Data loss is a common issue that most computer users face at some point. Whether it’s due to accidental deletion, disk formatting, or system errors, losing important data can be a stressful experience. Fortunately, Ubuntu users can recover data from Ext4 partitions using powerful data recovery tools such as TestDisk and PhotoRec. In this article, we will guide you through the process of recovering data from Ext4 partitions on Ubuntu in detail.
Yes, it is possible to recover data from Ext4 partitions on Ubuntu using data recovery tools such as TestDisk and PhotoRec. These tools can help you recover lost partitions and deleted files from Ext4 partitions. However, the success of recovery depends on various factors, so it’s important to act promptly and avoid writing any new data to the disk where the lost data was stored.
Understanding Ext4 Partitions
Ext4, or Extended File System version 4, is the default file system for many Linux distributions, including Ubuntu. It supports large file sizes and has robust journaling, which makes it a good choice for high-capacity drives. However, like any file system, data loss can occur due to various reasons such as accidental deletion, hardware failure, or system crash.
Preparing for Data Recovery
Before we begin the recovery process, it’s important to note that you should avoid writing any new data to the disk where the lost data was stored. This is because new data can overwrite the lost files, making them unrecoverable. If possible, unmount the disk or partition to prevent any accidental data writing.
Installing TestDisk and PhotoRec
TestDisk and PhotoRec are two powerful open-source data recovery tools that can recover lost partitions and deleted files, respectively. They can be installed from the Ubuntu repositories using the following command:
sudo apt-get install testdisk photorecIn this command, sudo is used to execute the command with root privileges, apt-get is the package handling utility in Ubuntu, and install is the command to install new packages.
Recovering Partitions with TestDisk
After installing TestDisk, you can start it by running sudo testdisk in the terminal. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use it:
- Select the disk: After launching TestDisk, you will be asked to select the disk from which you want to recover data. Use the arrow keys to navigate and press Enter to select.
- Choose the partition table type: Usually, the partition table type is Intel/PC. Select it and press Enter.
- Analyze the disk: Select “Analyse” and press Enter. TestDisk will analyze the disk for recoverable partitions.
- Search for lost files: If TestDisk detects the old Ext4 partition, select it and choose “Quick Search” or “Deeper Search”. These options will search the partition for lost files.
- Recover the files: After the search is complete, navigate through the directory structure and select the files you want to recover. Press
Cto copy the selected files to a destination folder on a different disk.
Recovering Files with PhotoRec
If TestDisk doesn’t find the old Ext4 partition, you can use PhotoRec, which is designed for file recovery. Run sudo photorec in the terminal to start PhotoRec and follow these steps:
- Select the disk: Similar to TestDisk, select the disk you want to recover data from and press Enter.
- Choose the partition type: Usually, it’s Intel/PC. Select it and press Enter.
- Select the file system type: Choose Ext4 and press Enter.
- Select the partition (if prompted): If PhotoRec prompts you to select a partition, do so and press Enter.
- Choose the destination folder: Select the destination folder where the recovered files should be saved.
- Start the recovery process: After selecting the destination folder, PhotoRec will start scanning the disk for recoverable files and save them to the specified destination folder.
Conclusion
Data recovery can be a time-consuming process, and the success of recovery depends on various factors such as the extent of data overwriting and the condition of the disk. However, with tools like TestDisk and PhotoRec, you can maximize your chances of recovering lost data from Ext4 partitions on Ubuntu.
For more information and detailed instructions, refer to the Ubuntu Community Data Recovery page and the related questions on the Ask Ubuntu website. Remember to act promptly and avoid writing any new data to the disk where the lost data was stored to maximize the chances of successful recovery.
Yes, it is possible to recover data from formatted Ext4 partitions on Ubuntu using data recovery tools like TestDisk and PhotoRec. These tools can scan the disk and recover lost files even after formatting.
Yes, TestDisk and PhotoRec can also recover deleted files from Ext4 partitions on Ubuntu. These tools are designed to search for and recover deleted files by analyzing the disk and identifying recoverable data.
Yes, TestDisk and PhotoRec can recover data from damaged Ext4 partitions on Ubuntu. These tools are capable of scanning the disk and identifying recoverable data, even if the partition is damaged or corrupted.
It is highly recommended to unmount the disk or partition before attempting data recovery. Unmounting prevents any accidental writing of new data to the disk, which can overwrite the lost files and make them unrecoverable.
Yes, both TestDisk and PhotoRec allow you to navigate through the directory structure of the Ext4 partition and select specific files or folders for recovery. You can choose the files or folders you want to recover and copy them to a different disk or folder.
The data recovery process can vary in duration depending on various factors such as the size of the disk, the extent of data loss, and the speed of the computer. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours to complete the recovery process.
Yes, there are other data recovery tools available for Ubuntu, such as Scalpel and Foremost. However, TestDisk and PhotoRec are widely used and highly recommended due to their effectiveness and user-friendly interface.
