If the only lost data you are recovering from is the loss of a partition map, then at this point, you can use this data to recreate that map using GNU Parted. In this case, the lost partition was named wreck, and TestDisk successfully discovered its boundaries. Running TestDisk on an example lab thumb drive returns this analysis: TestDisk 7.0, Data Recovery Utility, April 2015ĭisk /dev/sdb - 1939 MB / 1850 MiB - CHS 1018 60 62 The typical workflow is to analyze and then recover. Here you can analyze files, recover them, or modify the disk’s geometry and options. Once you choose a partition scheme, TestDisk offers its main menu. TestDisk attempts to detect the correct partition map, but if you know better, you can override its guess with a specific location. > EFI GPT partition map (Mac i386, some x86_64.) Please select the partition table type, press Enter when done. testdisk_static /dev/sdxĭisk /dev/sdx - 1939 MB / 1850 MiB - General UDisk TestDisk is an interactive application, so begin by pointing it to the victim device or image. TestDisk is less focused and more flexible than Scalpel, so how you use this tool depends on the situation. You can find more on using Scalpel in an upcoming article. This tool may be able to recover your data on its own, or you might use it in conjunction with Scalpel-a file extraction tool-by first using TestDisk to obtain a disk image, and then scanning the image for file types with Scalpel. TestDisk attempts to recover lost partition data and any lost files within the bounds of the recovered partition.

The first time you don’t have to resort to TestDisk because you have a backup image, the planning and preparation pay for themselves in both time and peace of mind. Note: If you don’t have a mandatory backup plan, implement one now.

One tool to turn to when it’s time to recover lost files or filesystems is TestDisk. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and hardware fails. In How to prevent and recover from accidental file deletion in Linux, we addressed local and remote backups, how to reduce your file recovery drama with smart management of file deletion commands, and general best practices for responding to file recovery emergencies.

Use testdisk to recover files