Recover Permanently Deleted Files from an External Hard Drive on a Mac

Losing important files due to accidental deletion is a stressful experience, especially if it involves an external hard drive on a Mac. Fortunately, there are several ways to recover these files, whether you’ve accidentally deleted them or faced unexpected data loss. This article will guide you through various methods to recover permanently deleted files from an external hard drive on a Mac. From utilizing built-in recovery tools to leveraging third-party software, you’ll find a step-by-step approach to retrieve your lost data.

For a comprehensive guide on how to recover data from a formatted external hard drive on a Mac, check out more about recovering data from formatted drive. This resource provides useful insights on tackling similar issues involving formatted drives.

Common Scenarios:

Accidentally Emptied Trash 🗑

One common scenario is emptying your Trash only to realize moments later that you’ve deleted some important files.

This situation is common, especially when you’re trying to free up space on your Mac. The good news is, there are ways to recover those permanently deleted files from your external hard drive even after emptying the Trash. You just need to follow some specific steps.

External Hard Drive Corruption 💽

Another frequent issue occurs when the external hard drive itself gets corrupted.

Corruption can be caused by multiple factors, including unsafe ejection of the drive, power surges, or malware. Despite the drive being corrupted, you can use these methods to recover your deleted files.

System Crash or Failure ⚠

Another common scenario is when a system crash or failure leads to loss of important files.

System crashes are unpredictable and can lead to unexpected data loss. However, there are steps you can take to retrieve your lost files from the external hard drive connected to your Mac.

Step-by-Step Guide. How To Recover Permanently Deleted Files From An External Hard Drive On A Mac?:

Method 1: Time Machine Backup ⏳

Ensure your external hard drive is connected to your Mac.
Open the Time Machine application from your Applications folder.
Use the timeline on the right edge of the screen to locate the backup that contains the deleted files.
Select the files and click ‘Restore’ to recover them to their original location.
Check your external hard drive to ensure the files have been successfully restored.

Note: Time Machine needs to be set up beforehand and should have performed backups prior to the file deletion.

Conclusion: This method works best if you already have a Time Machine backup that includes the deleted files.

Method 2: Disk Drill 🛠

Download and install Disk Drill from the official website.
Launch Disk Drill and select your external hard drive from the list of available drives.
Click the ‘Recover’ button to start the scanning process.
Review the list of recoverable files and select the ones you want to restore.
Click ‘Recover’ again to save the files to a safe location on your Mac.

Note: Avoid saving recovered files back to the same external hard drive to prevent overwriting.

Conclusion: Disk Drill is a powerful tool that can scan deeply for lost files and offers a straightforward recovery process.

Method 3: Data Recovery Wizard 📂

Download and install EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard from the official website.
Connect your external hard drive to your Mac.
Launch the application and select the external hard drive.
Click ‘Scan’ to search for deleted files.
Once the scan is complete, preview and select the files you wish to recover, then click ‘Recover’.

Note: Ensure there’s enough free space on your Mac to store the recovered files.

Conclusion: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is user-friendly and effective for recovering permanently deleted files from an external hard drive.

Method 4: PhotoRec 🔍

Download and install PhotoRec from the official website.
Open Terminal on your Mac and navigate to the PhotoRec directory.
Launch PhotoRec and select your external hard drive.
Follow the on-screen instructions to choose the partition and file types you want to recover.
Specify a destination folder on your Mac for the recovered files.

Note: PhotoRec is free but has a command-line interface, which might be challenging for beginners.

Conclusion: PhotoRec is a powerful and free utility that recovers a wide range of file types, but it may require some technical skill to use.

Method 5: Disk Utility 🚀

Open Disk Utility from your Applications folder.
Select your external hard drive from the sidebar.
Click ‘First Aid’ to check and repair any issues with the drive.
If Disk Utility repairs the drive, check if your deleted files are visible again.

Note: This method is more about fixing drive issues that might make the files appear as deleted or inaccessible.

Conclusion: Disk Utility can restore functionality to a corrupted drive, potentially making your deleted files accessible again.

Precautions and Tips:

Best Practices for Data Safety on Mac 🛡

Always have a backup plan such as Time Machine.
Avoid unsafe ejection of your external hard drive.
Regularly scan your system for malware.
Invest in reliable recovery software.

