Unformat WD External Hard Drive: Recover Lost Data from a Formatted WD External Hard Drive

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These hard drives are among the most reliable and widely used storage devices. However, accidents happen, and formatting your WD external hard drive (HDD or SSD) by mistake can lead to data loss. Whether you formatted the drive intentionally without backing up data or encountered an error that forced formatting, recovering lost files is still possible.

When you format a WD external hard drive, the data is not immediately erased but rather marked as free space. This means recovery is possible as long as new data hasn't been overwritten. In this article, we will explore different ways to unformat a WD external hard drive and recover lost data using software, command-line tools, and professional recovery services.

Lose Data Due to Formatting WD External Hard Drive?

Prior diving into recovery methods, it's essential to understand why a WD external hard drive might get formatted. Identifying the cause can help prevent future incidents.

1. Unintentional Formatting

Human error is one of the most frequent causes of data loss. You might mistakenly format the wrong drive while managing multiple storage devices.

2. File System Corruption

If a WD external hard drive's file system becomes corrupted, the operating system may prompt you to format the drive before use. Common error messages include:

• "You need to format the disk in drive X: before you can use it."
• "The disk structure is corrupted and unreadable."

3. Virus or Malware Attacks

Malicious software can infect a WD external hard drive, making data inaccessible. Some viruses corrupt the file system, requiring a format to regain access.

4. Converting File Systems (e.g., NTFS to exFAT)

When switching between Windows and macOS, users often reformat drives from NTFS to exFAT or vice versa. If data isn't backed up beforehand, it can be lost.

5. Unintentional Factory Reset or Partition Deletion

Some users accidentally delete partitions or perform a factory reset on their WD external hard drive, leading to complete data loss.

Can You Recover Data from a Formatted WD External Hard Drive?

Yes, data recovery is possible as long as the formatted drive hasn't been overwritten with new files. When a drive is formatted, the operating system removes the file system references, but the actual data remains until overwritten.

Factors Affecting Data Recovery Success:

1. Type of Formatting
   • Quick Format: Only removes file system references; recovery is highly possible.
   • Full Format: Overwrites data; recovery is difficult but not impossible with advanced tools.
2. Time Since Formatting
   • The sooner recovery is attempted, the better the chances of success.
3. New Data Overwritten
   • If new files have been written to the formatted drive, recovery becomes less likely.

3 Methods to Unformat and Recover Lost Data from a Formatted WD External Hard Drive

Method 1: Recover Lost Data from Formatted WD External Hard Drive With Software

Data recovery software is the easiest and most effective way to restore lost files from a formatted WD external hard drive.

Donemax Data Recovery is one of the most reliable recovery tools, offering both quick and deep scanning features. Follow these steps to recover your lost files from a formatted WD external hard drive:

Step 1. Download and install Donemax Data Recovery.

Click Download button below to download Donemax Data Recovery. Then install this program on your computer and connect the WD external hard drive to your computer.

Important: To avoid overwriting lost data, avoid installing the software on the same WD external hard drive that you are recovering from.

Step 2. Select the Formatted WD External Hard Drive.

Open Donemax Data Recovery, then select the formatted WD external hard drive to start data recovery.

Step 3. Click on Scan Button.

Click on Scan button. Donemax Data Recovery will deeply scan the formatted WD external hard drive and find all deleted/formatted/lost files.

Step 4. Preview and Save Files.

Once scanning is complete, browse the recoverable files. Before restoring photos, documents, or videos, use the preview option to inspect them.

Click "Recover" after selecting the files you wish to recover.

Important: Save recovered files to a different storage location (e.g., your PC or another external drive) instead of the formatted WD drive to prevent overwriting.

Additional Recovery Tips for Best Results

Stop Using the Formatted Drive Immediately

• Continuing to use the drive increases the risk of overwriting lost data.
• Do not save new files or install software on the affected drive.

Use Deep Scan if Files Aren't Found in Quick Scan

• If the quick scan doesn’t retrieve your lost files, let the deep scan run completely.

Recover Data in Batches

• If the software crashes during recovery, try restoring files in smaller batches.

