This is a detailed step-by-step guide to recovering deleted data on FAT file systems ( FAT12/16/32) and VFAT.

• The FAT filesystem is most commonly used on memory cards, digital cameras, and USB flash drives.
• VFAT is typically used on external hard drives formatted with WIndows.

You should immediately please you: recovering deleted information does not cause any particular difficulties. In addition, consider the fact that when you delete a file or folder, the item is only marked as "writable" in the file table. The difficulty lies in the fact that when the same space is used by other files, they will be overwritten and it will either be impossible to restore them, or it will be possible, but only partially. The TestDisk program can detect a deleted item on a hard drive or other media when scanning - when it finds the beginning of the file. Accordingly, if the file has not yet been overwritten, it can be easily restored.

Well, friends, let's start recovering files on a disk with the FAT file system.

Launching the TestDisk Application

If you haven't already installed the TestDisk application on your disk, now is the time to do so. Download the TestDisk distribution by clicking on the button Download.

Unzip the archive, including subdirectories, to disk.

To fully restore a deleted partition or restore the file system of a hard drive, flash drive, sd card, etc., you need administrator privileges to gain access to the physical device.

• If you are using DOS, run TestDisk.exe
• For Windows, run TestDisk (for example, testdisk-6.9/win/testdisk_win.exe) from your account in the administrator group. If you are using WIndows 7 and above, use the Run as administrator option.
• For Linux, you need root access to run the TestDisk application (sudo testdisk-6.9/linux/testdisk_static)
• If you are using Mac OS X, not as root, you can run the TestDisk program like this: testdisk-6.9/darwin/TestDisk . This will restart TestDisk with the sudo command.

If you want to restore a partition from a system image, run

• testdisk image.dd to extract a "raw" disk image (in the raw filesystem)

  • testdisk image.E01 to recover files from Encase EWF image
  • testdisk "image.*" - if the image consists of several files.

To recover a file system not found by TestDisk, run testdisk device, i.e.:

Testdisk /dev/mapper/truecrypt0 or testdisk /dev/loop0 to recover NTFS or FAT32 boot sector files from a TrueCrypt partition. A similar method works with a filesystem encrypted with cryptsetup/dm-crypt/LUKS

Testdisk /dev/md0 - to restore the filesystem located at the top of a Linux RAID storage device.

Create a journal

Select the Create command while it makes sense to add data to the log or run TestDisk using a read-only device.

Creating a log file in TestDisk

Selecting a disk for recovery

All hard drives must be identified by the TestDisk program and have the correct size.

Selecting a disk for recovery in the TestDisk application

Use the up and down keys to select a hard drive with a lost partition or multiple

Press Enter to continue.

If available, use raw device /dev/rdisk* instead of /dev/disk* for faster data migration

Partition table type selection

In the TestDisk application, you will see the partition table types.

Selecting the partition file system type

Select the partition table type - the default is usually fine as TestDisk automatically detects the table type

Press Enter to continue.

Starting the recovery process

Select the Advanced option.

Select the Advanced option for the FAT partition

Select the FAT partition with the destroyed data and then select the Undelete command.

Specify the file system type as FAT16

File recovery in FAT system

Deleted files and directories are marked in red.

To reconstruct a file, select an item and press c to copy the file.

To restore a deleted directory, find it in the list and, similar to the previous step, press the c key to restore the contents later.

Restoring the contents of a deleted directory

Saving files to disk

Specify the location of the successor on the disk where you want to write the recovered files from the FAT partition.

FAT file recovery completed

Completing a restore in the Test Disk app

To ensure security, the TestDisk application avoids copying files after reconstruction directly to the disk where the specified files are located. You need to keep in mind that you need to avoid writing to the current disk, because there is a high chance that the files will not be restored and old deleted data will be overwritten.

If you have not been able to find the erased information, you can always try an alternative. To recover photos and other files, we recommend downloading the free PhotoRec application from the TestDisk developer.

17
May
2013

Hetman Fat Recovery 2.0

Release year: 2013
Genre: Data recovery
Developer: Hetman Software
Developer site: http://hetmanrecovery.com/en/information_recovery/fat-software.htm
Interface language: Multilingual (Russian is present)
Assembly Type: Standard
Bit depth: 32/64-bit
System requirements: Windows 98, XP, 2000, Server 2003, Server 2008, VISTA, 7

Description: Have you lost your data or a system error has made your memory card inaccessible? Accidentally formatted a backup USB flash drive? Drive not readable after internal failure? All the files on the flash drive are gone and Windows offers to format it? Or have you accidentally deleted a lot of files and folders from your working media? Then, Hetman FAT Recovery is what you need.
The program is the best solution in terms of price-performance ratio, which performs a comprehensive recovery of deleted files, folders and data lost after formatting FAT disks. Supporting all versions of the FAT file system, Hetman FAT Recovery recovers information from USB flash drives, digital cameras, MP3 players, various types of memory cards, hard drives, removable drives, and any other media running VFAT, FAT12, FAT16 or FAT32.

