If you have an external hard drive, and you do a complete format (not a quick format) is your data completely gone, or could someone still see what was on the drive if they wanted to?
2007-10-05 09:11:18 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Add-ons
the reason I ask is because I had to return a defective external hard drive...but I already had sensitive data on it...I did a complete format before returning it to the store, but I'm concerned someone could still see/open my files if they really wanted to....should I be concerned?
2007-10-05 09:15:43 · update #1
When you format, full or quick, the data remains.
When you list the contents of a hard drive, you are reading the contents of the File Allocation Table. The File Allocation Table is like a map of your hard drive. It tells the operating system where these files are located on the drive.
When you delete a file, that file's entry in the File Allocation Table is deleted and the space that the file occupied is marked as free. The actual data still remains until the data is overwritten with new data.
When you format a drive, the entire File Allocation Table is cleared and all of the space on the drive is marked as free to the operating system. Again, all of the data still remains.
As long as the data is not overwritten by new data, an advanced user can use a disk editor to recover the data. Recently, I was using a disk editor and was able to recover some files on a hard drive that were deleted three years ago.
To completely remove the data you need a file wipe utility. These utilities overwrite the file data area with either random characters, zeros, or a combination of both. For an external drive, a program called Eraser will work well. Just be sure that you really want to get rid of the data as recovering the files will be impossible. Never say never, but it is doubtful anyone could recover files that were wiped this way. Follow the link below to download the program.
2007-10-05 09:19:45 · answer #1 · answered by Mad Jack 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The data is recoverable with sophisticated software even after a format. If the disk is formatted several times that will lessen the chances for data recovery, especially if the disk is filled with new data (files, programs, whatever) each time prior to formatting.
In the past, when returning a pc to an ex-employer, I've reformatted the hard drive and re-installed Windows, and then reformatted again, but stopped the process after a few minutes and long before the format finishes. Apparently this really makes a mess of the disk.
2007-10-05 09:21:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you data is left intact during a format, regardless of which kind of format. The difference between a quick and a normal format is only an integrity check on the disc. Formatting your harddrive is truly just creating a new filesystem.
If you want to securely delete data on your PC, you have to use a tool like sdelete, which will overwrite your data several times with random patterns.
2007-10-05 09:26:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you reformat everything will be "gone" and like new, but data can still be recovered. If you are selling your computer it would be wise to wipe the information permanently. I recommend DBAN. Darik's Boot and Nuke ("DBAN") is a self-contained boot disk that securely wipes the hard disks of most computers. DBAN will automatically and completely delete the contents of any hard disk that it can detect, which makes it an appropriate utility for bulk or emergency data destruction. Please note: It is possible (though extremely unlikely) to recover data even if it has been erased and written over many times. The only true way to ensure data is never recovered is to physically destroy the drive.
2016-04-07 06:01:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
After re formatting it is best to take a strong magnet across it a few times. That will miss the data up more. If someone really wants it and knows what their doing no matter what you do they can retrieve it.
2007-10-05 09:58:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can restore your data back, use any third party data recovery software, but if you put more data on that drive after formatting, then the recovery chance will be min.
2007-10-05 09:23:08 · answer #6 · answered by rani_tips 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not completely gone. Recovery from accidental formatting is pretty easy. Most companies will physical destroy a drive to prevent data recovery if they are smart.
2007-10-05 09:17:19 · answer #7 · answered by Waypo 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Data on external drive will still be there if you format C: drive. Please specify who is someone, and from where to see you external hard drive? Anything to be do through your computer will be removed after you format your PC HD.
2007-10-05 09:16:36 · answer #8 · answered by Scott P 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes they could, if they have the smarts and programs to do it. otherwise no. Ordinary people can't.
You could also format it like 10 times and that will also lessen the chances.
2007-10-05 09:14:35 · answer #9 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
use Easy Recovery u can easily get your data back~if you don't want them to be back ,try Low-level formatting,of course ,with special software
2007-10-05 09:17:52 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