Look for RAW and Unknown File Names

• Formatted files may not retain their original names. Search for generic file types (e.g., file0001.jpg).

Try Multiple Software If Needed

• If one tool doesn‘t work, try another. Different software uses different algorithms, and one may detect files that another misses.

By following these steps, you can maximize your chances of successfully recovering lost data from a formatted WD external hard drive using data recovery software.

Method 2: Use Command Prompt (For RAW or Minor Formatting Issues)

If your WD external hard drive has become RAW or slightly corrupted, you can try recovering files using Windows Command Prompt.

1. Use CHKDSK Command

This command helps fix errors and restore the file system.

• Open Command Prompt (Run as Administrator).
• Type the following command and press Enter:

  chkdsk X: /f /r /x

  (Replace "X" with your drive letter.)

• If CHKDSK successfully repairs the file system, your files may reappear.

2. Use ATTRIB Command to Restore Hidden Files

Sometimes, files may be hidden rather than deleted.

• Open Command Prompt and type:

  attrib -h -r -s /s /d X:\*.*

  (Replace "X" with your drive letter.)

• Check if your missing files have reappeared.

Method 3: Seeking Professional Data Recovery Services to Unformat WD Drive

If software and command-line methods fail, professional recovery services are the best option.

When to Consider Professional Help?

• The WD external hard drive is physically damaged (e.g., clicking noise, not detected).
• Full format has been performed.
• Critical business data or important files were lost.

Recommended Data Recovery Services:

• WD Data Recovery Partners (listed on WD's official website).
• DriveSavers
• Ontrack Data Recovery
• Stellar Data Recovery

Cost of Professional Recovery:

• Logical Damage (software-based recovery): $100 – $500
• Physical Damage (requires lab work): $500 – $2000

Tips to Avoid Data Loss on WD Drive in the Future

1. Regular Backups

• Use WD Backup Software, disk cloning software or cloud storage solutions like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox.
• Keep at least two copies of important files in different locations.

2. Use Disk Imaging for Important Data

• Create a full disk image with software like Macrium Reflect or Acronis True Image to restore data if needed.

3. Avoid Unsafe Ejections and Power Failures

• Always use "Eject Safely" before disconnecting the drive.
• Avoid using the drive during power surges or sudden shutdowns.

4. Install Reliable Antivirus Software

• Protect your WD external hard drive from malware that can corrupt data.
• Use trusted antivirus programs like Bitdefender, Norton, or Malwarebytes.

Conclusion

Accidentally formatting a WD external hard drive doesn't mean all hope is lost. As long as new data hasn't overwritten the formatted space, you can recover lost files from a formatted WD external hard drive using recovery software, command-line tools, or professional recovery services.

To increase recovery chances:

• Act quickly before new data overwrites the old files.
• Use data recovery software like Donemax Data Recovery for the best results.
• For severe cases, consider professional recovery services.
• Regularly backing up key files will help prevent potential data loss.

By complying these steps, you can successfully unformat a WD external hard drive and recover your lost data.

FAQs About Recovering Formatted WD External HDD/SSD

1. Is it possible to recover lost data from a formatted WD external hard drive?

Yes, with data recovery tool, data recovery service, CMD tool, users can recover lost data from a formatted WD external hard drive.

2. How to unformat a WD external hard drive?

Follow these steps to unformat a WD external hard drive:

• Download and install Donemax Data Recovery on your computer.
• Open Donemax Data Recovery, select the formatted WD external hard drive.
• Click on Scan button.
• Recover lost files after scanning.

3. How to recover lost data after factory resetting a WD external hard drive?

You can use Donemax Data Recovery to help recover lost data after factory resetting a WD external hard drive. But, if the WD external hard drive is wiped by disk wipe software - such as Donemax Data Eraser, the data is lost for good, can't be recovered by any method.

4. What is the best software for recovering formatted WD external hard drive?

Here is the list of top 5 WD recovery software for data recovery from a formatted WD external hard drive:

• Donemax Data Recovery
• Magoshare Data Recovery
• Recuva
• Stellar Data Recovery
• Wondershare Recoverit