Add. information: Recovers information after formatting, deleting, recreating FAT, FAT16 and FAT32 logical partitions on working, damaged, broken or inaccessible disks;
Recovers text documents, compressed archives, digital images, music and video files, and hundreds of other types of files;
The preview function, a step-by-step file recovery wizard, an interface reminiscent of Windows Explorer make working with the program accessible and enjoyable;
The ability to create an image of a damaged disk, the operation of the program in the “Read Only” mode meets the highest standards of information recovery security;
Recovers files deleted with “Shift”+”Del”, lost after emptying the Windows Recycle Bin;
Recovers data lost from digital cameras, mobile phones, portable MP3 players and any other devices connected to a computer with a USB cable;
Recovers information after Quick format (all Windows) and Full format (all versions of Windows, up to Windows Vista) FAT/FAT16/FAT32 partitions;
Supports external and built-in hard drives, USB drives and all kinds of memory cards, including SD, microSD, SDHC, SDXC, CompactFlash, SONY MemoryStick and others.

27
july
2013

Hetman Partition Recovery 2.1 + Portable

Release year: 2013
Genre: Data recovery
Developer: Hetman Software
Developer site: http://hetmanrecovery.com/

Build Type: Standard + Portable by T_BAG
Bit depth: 32/64-bit
Operating system: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8
Description: Hetman Partition Recovery provides recovery of deleted files and data from partitions lost after formatting, restoring damaged disks using a step-by-step wizard. This is a reliable and comprehensive solution for cleaning disks and recovering deleted data. Hetman Partition Recovery during...

12
aug
2014

Raise Data Recovery for FAT/NTFS 5.16

Release year: 2014
Genre: Data recovery
Developer: R.LAB

Interface language: Multilingual (Russian is present)
Assembly Type: Standard
Bit depth: 32/64-bit
Operating system: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1
System requirements:
Hard disk: at least 20MB of free space.
RAM: at least 1GB. Availability of any web browser.
Description: Raise Data Recovery for FAT/NTFS - two programs designed for independent data recovery by non-professionals. Support data recovery from NTFS, FAT, FAT32 including FAT12, FAT16...

27
july
2013

Raise Data Recovery for FAT/NTFS 5.10.1 Portable

Release year: 2013
Genre: Data recovery
Developer: R.LAB
Developer site: http://rlab.ru/
Interface language: Russian
Build Type: Portable by SamDel
Bit depth: 32/64-bit
Operating system: Windows XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7, 8
System requirements:
Hard disk: at least 20MB of free space
RAM: at least 1GB Any web browser
Description: Raise Data Recovery for FAT/NTFS - two programs designed for independent data recovery by non-professionals. Support data recovery from NTFS, FAT, FAT32 including FAT12, FAT16, FAT32. Use...

15
sep
2011

Auslogics File Recovery 3.1.0.0 RePack

Release year: 2011

Developer: Auslogics Software Pty Ltd.
Developer site: http://www.auslogics.com/ru/
Interface language: Multilingual (Russian is present)
Assembly type: Repack
Bit depth: 32/64-bit
Operating system: Windows XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7
System requirements: 15 MB hard disk, 256 MB RAM
Description: Auslogics File Recovery is an effective and easy-to-use program for recovering accidentally deleted files, as well as files lost due to viruses or system failures. Any file types With Auslogics File Recovery you can...

22
sep
2014

Auslogics File Recovery 5.0.1.0 Final 5.0.1.0

Release year: 2014
Genre: Recover deleted files
Developer: © 2014 Auslogics. All rights reserved.
Developer site: http://www.auslogics.com/ru/software/file-recovery/
Interface language: Multilingual + Russian
Assembly Type: Standard
Bit depth: 32/64-bit
Operating system: Windows XP, 7, 8
System requirements: 15 MB hard disk space 256 MB RAM
Description: Auslogics File Recovery is an easy-to-use and efficient program that is able to recover accidentally deleted files or files deleted by malware. Auslogics File Recovery will save your computer from accidental loss...

30
mar
2011

Handy Recovery 5.0 Portable + RePack

Release year: 2010
Genre: Data recovery
Developer: SoftLogica
Developer website: http://www.handyrecovery.ru/
Interface language: English

System requirements: Pentium III, 512 MB RAM, 10 MB hard disk
Description: Handy Recovery is an excellent program for recovering accidentally deleted files from a hard drive or flash drive, files lost as a result of a virus or software error, power outages or program failures. It is worth noting the possibility of recovering files from damaged hard disk partitions. Reasons for losing in...

