How to recover files on Mac using PhotoRec?
Hey everyone, I accidentally deleted some important files on my Mac and someone recommended PhotoRec for file recovery. I’m not too familiar with it and need step-by-step guidance on how to use it. Any help is appreciated!
Here’s How to Recover Files on Mac Using PhotoRec
Hey there! I totally get your stress — accidentally deleting files can be such a headache, but fortunately, PhotoRec is a powerful tool that can help you recover those. I’ll guide you through the process step-by-step, so hang tight!
Step-by-Step Guide to Using PhotoRec
First things first, you need to download and install PhotoRec. It’s packaged with TestDisk, another handy recovery tool, so you get two for the price of one (though they’re both free!). Here’s how you can proceed:
- Download PhotoRec. It’s available in a bundled package called TestDisk.
- Once the download is complete, unzip the downloaded file.
- Open the Terminal application on your Mac. You can find it by searching in Spotlight (Cmd + Space, then type ‘Terminal’).
- Navigate to the folder where PhotoRec is located. For instance, if you unzipped the file into your Downloads folder, you’d type:
cd Downloads/testdisk-7.2-WIP - Launch PhotoRec by typing:
sudo ./photorec
Recovering Your Files
Once you launch PhotoRec, you’ll see a somewhat retro command-line interface. Don’t worry — it’s quite intuitive.
- Select Your Disk: You’ll see a list of drives and partitions. Use the arrow keys to choose the disk where you accidentally deleted files and press Enter.
- Choose Your Partition: After selecting the disk, you’ll be prompted to select the partition. Make sure you choose the correct one.
- Select File System Type: PhotoRec will ask for the type of file system. For most Mac users, this will be ‘HFS+’ or ‘macOS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled)’.
- Select Options: You’ll see several recovery options like:
- Search: Choose this to start the recovery process.
- File Opt: Allows you to specify the types of files you’re looking to recover.
- Options: Fine-tune the recovery process.
- Specify Recovery Location: PhotoRec will ask you where to save the recovered files. Be sure to save them to a different disk or partition to avoid overwriting any more data.
- Let PhotoRec Work Its Magic: The software will now go through your disk, recovering as many files as it can based on the criteria you’ve set. This can take some time depending on the size of the disk and number of files.
Post-Recovery Steps
After the recovery process is completed, navigate to the folder where you chose to save the recovered files to check them. Often, recovered files won’t have their original names, so it may take some time to find what you need.
Additional Tips
Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:
- Be patient. Sometimes, it takes a bit of time to get everything sorted and recovered.
- After rescuing your files, it’s a good idea to set up a regular backup routine to avoid losing important data in the future.
Considering Other Tools?
While PhotoRec is fantastic and has saved my bacon more than once, if you’re looking for a more user-friendly option with a graphical interface, you might want to check out Disk Drill Data Recovery Software.
It’s particularly great for Mac users and offers a straightforward way to get back your lost files.
Hope this helps, and fingers crossed you get back all your important files!
FAQ
What is PhotoRec for Mac?
PhotoRec for Mac is a robust data recovery tool designed to recover lost files, such as photos, videos, and documents from a variety of devices. It’s known for its ability to retrieve data from hard drives, CDs, and memory cards, ensuring efficient file recovery.
How does PhotoRec work on macOS?
PhotoRec operates by ignoring the file system, which allows it to recover lost files even if the device’s file system is damaged or reformatted. It analyzes the device at a deeper level, focusing on data blocks to identify and restore recoverable files.
What types of files can PhotoRec recover on Mac?
PhotoRec is capable of retrieving a wide array of file types, including but not limited to, JPEG photos, MP4 and AVI videos, PDF documents, and even archives like ZIP and RAR. Its extensive file recovery support makes it versatile in recovering various file types.
Is PhotoRec free to use on a Mac?
Yes, PhotoRec is open-source software, which means it is free to use on macOS. Users can download it without any cost and benefit from its extensive data recovery capabilities without any hidden fees or subscriptions.
Can PhotoRec recover files from a formatted disk on Mac?
PhotoRec is highly effective at recovering files from formatted disks. By bypassing the file system and going straight to the data blocks, it can retrieve files that were lost due to formatting, ensuring minimal data loss.
How user-friendly is PhotoRec for Mac?
While PhotoRec is powerful, it has a command-line interface which might be less user-friendly for average users. Nevertheless, there are comprehensive guides and tutorials available online to assist users in navigating and using the tool effectively.
Is PhotoRec safe to use on my Mac?
PhotoRec is safe to use because it is read-only for the source device, meaning it doesn’t write data to the storage being scanned. This ensures that it won’t cause further damage to the data you are attempting to recover.
What should I do before using PhotoRec on my Mac?
Before using PhotoRec, it’s ideal to create an image of the damaged storage device if possible. This prevents additional damage and provides a backup to work from, further safeguarding your data recovery attempts.
Where can I download PhotoRec for Mac?
You can download PhotoRec for Mac from its official website. Visit the cgsecurity.org homepage to find the latest version compatible with your macOS and follow their instruction for installation.
Are there alternative tools to PhotoRec for Mac?
Yes, there are alternatives to PhotoRec for Mac, such as TestDisk, which can often be used in tandem with PhotoRec. Visit the cgsecurity.org homepage for more information on other recovery tools offered.
