to run CMD as administrator)
- Then, enter the command chkdsk H: /f /r /x (replace H with the letter of the unallocated hard disk drive).
Method 4: Run DiskPart Command to Fix the Unallocated Hard Drive
Follow the instructions below to resolve your hard disk showing as unallocated when using DiskPart:
- Please type the following commands into DiskPart and hit Enter after each one to execute them.
- list volume
- select volume C (replace C with your unallocated hard disk drive letter)
- delete volume
- list volume
- select volume C
- delete volume
- delete volume override
Right-click on the hard disk that is currently unallocated in Disc Management. A new partition should be created and given a new file system.
Method 5: Use Unallocated Drive Space in Windows With Disk Management
You may easily add unallocated hard disk space to a partition by following the methods listed below to make use of an unallocated hard drive:
- Right-click on your unallocated hard drive in Disk Management by opening it.
- Select New Simple Volume to create a new partition.
- Select the volume’s size, give it a drive letter, and click “Next”.
- Click next, choose your preferred file system (NTFS or FAT32), and finalize.
Your hard drive should now be error-free and accessible after completing these instructions. Although these stages don’t directly deal with data, you must either create a backup or recover it using one of the top partition recovery tools, such as Remo Recover, before moving on to the troubleshooting steps. Your data is secure as a result. If the techniques listed above couldn’t fix the unallocated hard drive, continue reading the article to learn how to recover data from unallocated external hard drive.
Why choose SFWare Hard Drive Recovery?
The SFWare hard drive recovery program provides the most prominent method for recovering data from an unallocated external hard drive. It works even if your hard drive is inaccessible, shows RAW in disk management, or displays corrupt error messages. Additionally, it restores data from hard drives that have been formatted and re-formatted.
Using quick and effective scanning techniques, SFWare searches every sector of your drive for lost files. After scanning, it uses distinctive signatures to recognize and recover all data types.
SFWare is a compatible tool that allows recovery from internal and external hard drives and other storage devices like USB flash drives, SD cards, iPods, and more.
System Requirements:
- Windows Platform: Microsoft Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2003
- Mac Platform: Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard), Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard), Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion), Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion), Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks), Mac OS X 10.10 (Yosemite), Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan) and Mac OS X 10.12 (Sierra)
- RAM – 512 GB (1GB Recommended)
- Disk Space – 50 MB free space (for Installation)
- System Type – 32-bit or 64-bit PC
- File systems – FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, NTFS5, exFAT, HFS and HFS+
How to Fix Data From an Unallocated Hard Drive?
SFWare hard drive recovery tool is the most reliable and downloaded recovery software to address data loss due to logical failure issues. The tool is enabled with a highly efficient search algorithm. That makes the tool perform quick data recovery from corrupt, formatted hard drives without affecting the integrity of the data. Most importantly, SFWare is the most accessible tool to use. Download now to start recover data from unallocated disk.
Method 6: Recover Data From Unallocated Hard Drive Using SFWare Hard Drive Recovery Tool
Download and finish installing the SFWare hard drive recovery software on your computer to recover data from the hard disks. Start the program, then watch for the home screen to display.
- Download and complete the Installation of SFWare hard drive recovery software on your computer.
- Launch the software and wait for the main screen to appear.
- From the main screen, select Recover Drive/Partition. Next, choose Drive/Partition Recover or Formatted Recovery, depending on your situation. For example, select Formatted Recovery to recover formatted hard drives; otherwise, select Partition Recovery.
- Select the drive you want to recover the data on the next screen.
- Use the Save Recovery Session and Open Recovery Session options to save and resume this recovery session for later use.
- The program scans the chosen drive and displays all files it discovers.
- Choose either the File Type View or the Data Type View option to view recovered files. You can view files based on their file types using File Type View and retrieve files using Data Type View if they follow a standard format.
- Double-click the files to see a preview, then save them where you like.
Tips to Avoid Data Loss of Unallocated Recovery Partition
Stop using the disk: Even if the operating system doesn’t keep files in unallocated space on the hard drive, it’s a good idea to cease writing to the disk to avoid overwriting any data that has to be recovered.
Don’t create a new partition: You risk losing the data previously saved to the disk if you build a new partition over the lost partition. As a result, you shouldn’t make a new partition until all of the deleted or lost disk files have been restored.
Don’t extend existing partitions: Extending an existing partition might result in overwriting current data, just like making a new partition. Instead, only expand your current partitions once the lost or deleted data has been restored.
Backup existing files: The secret to a good recovery is backing up. In the event of a catastrophic data loss, if you try to back up your files periodically, you can recover almost rapidly. Consider using cloud-based services like Google Drive or Dropbox if you only have a few files. Get an external hard drive that you can copy your files to if you have a lot of large files. Finally, consider backing up your crucial files immediately in case you lose your partition.
Conclusion:
You will undoubtedly be able to fix the unallocated hard drive and recover data from the hard drive that indicates unallocated using all of the above procedures. Please share your opinions on the fixes for the problem with the unallocated hard disk in the comment box below.
