How to Recover NTFS System Files After Formatting a Portable SSD to EXT3

In today’s increasingly digital world, the demand for reliable storage solutions has skyrocketed. Portable SSDs (Solid State Drives) are becoming the go-to storage solution for many due to their speedy operations and robust build. Yet, mistakes can happen. You may find yourself in a precarious situation where, in the excitement of trying a new operating system, you inadvertently format your SSD in a file system that is incompatible with your previous operating system. Such is the case when a Windows user, intending to dual boot with Linux, discovers their SSD unexpectedly formatted to the EXT3 file system.

This blog will walk you through the intricacies of file systems, understand what might have gone wrong, and most importantly, guide you on how you can attempt to recover your NTFS system files.

Understanding File Systems: NTFS vs. EXT3

Before diving into the recovery process, it’s crucial to understand what NTFS and EXT3 are, and how they differ.

NTFS (New Technology File System): Developed by Microsoft, NTFS is the primary file system used in the Windows operating environment. It supports large files, file compression, disk quotas, and provides robust security through access control lists (ACL).

EXT3 (Third Extended File System): EXT3 is a journaling file system commonly used by the Linux operating system. Journaling helps to quickly recover from abrupt shutdowns by keeping a “journal” of changes not yet committed to the main part of the file system, which is useful for quick recovery of data but also makes it more challenging to recover accidentally deleted or overwritten data.

The Scenario: How Did It Happen?

Let’s paint the situation. You were curious about Linux and decided to install it alongside Windows to experience both worlds, a common practice called dual booting. In the process, using a tool like Balena Etcher, you accidentally formatted your entire portable SSD to the EXT3 file system. This tool is commonly used to create bootable USB drives or SD cards. Since balena Etcher rewrites the drive completely, the existing NTFS data structure on your SSD gets replaced by EXT3, drastically reducing the chances of direct recovery of your files with intact structure.

The Challenges of Recovering NTFS Files in an EXT3 Environment

1. File System Differences: As mentioned earlier, NTFS and EXT3 are fundamentally different. NTFS is proprietary to Windows, handling metadata differently than Linux’s EXT3.

2. Overwritten Data: If data from Linux Mint was written over the area where your NTFS data was located, direct recovery becomes nearly impossible.

3. Lack of Backup: Without a backup, you’re relying entirely on recovery Software to retrieve the overwritten or lost files.

Steps for Attempting Recovery

1. Stop Using the SSD Immediately

If you suspect data loss, cease writing to the SSD immediately. This prevents any further overwriting which could permanently erase the remnants of your previous NTFS files.

2. Connect the SSD to a Recovery Platform

For best results, connect your SSD to a Windows-based computer that did not interact with the drive since the reformat. This helps to ensure the recovery process is not writing new data onto the drive.

3. Use Specialized Data Recovery Software

There are several reliable Data Recovery tools designed to handle complex file system recoveries. Here are a few:

• TestDisk: An open-source utility specifically designed to recover lost partitions and make non-booting disks bootable again. It supports NTFS recovery.

• PhotoRec: Often bundled with TestDisk, this tool focuses on file recovery from a range of file systems, including NTFS, and is capable of recovering files even if their filesystem is severely damaged or re-formatted.

• EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: A user-friendly interface makes this a popular choice, and it supports NTFS file recovery specifically.

• Disk Drill: Known for its simplicity and effectiveness, this tool can recover from formatted and deleted files and supports a variety of file systems.

Step-by-Step Recovery with TestDisk:

1. Install & Launch TestDisk: Get the TestDisk utility from the official website and install it on your computer.

2. Select the SSD Drive: Upon launching, TestDisk will show you a list of drives connected to your computer. Select the correct SSD.

3. Choose Partition Table Type: TestDisk might suggest the type of partition table your drive has—usually Intel/PC.

4. Analyze the Drive: TestDisk will now start analyzing the drive. It will look for lost partitions, showing you a list once completed.

5. Attempt a Quick Search: If TestDisk presents an option for a quick search, opt for it to see if it identifies the lost NTFS partition.

6. Perform a Deeper Search: If the quick search doesn’t suffice, conduct a deeper search. Keep in mind this could take some time.

7. Look for the Lost Partition: If found, TestDisk will allow you to recover the partition. It will write the new partition structure to the disk’s partition table.

8. Save and Restart: Save the changes, restart your system, and then check if any files or directory structures are recoverable.

4. Check Recovered Files

After recovery, verify the integrity of your files. Some files may be corrupted due to partial overwriting, so it’s crucial to open and check each file, particularly vital documents or media.

Preventative Measures for the Future

1. Backup Regularly: Regular backups to a secondary storage device or a cloud service will safeguard against similar incidents.

2. Careful Use of Formatting Tools: Always double-check which drive you’re formatting in tools like Balena Etcher.

3. Consider Virtualization: Instead of dual-booting, consider running Linux in a virtual machine within Windows, such as with VirtualBox. This prevents alteration of your filesystems.

4. Monitor Drive Health: Use tools to check the health of your SSD periodically to prevent sudden data loss from drive failures.

Conclusion

Accidentally formatting your SSD from NTFS to EXT3 is an anxiety-inducing incident, especially with valuable data on the line. While the process of recovery isn’t guaranteed due to the nature of how file systems work, leveraging the right tools and understanding the steps can increase your chance of recovering lost files. Consider the incident both a lesson in good file system management and an incentive to build a robust data backup habit. Remember, while technology offers us incredible convenience, it also demands diligence in its management.