Summary: Losing important files due to a CHKDSK scan can be a nightmare for anyone. However, there are ways to recover CHKDSK deleted files. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of recovering your lost files. From understanding CHKDSK to using specialized recovery software, we will provide a comprehensive guide to help you retrieve your valuable data with ease. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced user, this ultimate guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to confidently recover CHKDSK deleted files.
Content Table:
- What CHKDSK?
- Why CHKDSK delete data?
- Things to remember before using CHKDSK
- How to Recover CHKDSK Deleted Files?
What is CHKDSK Command?
CHKDSK is a command used in Windows operating systems to check for errors and issues in the file system and storage devices such as hard drives, USB drives, and memory cards. The command scans the disk for file system errors, bad sectors, and logical file system errors and attempts to repair any issues it finds. CHKDSK is a powerful tool that can help ensure the integrity and health of your storage devices, but it is important to use it with caution as it can also potentially cause data loss if used improperly.
Why Does CHKDSK command deletes data?
The CHKDSK command is not designed to delete data intentionally. However, there is a possibility of data loss during the execution of the CHKDSK command in certain situations. For example, if the file system is severely corrupted, CHKDSK may detect errors that it cannot repair, and as a result, it may delete files that it deems to be corrupt or unusable.
Additionally, if CHKDSK encounters a bad sector during the scan, it may mark the sector as bad and move the data stored in that sector to a new location on the disk, which can result in the loss of some data. It is important to note that while data loss can occur during CHKDSK, it is not a common occurrence, and the benefits of using CHKDSK to detect and repair file system errors often outweigh the potential risks.
Things to remember before using CHKDSK
- Backup your important data: Before running CHKDSK, it is essential to back up all your important data to an external device or cloud storage to ensure that you can recover any lost data if it does occur during the scan.
- Close all running programs: Make sure to close all running programs and files that are open on the device you want to scan. This ensures that CHKDSK has full access to the file system and minimizes the risk of errors during the scan.
- Use the correct command syntax: CHKDSK is a powerful command, and using the wrong syntax can cause unintended consequences. Make sure to use the correct command syntax for your specific situation, including any necessary parameters or options.
- Be patient: CHKDSK can take a long time to complete, depending on the size and speed of your storage device and the severity of any issues it finds. Be patient and let the command run to completion, even if it takes several hours.
By keeping these things in mind, you can help ensure a successful CHKDSK scan and minimize the risk of data loss.
How to Recover CHKDSK Deleted Files?
Recovering CHKDSK deleted files can be a challenging process, but it is possible with the right tools and techniques. The first step is to stop using the device immediately to avoid overwriting any potentially recoverable data. It is important to note that the success of data recovery depends on several factors, including the severity of the corruption and how much data has been overwritten.
By following the steps and exercising caution, you can increase your chances of successfully recovering CHKDSK deleted files.
Method 1: Using the Backup and Restore utility
Windows Backup and Restore is a built-in utility in Windows operating systems that allows users to schedule backups automatically and restore files and folders from previous backups. If you have previously created a backup of your device using the Windows Backup and Restore utility, you can use it to recover CHKDSK deleted files.
- Go to the Control Panel and select Backup and Restore or search for it in the Windows search bar.
- Click on the option Restore my files and select the backup file from which you want to restore your data.
- Browse the backup file and select the files that you want to restore.
Note: If you’re not sure which files are deleted by CHKDSK, you can restore all the files.
- Choose the destination where you want to restore the files.
Note: Make sure to choose a location other than the original location where these files were deleted to avoid overwriting any data.
- Click on Next and then Finish to start the restore process.
The Backup and Restore utility will begin restoring the selected files to the specified destination.
Method 2: Using File History
File History is a built-in backup feature in Windows that allows you to automatically back up your files to an external drive or network location. You could use Windows File History to recover CHKDSK deleted files if you had enabled it before the files were deleted.
- Go to the Control Panel and select File History or search for it in the Windows search bar.
- Click on the option Restore personal files and select the backup file from which you want to restore your data.
- Browse the backup file and select the files that you want to restore.
- Choose the destination where you want to restore the files.
Note: Make sure to choose a location other than the original location where these files were deleted to avoid overwriting any data.
- Click on Restore to start the restore process.
The File History tool will begin restoring the selected files to the specified destination.
Method 3: Use a professional data recovery software
If you are unable to recover CHKDSK deleted files using the built-in tools, you may want to consider using professional data recovery software like SFWare Data Recovery Software. SFWare Data Recovery Software is a reliable and user-friendly data recovery tool that can help you recover CHKDSK deleted files.
Steps to recover CHKDSK deleted files using SFWare Data Recovery Software
Download and install the SFWare data recovery software on your computer to recover data after the disk boot failure repair is done.
- Launch the software and choose Recover Files from the home screen.
- Then choose Deleted File Recovery from the two options on the next screen.
- Now, select the drive from which you want to recover data, then click Next.
- After the scan is complete, the recoverable files are displayed in a window which a Data view and File type view.
Note: Preview the recoverable files to ensure they are the files you want to recover.
- Select the files you want to restore and choose a location to save the recovered files, and click Next.
Note: It is recommended to save the files to a different drive than the one you scanned.
- Click on the Recover button to restore the selected files to the chosen location.
Note: Make sure to activate the software to complete the recovery process successfully.
Conclusion
CHKDSK is a utility that is used to check and fix issues in any storage device. Even though the utility is not designed to intentionally delete data, there is a high chance of data loss every now and then.
Losing important files on a drive can be a frustrating experience, but it is not necessarily the end of the road. There are several methods you can use to recover CHKDSK deleted files, depending on your specific situation. We have provided you with some of those solutions in this article. Let us know your experience below.