Incorporating these habits will help you minimize the risk of losing important files and make the recovery process easier if you ever need it. Furthermore, these practices will not only safeguard your data but also ensure the longevity and reliability of your external hard drive.

Extra Information

For situations where you find yourself frequently dealing with lost data, it’s worthwhile to consider some paid solutions. Another reliable option is Stellar Data Recovery. You can download and explore it further on this page. Similar to Disk Drill, it offers robust features for data recovery including advanced file recovery, support for various file systems, and options to recover from encrypted drives.

If you’re looking for a free alternative to Time Machine for ongoing backups, consider using Backup and Sync by Google. Although it’s primarily targeted towards Google Drive users, it can be an efficient way to ensure that cloud backups of important data are maintained. More details can be found on Google’s official page.

Another pointer to keep in mind is keeping your macOS and installed applications (including recovery tools) up to date. Developers frequently update their software to close security gaps, improve compatibility, and add features—each of which aids in making the task of data recovery more seamless. The official Apple Support page offers a comprehensive resource on keeping your Mac up to date: Update macOS.

In summary, the key to dealing with data loss is to be well-prepared. This involves having multiple backup solutions, keeping software updated, and understanding how to use various recovery tools effectively. More information and resources on Mac data safety and recovery can be found on MacWorld’s website, a high-authority site dedicated to all things Mac, from tutorials to the latest news.

Conclusion:

Recovering permanently deleted files from an external hard drive on a Mac might seem daunting, but it’s entirely possible with the right approach and tools. Whether you utilize built-in options like Time Machine or robust third-party software such as Disk Drill and EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, each method offers a viable pathway to retrieving your lost data. By maintaining regular backups, avoiding unsafe ejection of your external drive, and staying prepared with recovery tools, you can significantly reduce the risks of permanent data loss. For more details and in-depth guides on data recovery and general macOS troubleshooting, feel free to explore other resources available on the web.

Don’t forget to check out additional tips and techniques on specialized sites such as MacWorld for more comprehensive guides and tutorials.

FAQ

How can you recover permanently deleted files from an external hard drive on a Mac?

To recover permanently deleted files, use specialized software that supports macOS. Options like Disk Drill or EaseUS Data Recovery can help scan and restore deleted files.

Can Time Machine be used to recover files from an external hard drive?

Time Machine backs up files to another location but does not directly recover files on an external hard drive. Ensure important files on the hard drive are backed up using Time Machine.

Are there alternative methods if software fails to recover deleted files on a Mac?

If software does not work, professional data recovery services might be an option. These services have advanced tools to retrieve lost files, but they can be costly.

What are some steps to prevent permanently losing files on an external hard drive?

Regular backups, using cloud storage solutions, and maintaining copies on multiple devices can mitigate the risk of permanent data loss.

Is it possible to recover deleted files if they were overwritten on a Mac?

Recovery is highly unlikely if files are overwritten. Avoid using the device immediately after deletion to increase the chances of successful recovery.

How does macOS handle file deletion, and can it aid in recovery?

macOS moves deleted files to the Trash, and they remain until emptied. Recovery software can scan for and possibly restore files even after the Trash is emptied.

What role does TRIM play in SSDs, and how does it affect file recovery?

TRIM helps SSDs manage storage efficiently but can make file recovery more difficult since it eliminates data marked for deletion. Regular backups are crucial.

Why is it important not to write new data to an external hard drive after deleting files?

Writing new data can overwrite the areas where deleted files are stored, reducing the chances of successful recovery. Avoid using the drive until recovery software is used.

Can you recover permanently deleted files using built-in macOS tools?

Built-in macOS tools like Time Machine can help if backups were made. Otherwise, specialized recovery software is required for scanning and restoring files from the device.

Where can you find reliable data recovery solutions for Mac?

Reliable options include Disk Drill and EaseUS Data Recovery. For professional help, consider services. More details can be found at Clever Data Recovery and Data Recovery Labs. Recognizing the importance of maintaining multiple backup solutions can significantly reduce the risk of data loss. For critical files, prioritize creating regular backups, and utilize cloud storage whenever feasible. This proactive approach ensures not only the preservation of essential data but also facilitates the recovery process should any issue arise with the external hard drive or the primary storage device.