06
Jan
2014

Magic Office Recovery 1.0 Silent install

Release year: 2013
Genre: Working with files
Developer: East Imperial Soft
Developer site: www.east-imperial-soft.software.informer.com
Interface language: Russian + English
Build Type: Silent install
Bit depth: 32/64-bit
System requirements: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8
Description: Magic Office Recovery is not just another file recovery tool! It is equipped with super-powerful algorithms capable of thoroughly scanning the media, detecting the necessary data, verifying recoverable documents. Documents are added to the list of recoverable files only if they are not damaged...

21
Apr
2011

Multi Password Recovery 1.2.8

Release year: 2011
Genre: Password decryptor

Developer site: http://www.passrecovery.com/ru/index.php
Interface language: Multilingual (Russian is present)

Description: Multi Password Recovery (MPR) is a multifunctional Windows solution for decrypting and testing passwords for strength. MPR automatically finds and instantly decrypts passwords from over 80 popular programs without requiring user intervention. In addition to decryption, it shows passwords under asterisks, allows you to copy ...

30
mar
2011

Aid File Recovery 3.2 Portable

Release year: 2010
Genre: Data recovery
Developer: Aidfile
Developer site: http://www.aidfile.com/
Interface language: English
Platform: Windows XP, Vista, 7
System requirements: - Computer with a processor clock speed of at least 300 MHz - RAM at least 128 MB (allowable minimum - 64 MB).
Description: Aid File Recovery is a program that will allow you to recover files from deleted / formatted partitions, disconnected drives, damaged partition tables, etc. The program supports EXFAT, FAT32, NTFS file systems. Aidfile data recovery recovers data if...

17
mar
2011

Multi Password Recovery 1.2.7 + Portable

Version: 1.2.7
Release year: 2011
Genre: Password decryptor
Developer: Demchenko Alexander
Developer site: http://www.passrecovery.com
Interface language: Multilingual (Russian is present)
Platform: Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7
Description: Multi Password Recovery (MPR) is a multifunctional Windows solution for decrypting and testing passwords for strength. MPR automatically finds and instantly decrypts passwords from over 80 popular programs without requiring user intervention. In addition to decryption, it shows passwords under asterisks, allows you to copy ...

23
Apr
2011

Multi Password Recovery 1.2.8 Portable

Release year: 2011
Genre: Password decryptor
Developer: Demchenko Alexander
Developer site: http://passrecovery.com/
Interface language: Multilingual (Russian is present)
Platform: Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7
Description: Multi Password Recovery is a multifunctional solution for decrypting and testing passwords for strength. Multi Password Recovery automatically finds and instantly decrypts passwords from over 80 popular programs without requiring user intervention. In addition to decryption, it shows passwords under asterisks, allows you to copy a SAM file, ...

25
Apr
2009

Coyote 0.3.0.2 sms 0.8.0.1

Release year: 2007
Genre: Send SMS
Developer: Cwer
Developer site: http://cwer.ru
Interface language: only Russian
Platform: Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista
Description: A program for sending free SMS to phones of Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian and other operators.
Features of the program: * the ability to select a gateway to send * proxy support * https support * auto-detection of operators * updating operators * address book with groups * transliteration of messages * automatic breakdown of messages * templates with groups * logging * design themes

03
mar
2017

Adobe components: Flash Player 24.0.0.221 + AIR 24.0.0.180 + Shockwave Player 12.2.7.197 RePack by D!akov

Release year: 2016
Genre: Browser plugin
Developer: Adobe Systems Incorporated
Developer site: http://www.adobe.com/
Interface language: Russian
Assembly type: Repack
Bit depth: 32/64-bit
Operating system: Windows Vista SP2, 7, 8, 8.1, 10
System requirements: Hard disk space: 150 MB Memory: 256 MB Recommended screen resolution: 800x600
Description: Adobe Flash Player is a plug-in designed for all popular browsers - Internet Explorer, AOL, Firefox, Mozilla, Netscape and Opera, with which you can play Flash movies (SWF files), watch online videos and listen to online ...

19
Jan
2010

Ashampoo 3D CAD Architecture 2 2.0.0.2

Release year: 2009
Genre: 3D modeling
Developer: Ashampoo
Developer site: http://www2.ashampoo.com/
Interface language: English
Platform: Windows)
System requirements: -Processor 1.8 GHz; - RAM 256 MB; -Video card 64 MB; - Free Space 1.7 GB.
Description: shampoo 3D CAD is a professional space design program for the home computer. With the help of the program, you can easily design family houses, shopping centers, high-rise buildings and apartments interactively, in a very realistic 3D world. Views and angles of view from different v...