You ran CHKDSK to fix a disk problem and only found that it deleted your files? More frequently than you would believe, this is the situation. File system issues are fixed and performance of your storage device improves using CHKDSK. Under some circumstances, though, it can also lead to accidental file deletion. The good news is that the lost data can be recovered. This page will lead you through methods for recovering files deleted by CHKDSK.
Why CHKDSK Deleted Your Files?
Powerful software CHKDSK was created to fix disk faults and enhance file system stability. Sometimes, though, it can unintentionally delete important documents. This often results from CHKDSK running across specific problems during its scan:
- When faulty sectors are identified, CHKDSK notes them as pointless and any data stored in such sectors might become unavailable.
- Likewise, files could become destroyed or deleted if the scan suddenly turns off. Specifically with the /f or /r settings, CHKDSK must finish its scan. Any interruption—forced shutdowns or power failures included—may cause data damage or loss.
- Keep in mind too that running CHKDSK on a physically damaged drive could compound the problem. Drives with strange sounds, such whirring or clicking, often have physical damage, therefore CHKDSK might excessively strain them. In these situations, running the utility is less suggested than seeking advice from a qualified data recovery service.
There is hope even if this sounds frightening. Files removed via CHKDSK only get recognized as accessible for rewriting; they are not deleted immediately. Acting fast gives you a good chance those files may be recovered. The situation gets more difficult, though, if you are using a solid-state drive (SSD) with TRIM turned on. Once this process happens, files in those blocks could be permanently destroyed, making recovery much harder. TRIM orders the SSD to delete unused data blocks. If you have an SSD, temporarily deactivating TRIM will increase your chances of recovering CHKDSK lost files.
Here is the approach:
- Press Windows + S, type commands in the search bar.
- Run as administrator right-click Command Prompt.
- Type this command and press Enter to turn off TRIM: Set Disable Delete Notify 1’s fsutil behavior. This prevents your SSD from automatically removing destroyed data blocks and makes TRIM disabled.
Re-enable TRIM during the recovery process to keep your SSD’s performance and lifespan intact. Type this command and hit Enter to carry out that type: Set Disable Delete Notify 0.fsutil behavior.
Although CHKDSK’s goal is not to delete files, collateral damage may occur while the program is trying to fix disk issues. Unless they have been modified, files marked to destruction can be retrieved. We will go through recovering those data in the future.
Recover Files Deleted by CHKDSK
If CHKDSK results in data loss, you still have a chance to recover your files, especially if you move fast. Reusing the files before new data overwrites them is the key to a good recovery. Here we will go over different methods for CHKDSK recovery. First, the most efficient method is data recovery software.
Method 1: Undelete files deleted by CHKDSK with BLR Data Recovery Tool
Designed for handling several data loss circumstances, including those caused by CHKDSK scans, BLR Data Recovery Tool is a safe, user-friendly but complex software solution. Data can be recovered from NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, even RAW devices using BLR data recovery wizard across multiple file systems. This is particularly useful when CHKDSK leaves a disk in a state whereby it no longer recognizes its original file system.
Loss of the folder structure is one of the typical issues following a CHKDSK scan. BLR data recovery tools are quite effective in recovering the original folder structure as well as in recovering particular files. This function helps you to more quickly access and organize your restored data. Moreover, BLR data recovery utility can often recreate files without metadata even if CHKDSK damaged files or split them during the repair process. This is crucial under the conditions of compromised directory organization for the drive.
Here are the steps to use the BLR Data Recovery Tool to recover data deleted by CHKDSK:
Step 1: Download and Install BLR Data Recovery Tool
- Visit the official BLR Tools website and download the BLR Data Recovery Tool.
- Install the software by following the on-screen instructions.
Step 2: Launch the Software
- Open the BLR Data Recovery Tool after installation.
Step 3: Select the Drive
- Choose the drive where CHKDSK ran and deleted your files (typically the one you scanned using CHKDSK).
- Click “Next” to begin the scan.
Step 4: Choose the Recovery Mode
- Select either a Quick Scan or Deep Scan option. A deep scan is recommended for more thorough data recovery after CHKDSK operations.
