FAT32 is a widely used file system supported by various storage devices such as – memory cards, USB flash drives, hard drives etc. However, sometimes you may accidentally format your external drive and lose your valuable data from FAT32 SD card/USB drive/hard drive. But nothing to worry!
In this specific guide, we are going to discuss about how to recover deleted files FAT32 using 100% working and effective FAT32 File Recovery solutions.
To recover data from FAT32 SD card, we recommend this tool:
This software will restore data from corrupted, formatted, encrypted storage media and works in all data loss situations. Now recover your lost and deleted data in 3 easy steps:
- Try this Data Recovery Tool rated Excellent on Pcmag.com.
- Select the storage media from which you want to restore the media files & click Scan.
- Preview the recoverable files, select the items you want to recover and click Recover to save the files at desired location.
So, let’s get started……!
Quick Navigation:
- What Is The FAT32 File System?
- What Happens When You Delete A File In FAT32?
- How To Recover Deleted Data From FAT32 Drives Using Backup?
- How to Recover Data from FAT32 SD Card/USB /Hard Drives Using Software?
- How Do I Fix A Corrupted FAT32 File System?
- What Causes Data Loss On FAT32 Drives?
- FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
What Is The FAT32 File System?
FAT32 file system is a 32-bit version of the file allocation table commonly used for organizing and managing the files on storage devices such as SD cards, USB flash drives, hard drives, etc. It supports file sizes up to 4 GB and is compatible with various operating systems.
While using FAT32 SD cards, you must be careful as the memory card can become RAW or corrupted anytime. Once it turns to RAW, it will indicate that there is no file system in it. You have to reformat it to bring it back to a normal state.
What Happens When You Delete A File In FAT32?
When you delete a file on a FAT32 partition, the space occupied by a file will be marked as unused and available for new data. The actual files are not removed immediately but still remain on a storage drive until it is overwritten by new data. And you still have a chance to recover deleted files FAT32 effectively.
How To Recover Deleted Data From FAT32 Drives Using Backup?
Before formatting your storage drive using the FAT32 file system, if you have ever backed up your important files on PC then you can easily get back your deleted files from there with ease.
All you need to do is, look for the folder on your PC where you have backed up all your deleted. Once found, just open it, copy the files and simply paste them to your FAT32 SD card.
Also Read – How To Recover Deleted NTFS Files In Easy Ways
How to Recover Data from FAT32 SD Card/USB /Hard Drives Using Software?
If you don’t have the backup of your FAT32 SD Card then it’s highly recommended to use the FAT32 Data Recovery Tool. It is an expert-recommended tool that can recover lost, deleted, corrupted, formatted, or RAW data from a FAT32 SD card/USB drive/hard drive.
No matter whether you have formatted your storage drive using FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS, this software works effectively and recover deleted data from SD card without losing its original quality.
It will deeply scan your storage drive and extract lost data from your FAT32 file system drive without losing its original quality. Besides that, it can recover data from various SD card brands such as – SanDisk, Sony, Samsung, Lexar, Transcend and many more.
So, just download & install this software on your Windows or Mac PC and recover lost files FAT32 easily.
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* Free version of the program only scans and previews recoverable items.
Below you can find the step-by-step guide of this tool to know how to use it.
Step 1: Select Desired Location
Firstly, select the drive, external media or volume from which you want to recover deleted media files. After selecting, click on 'Scan'.
Step 2: Preview Recovered Media Files
Next, you can preview the recoverable media files after the scanning process is completed.
Step 3: Recover Media Files
Lastly, you can select the images, audio, video files you want to restore and click on 'Recover' option to save them at the location you want.
How Do I Fix A Corrupted FAT32 File System?
The Windows Check Disk (CHKDSK) utility can check and repair your corrupted FAT32 file systems.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Connect your corrupt FAT32 file system drive to a computer.
- Go to the search box and type cmd.
- Right-click on the Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
- In the command prompt window, you need to type a command: chkdsk /f X: (Replace X with a letter assigned to your FAT32 drive) then press Enter.
That’s it! Now, this command will attempt to fix the file system errors if found.
To know more solutions, visit here – How to Fix The SD Card & Perform Corrupted SD Card Recovery?
What Causes Data Loss On FAT32 Drives?
Data loss on FAT32 drives can occur due to various reasons. Here are some of the common causes:
- Accidentally formatted the FAT32 storage drive/partition.
- FAT32 file systems become corrupted due to power outages, improper removal, or virus infection.
- An improper or failed conversion of the FAT32 file system to NTFS or any other file system.
- Physical damage to the storage device, like a failing hard drive or malfunctioning USB, etc.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
Where Is FAT32 Stored?
FAT32 file system info gets stored in the boot sector, file allocation table (FAT), and the root directory of a storage device such as SD card, flash drive, etc.
Why Is My Pen drive Showing FAT32?
Your pen drive is showing FAT32 because it is formatted with the FAT32 file system. Generally, all the flash drives are formatted as FAT32 at the time of manufacturing. However, if you want you can change the file system from FAT32 to NTFS by reformatting the drive.
Can You Recover Data from A Formatted SD Card?
Of course yes! You can recover your deleted files from a formatted SD card using the FAT32 Data Recovery tool as mentioned above. By using this software, you can not only recover formatted data from an SD card but also retrieve the corrupted files.
Is FAT32 Better Than NTFS?
Generally, NTFS file system is better than FAT32 in various aspects. Like NTFS (New Technology File System) can store larger files whether the FAT32 file system not. Additionally, the read and write speeds of NTFS is also faster than FAT32.
How Many GB Does FAT32 Support?
FAT32 usually supports a maximum volume size of 2 TB (terabytes) and maximum file size of 4 GB (gigabytes).
Which SD Cards Are FAT32?
SD cards with a 32GB or less storage capacity typically uses FAT32 file system such as - SanDisk, Kingston, Samsung, and others.
Also Read – How to Recover Photos from Formatted SD Card?
Conclusion
Losing data from a FAT32 storage drive can be stressful especially when it contains your important data. Hence, recovering the deleted files from FAT32 SD card/USB drive/HDD is very crucial.
In this guide, we have provided the best solutions for FAT32 File Recovery. So, if you have lost your valuable data on FAT32 external drive, simply follow the above guidelines to recover deleted files FAT32 effectively.
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Taposhi is an expert technical writer with 5+ years of experience. Her in-depth knowledge about data recovery and fascination to explore new DIY tools & technologies have helped many. She has a great interest in photography and loves to share photography tips and tricks with others.