How to undo or recover after clean comand on diskpart

How to Recover Data After Running the Clean Command on DiskPart: A Comprehensive Guide

Accidentally running the DiskPart clean command can be quite distressing, especially when you realize that you’ve wiped the entire hard drive instead of just a single partition. This is a scenario that can leave anyone feeling helpless, particularly when the affected device is not your own. Such was the case with a Reddit user who, in an attempt to fix his mother’s laptop, inadvertently erased the drive’s content. This blog post aims to provide a step-by-step guide to recovering your data and potentially restoring the drive after unintentionally using the clean command on DiskPart.

Understanding DiskPart and the Clean Command

What is DiskPart?
DiskPart is a powerful command-line utility in Windows designed for disk management. It allows users to create, delete, and resize disk partitions, but with great power comes great responsibility. If used incorrectly, it can lead to the accidental loss of data, as seen in the original Reddit post.

The Clean Command Explained
The clean command in DiskPart is intended to clear the partition information on the selected disk, essentially marking the data as free space. It’s important to note that running this command does not actively erase the data but rather removes the pointers to the data, rendering it invisible to the operating system. Fortunately, this means that the data can potentially be recovered, provided that no new data has been written over it.

Immediate Steps to Take After Running the Clean Command

1. Stop Further Use of the Disk
   The most crucial step after realizing the disk has been cleaned is to immediately stop using it. Any new file or installation could overwrite the previously-existing data, making recovery impossible.

2. Use a Different Computer
   Since the laptop in question cannot boot due to the missing boot data, it’s important to use another functioning computer for recovery tasks. This reduces the risk of accidentally writing new data to the affected disk.

3. Prepare a Bootable USB with Recovery Tools
   To recover the lost data, you will need a bootable USB containing recovery Software. This allows you to access and operate on the affected disk without having to boot from it.

Recovering Data Using a Bootable USB

Choosing the Right Recovery Software
There are numerous Data Recovery programs available that can be installed on a bootable USB. Below are a few widely recommended options:

• EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: Known for its user-friendly interface and powerful recovery capabilities. It’s a paid Software but offers a trial with a limited amount of Data Recovery.

• TestDisk: A free, open-source Software that is particularly effective for recovering lost partitions. However, its interface may be less intuitive for beginners.

• MiniTool Power Data Recovery: Another effective option, though its free version has a cap on how much data can be recovered.

Creating a Bootable USB

To create a bootable USB with your chosen recovery software, follow these general steps:

1. Download the Recovery Software
   Use a separate, functioning computer to download your chosen software.

2. Insert a USB Drive
   Ensure your USB drive is of sufficient size and free from important data, as the process will format the USB.

3. Make the USB Bootable

4. Download a tool like Rufus which helps in making your USB bootable.

5. Select your USB, choose the downloaded recovery software ISO or executable, and create the bootable drive by following the prompts.

6. Boot from USB on the Affected Laptop

7. Insert the USB drive into the affected laptop.
8. Enter BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F10, DELETE, or ESC during startup) and set the boot order to prioritize USB drives.
9. Save and exit the BIOS. The laptop should boot from the USB, loading the recovery software.

Recovering Lost Data

1. Run the Recovery Software
   Once the software loads, follow the on-screen instructions to scan the cleaned disk for recoverable data. This can be a time-intensive process depending on the size of the disk and the amount of data.

2. Recover the Data
   After scanning, review the list of recoverable files. Most software will allow you to select which files to recover. Do not recover the files to the same disk; instead, use an external drive to avoid overwriting any leftover data.

3. Backup the Recovered Data
   Once recovered, ensure you have your crucial data backed up in multiple locations to prevent future losses.

Rebuilding the System

After successfully recovering your data, if you wish to use the same drive for future OS installations, you can repartition and format the drive using a Windows installation disk or USB. Simply follow the Windows setup instructions to partition and format the disk properly.

Ensuring Future Data Safety

1. Regular Backups
   Regularly backing up data is the best measure to prevent future data losses. Use cloud services, external hard drives, or network-attached storage for backups.

2. Understand Your Tools
   Before using any powerful system tools like DiskPart, ensure you thoroughly understand the commands and their implications. Missteps often arise from misunderstandings, as seen in the initial scenario.

3. Seek Professional Help
   For those uncomfortable with data recovery processes, seeking professional help might be the safest route. Data recovery specialists can manage the process, reducing risks of permanent data loss.

Final Thoughts

Recovering from an accidental DiskPart clean command can seem daunting, but it’s critical to remember that there are solutions available. By acting promptly and methodically, you can often recover valuable data and learn valuable lessons for handling technology with more confidence in the future. Always remember to create backups regularly and use caution when dealing with system-level tools. With these lessons in mind and the guidance from this comprehensive guide, you can navigate similar crises with greater ease and assurance.