Step 5: Scan for Lost Data
- Let the software scan the selected drive for lost or deleted files. The scanning time may vary depending on the drive’s size.
Step 6: Preview the Files
- Once the scan is complete, the tool will display the recoverable files.
- You can preview files to ensure they are recoverable and select the ones you wish to recover.
Step 7: Recover the Files
- Select the files or folders you want to restore and click “Recover.”
- Choose a safe location to save the recovered files, preferably on a different drive from the original one to avoid overwriting data.
Step 8: Save and Verify
- Save the recovered files to your selected destination.
- Open and verify that the recovered files are intact and accessible.
By following these steps, you can efficiently recover data that was lost due to CHKDSK operations using the BLR Data Recovery Software.
Method 2: Recovery of Files deleted by CHKDSK from Windows File History
If you turned on Windows File History before running CHKDSK, you have another simple way to restore deleted files. Windows’ built-in backup utility, File History regularly backs up versions of your files. It regularly backs up files kept on desktop, libraries, and other key sites. You can restore a file that CHKDSK deleted from a past backup with little effort.
Step 1: Launch the Control Panel and find System and Security. On File History, click.
Step 2: Select Restore personal files from the menu on the left-hand side within the File History window.
Step 3: There are going to be accessible backups shown in the File History window. Go to the folder—such as the Desktop or Documents folder—where you’re deleted files first resided.
Step 4: Scroll among several backup versions utilizing the left and right navigation buttons until you come upon the backup containing the files you wish to restore.
Step 5: Choose the folders or files you need recovered. Click the green Restore button found at the window’s bottom. This will by default return the files back to their original location. Click the Restore to option if you would like to restore the files to a different folder and select the place you want to save the contents at.
Step 6: Check the folder where you stored the files upon recovery to see whether the files have been properly recovered. Should the files be found as expected, you should now have access to them free from any more problems. File History, however, only comes useful if it was turned on earlier than the data loss. Should it not be set up or if your files were not included in the backup, you will have to rely on alternative recovery techniques such as the BLR data recovery tool.
How to Make Safe Use of CHKDSK?
Data loss can result from wrong running of CHKDSK or from executing it on a damaged drive. Following certain instructions helps to avoid accidental file deletions and guarantees that CHKDSK operates as expected. Here’s how to utilize CHKDSK ethically to minimize the chance of losing crucial information.
- Always backup you’re most valuable documents. Though CHKDSK is mostly meant to fix disk problems, there is always a slight danger that files could be erased or corrupted during the scan, particularly in case of faulty sectors or disk faults involved. Back up your critical data using an external device, online storage, Windows File History.
- Make sure you run CHKDSK with appropriate parameters for your circumstances: While /r parameter not only looks for logical problems but also attempts to recover beneficial data from faulty sectors, /f option leads CHKDSK to correct any logical faults it comes across in the file system.
- Unexpected power loss or forced shutdowns can cause CHKDSK to give up files in an incomplete condition or cause corruption. Make sure your device has been inserted in or has sufficient power to run CHKDSK securely. Stay clear of any disturbances during the scan. Give the process time to complete; disrupting it midway can cause data loss.
- Before performing CHKDSK, you ought to assess the state of your drive. Look for issues including faulty sectors or upcoming drive failure using diagnostic equipment or the diagnostic software provided by your drive manufacturer. These devices will clearly show you if the drive is sufficiently solid to run CHKDSK or whether it is too damaged and requires expert help.
In summary
Although CHKDSK is crucial for fixing disk faults, in this post we will occasionally discuss accidental file deletions resulting from her. Luckily, there are various ways to have files erased by CHKDSK restored, from Windows’ built-in choices like File History to strong third-party recovery solutions like BLR Data Recovery tool. We additionally addressed how to get information from CHKDSK’s “Found” folders and the need of responding fast to stop overwriting deleted files.
Guest article written by: Hello, I’m Anamika from India! Nice to meet you all. I’m passionate about technology and specialize in writing about data recovery solutions. Currently, I’m part of BLR Tools, where we provide advanced software for recovering lost data efficiently. I love exploring new tech trends and sharing insights that can help users navigate their data recovery challenges. Looking forward to connecting with you!