Many people partition their hard disk to split its storage into separate sections, while others do it to keep the system and their data better organized.
Cloning or changing the partitions of a failing drive can make the case worse. If the files matter, first see how hard drive recovery works.
Splitting a hard disk into partitions is especially useful for anyone who runs more than one operating system.
But sometimes partitioning goes wrong and you can no longer access your files and documents. When that happens, you need to recover the data from the partitioned hard disk.
Is that possible?
In this article, we explain what partitioning is, what it’s for, what can go wrong during the process, and the two ways to recover data from a partitioned or repartitioned hard disk.
What does partitioning a hard disk mean?
Partitioning simply means dividing. When you partition a hard disk, you are dividing the drive into separate sections. Most hard disks, including external drives, come with a single partition.
To picture it, think of a single partition as one big bucket that holds all the files on the disk.
On most PCs, the operating system (OS), programs and personal data all sit on a single partition. But that big bucket can be split into several smaller ones.
For example, some computers come with a second, smaller recovery partition, used to restore the system if something goes wrong.
And there are many other reasons why you might want to split your hard disk into partitions.
What is disk partitioning for?
Partitioning a hard disk can make it easier to manage and help with recovery if the system fails. Here are the main benefits:
Backup and protection against system failures
When you keep your personal data — music, photos and documents — on its own partition, backing up is much easier.
Instead of copying all the system files and programs, you only need to back up what really matters.
Keeping your data on a separate partition also protects it from operating system problems. But remember: if the disk itself fails, every partition on it is affected, so a separate partition is no substitute for a backup on another device.
What’s more, if you need to reinstall the operating system, the personal data on the other partition will still be there when the installation is complete.
Running several operating systems
Partitioning a hard disk also lets you install another operating system on the same computer.
For example, you can create a new partition for Linux without touching your existing Windows installation.
You can also install an older version of your operating system on a separate partition for backward compatibility.
In short, separate partitions allow different operating systems to coexist on the same computer.
Better organization of important data
Splitting your hard disk into partitions lets you separate different types of data. For example, you can create one partition for games and applications and another for documents, music and other files.
So, if a single partition isn’t enough to keep things organized, adding more can help.
What can go wrong when partitioning a hard disk
Although it’s a good solution in some cases, partitioning a hard disk also carries some risks.
These include:
Interruptions during the process
If the computer loses power or crashes while partitions are being created, resized or moved, the partition table and file system can be left half-written.
If this happens, your files may become corrupted and the operating system may stop booting. That’s why you should always back up your data before changing partitions.
Hard disk overheating
Depending on the condition of your computer, the disk may overheat during the partitioning process — which can cause errors and system crashes, especially if it runs close to the maximum temperature set by the manufacturer.
Firmware errors
A firmware fault can stop the system from recognizing the hard disk, or cause the drive to freeze or show the wrong capacity, for example.
If the drive has a firmware problem, the partitioning process can be interrupted, and the data on the disk may become inaccessible. In that case, don’t keep trying: firmware repairs require professional equipment.
When do I need to recover data from a partitioned hard disk?
Some signs that you need to recover data from a partitioned hard disk are:
- “Operating system not found”;
- FAT invalid or corrupted;
- “File or program not found”;
- Command.com invalid;
- Primary or secondary hard disk failure;
- “Disk error”.
How do I recover files from a partitioned hard disk?
There are two options if you need to recover data from a partitioned hard disk:
- Using software: this requires technical knowledge and familiarity with the process — and, even then, it may not work and can make the data loss worse.
- Leaving the recovery to a specialized company: the safest way to recover the data without risking losing it or further damaging the hard disk.
If you decide to try recovering your data with software, follow the steps below (bear in mind that this is not the ideal solution, and it should only be tried if the disk has no physical damage):
Select the partition to scan for lost data
First, choose a data recovery program. Here are some options, with their pros and cons.
Then install the program on a different drive and run it. Select the partition — or the whole disk, if the partition has disappeared — from which you want to recover the data.
Find and preview the lost data in the scan results
The program will then scan the partition for recoverable files and documents. Wait for the scan to finish.
Select and recover the data from the lost partition
When the scan is complete, the program will list the files that can be recovered.
Select the ones you want, save them to a different drive — never to the same disk — and wait for the recovery to finish.
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Conclusion
Partitioning a hard disk can make backups easier, let you run different operating systems on the same PC and help keep your data organized.
However, some problems can get in the way of partitioning — such as interruptions during the process, overheating and firmware errors.
When one of them occurs, you may need to recover data from your partitioned hard disk — for example, if you see “operating system not found” or an invalid or corrupted FAT.
Other signs include “file or program not found”, an invalid Command.com, primary or secondary hard disk failure and disk errors, among others.
When this happens and you need to recover the data on your hard disk, you have two options: use software (which may not work and requires technical knowledge) or leave the recovery to a specialized company.
A company like Bot, which specializes in recovering data from hard disks, uses professional equipment and safe procedures to preserve the integrity of your device and your data.
As well as a free standard diagnosis and a quote within 48 hours, we offer free pickup of your device (islands excluded).
And if you have any questions, you can also reach us on our social networks, where we offer 24/7 support.
Become one of our more than 200,000 cases: Start your data recovery with us now!
