Corrupted file system

Recovering data from a corrupted file system involves retrieving files from a drive that still physically works but can’t be accessed normally due to logical issues. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

What Is a Corrupted File System?

A file system (like NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, EXT4, etc.) organizes how data is stored. Corruption can occur due to:

  • Power loss during write operations
  • Improper ejection of external drives
  • Malware or viruses
  • Software/OS crashes

Steps to Recover Data from a Corrupted File System

Stop Using the Drive

Avoid writing anything to the corrupted drive to prevent overwriting lost data.

Connect the Drive to Another System

  • Use a USB adapter or install it as a secondary drive.
  • Don’t boot from the corrupted drive if it's the system disk.

Run File System Repair Tools (Optional Step Before Recovery)

Try this only if you’ve already backed up or recovered important data, since repair attempts can sometimes make recovery harder.

Windows:

Run `chkdsk` in Command Prompt:

```bash chkdsk X: /f ```

Replace `X:` with the correct drive letter.

Linux:

Use `fsck` for EXT file systems:

```bash fsck /dev/sdX ```

Skip this if you're trying to recover data before repair.

Use File Recovery Software

These tools can bypass the corrupted file system and recover data directly from raw sectors:

  • PhotoRec (free, powerful for raw recovery)
  • R-Studio
  • EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
  • ReclaiMe
  • MiniTool Power Data Recovery

Steps:

  1. Scan the corrupted partition or disk.
  2. Preview recoverable files.
  3. Save them to another healthy drive.

Advanced Option: Use TestDisk to Repair Partitions

TestDisk (free, open-source) can rebuild or recover lost partitions and fix some file system problems.

Prevent Future Corruption

  • Always eject drives properly.
  • Use surge protection.
  • Keep your OS and antivirus up to date.
  • Back up data regularly (both locally and to the cloud).