Lost files on an external drive? Start here
You plug in your external drive and find it empty, or Windows asks you to format it. Maybe you deleted the wrong folder, or pulled the cable without ejecting it first. Recover External Hard Drive Software from Fix Low Disk is built for these situations. It scans the drive and lets you preview what it found before you save anything.
Quick facts
- Version listed: 4.0.0.32
- Platforms: Windows (a separate Mac version is also offered)
- Price listed: $39.00
- Trial: a demo version lets you check what it can recover before you buy the full version
Key features
Get files back after the most common kinds of data loss
The vendor lists these causes: accidental deletion, unexpected shutdown, file system corruption, accidental formatting, virus infection and improper removal of the drive.
Works with the major external drive brands
The vendor names Seagate, Western Digital, Toshiba, Maxtor, LaCie, Iomega, Fantom, Kanguru and VOX, among others. It says the tool handles all makes and models.
Recover formatted drives and file types such as documents, photos, audio and video
The software can scan a corrupted or formatted drive. It supports FAT32, exFAT and NTFS formatted drives. The vendor lists documents, application files, zipped files and emails. The listing also names photos, RAW images, audio and video.
A five-step recovery you can follow on screen
- Install the software and run it.
- Choose Recover Files on the main screen.
- Choose Recover Lost Files.
- Select the affected external drive and click Next.
- Preview the recovered data and save it.
Tip: stop using the drive first
Deleted data usually stays on the drive until something overwrites it. Stop using the drive as soon as you notice the loss. Save recovered files to a different disk.
Who it's for
It suits you if you keep photos, work files or backups on a USB or external drive and have no second copy. The step-by-step flow is simple enough for a first-time user.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Short, guided recovery process
- Preview before saving
- Demo version to try first
- Windows and Mac versions
Cons
- Saving recovered files requires the paid full version
- The listing's stated versions and system support are dated (Windows XP to Windows 7)
- It focuses on external drives and is not a general-purpose disk suite
FAQs
Can it recover data from a formatted external drive?
Yes. The vendor says you can recover data even after the drive has been formatted.
Which file systems does it support?
FAT32, exFAT and NTFS.
Is there a Mac version?
Yes. The vendor offers a separate Mac edition, including builds for older OS X releases.
Should I keep using the drive after losing files?
No. Stop using it right away so the lost data isn't overwritten.
System requirements
- 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended)
- 50 MB free disk space
- 32-bit and 64-bit PCs
- Windows XP, Vista, 7 and other Windows versions