A successful recovery usually depends on the nature of data loss and actions already taken before using File Scavenger®. After reading this chapter, continue with Chapters 2, 3 and 4 before proceeding.

For brevity, the drive containing the lost data is henceforth called the “subject drive.”

Is Data Recoverable?

The guidelines below are applicable to the NTFS file system, which is highly recoverable and the default file system for hard drives on computers running Windows® NT 4, 2000, 2003, XP and Vista. The older FAT and FAT32 file systems are poorly recoverable and are the default file systems for small portable storage devices such as memory sticks, SD cards, etc. The FAT and FAT32 file systems are also used on the now-obsolete Windows® 95, 98 and Me platforms. Please see “Chapter 11: FAT and FAT32 Partitions” for more information.

The following scenarios are highly recoverable:

• Formatting or deleting a partition.
• Unsuccessful merging of two partitions.
• A drive becoming corrupted and inaccessible but still being detected by the computer BIOS.
• Accidental deletion of files, including deletion from the Windows® Recycle Bin, provided that immediate actions are taken.