Understanding low-level formatting: Is data recovery possible?

This article will explore in-depth the concept of low-level formatting (LLF), as well as the possibilities and methods of data recovery after low-level formatting.

Can data be recovered after low-level formatting?

Unlike advanced formatting, low-level formatting directly writes to storage media, bypasses the file system layer, and directly operates disk sectors. When a large number of bad sectors appear in the disk, low-level formatting can be used to initialize the disk and repartition.

However, low-level formatting can cause physical damage, and all data will be cleared after formatting and cannot be restored. Therefore, low-level formatting is not recommended unless necessary.

Data recovery after low-level formatting failed

As mentioned above, after successful low-level formatting, the data is usually not recoverable. However, there is still a possibility of recovery under the following circumstances:

• Low-level formatting is interrupted or failed due to system crashes, power outages, etc.
• The formatting process is forcibly terminated.
• The bad sectors are not completely cleared.

In these cases, MiniTool Power Data Recovery data recovery software is the best choice. It is an all-round file recovery tool that can recover various types of files (email, pictures, documents, videos, etc.) from various storage devices such as hard disk, external hard disk, USB disk, etc.

Steps to recover data using MiniTool Power Data Recovery:

Step 1: Download, install and start MiniTool Power Data Recovery.

Step 2: In the Logical Drives section, locate and select the low-level formatted disk and click Scan (or double-click to start scanning).

Step 3: Preview and select the desired file, and then click "Save" to select the storage path (don't save to the original path).

Notice:

Summarize

After successful low-level formatting, files on the hard drive cannot usually be recovered by any data recovery software. However, if the low-level formatting is not completed or fails, you can try to recover files using MiniTool Power Data Recovery.

If you have any questions, please contact us. You can also leave a message in the comment section below.

Low-level formatting FAQ

Will low-level formatting erase all data? Yes. After the low-level formatting is completed, all data on the drive will be erased and cannot be recovered even with professional file recovery software.

Can data be recovered after formatting the hard disk? Yes. You can recover data from a formatted hard drive using MiniTool free data recovery software.

What are the advantages of low-level formatting? Low-level formatting will restore the hard disk to factory state. Therefore, it can automatically fix logical bad sectors or minor physical bad sectors, and simultaneously mask (hide) internal physical bad sectors. It can also clear a large number of virus files stored in disk sectors.

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