How to Recover CHKDSK Deleted Files Quickly & Safely?
Generally, CHKDSK command is run to fix file system errors or bad sectors of the drive, not for deleting any files or data. Unfortunately, sometimes CHKDSK marks corrupted or orphaned files as “lost chains”. Thereafter, changing those data into .chk files or completely deleting them. If you are one of those persons who have faced this problem. Don’t worry, in this guide, we’ll cover the ways on how to recover CHKDSK deleted files that works well for both novice and experts.
Why CHKDSK Deletes or Hides Files?
Before getting into the details of the main context, it is crucial to understand what are the reasons for deletion of files through the CHKDSK command. CHKDSK (Check Disk) scans the entire drive to find potential errors and problems in the file system. After searching for the damaged file entries, it may take actions like:
- Convert them into .chk files and save them in a hidden directory called “FOUND”.
- Eliminate corrupted entries from file table
- Reallocate sectors / unlink data entries
These actions preserve the integrity of your system but usually result in unnecessary data loss, as often the file could still be restored before CHKDSK ran. Now comes the method to recover files deleted by CHKDSK safely.
#1: Check the FOUND Folder for .CHK Files
The first and easiest way to recover files deleted by CHKDSK is to search for the FOUND folder created by CHKDSK.
Steps:
- Click on File Explorer and access the root directory of the drive that has been affected (like C:\, D:\, etc).
- Turn on View –> Hidden Items to show all hidden folders.
- Locate a folder named FOUND.000 (or similar).
- Within these folders, you will have files that have the .chk extension, these are file fragments saved by CHKDSK.
Try to restore them manually:
- Rename .chk files to their original file extensions (for example, .jpg, .docx, .mp4).
- On the other hand, you can open them with appropriate software.
This method works well in cases where file parts are mostly intact. However, if the files are big or scattered, you should consider using a recovery option. Which is where the next technique comes into play.
#2: How to Recover CHKDSK Deleted Files? – Advanced
Recovering files manually using the previous method is not always successful, in these situations specific software is used to restore data. SysTools Hard Drive Recovery is a professional tool to recover permanently deleted files by CHKDSK from internal or external drives quickly.
Why Choose this Automated Tool?
- Deep Scan Algorithms: This software has the capability to perform in-depth scanning, sector-by-sector analysis of the attached drive searching for deleted, formatted, and corrupted data.
- Supports All File Types: It retrieves information in any file formats such as documents, photos, videos, and system data whatever file type you want to recover.
- Preview Before Recovery: Allows you to preview recoverable items before saving it.
- Supports All Storage Devices: HDD, SSD, USB drive, and SD card
- Safe & Read-Only Process: Prevents any more harm being done or data overwriting.
Steps to Recover CHKDSK Deleted Files:
- Download & Install the aforementioned software
- Run the tool and click on affected drive from the list
- Depending on the data loss situation, select the Scan or Formatted Scan option.
- After the scanning process ends, preview all the files that can be recovered inside the tool.
- Choose the files to be restored and hit Save to save them a secure drive.
With this technique, you can easily & securely restore CHKDSK deleted files, even if they are fragmented or removed from the file allocation table.
#3: Restore Data from Backup
If you occasionally take backups of your system using the Windows Backup, File History, or other external software, you could be able to restore lost data without any trouble.
Steps:
- Launch the Control Panel go-to File History or Backup and Restore depending on older/newer systems.
- Choose Restore personal files.
- Browse through previous backup versions.
- Finally, select the files that are deleted and click Restore.
Even though backups are sometimes not up to date, it is nevertheless one of the fastest and safest recovery methods if available.
#4: Use Command Prompt to Reassign File Attributes
This is another uncommon case, where CHKDSK hides or marks files as system protected. Follow this method to make them visible.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R, type cmd and hit Enter.
- Run the following command:
attrib -h -r -s /s /d D:\*.*
- (Replace D: with the letter of your drive).
- Hit Enter and then let it run through the process.
- Look for files returned to your drive.
This will unhide all files such as hidden and system. Thus, making them visible again in File Explorer.
#5: Avoid Overwriting and Further Damage
As soon as CHKDSK deletes or hides any file, do not use the corrupted drive any more. This makes the lost data unrecoverable, because any new file written to it may overwrite the lost data. Here are the best practices for fast & safe recovery from CHKDSK deleted files:
- If you plan to recover files, don’t install recovery software on the same drive.
- Do not save the stored data in the previous location.
- Disconnect external drives after recovery.
The faster you act, the greater the chances of recovering the lost data completely with the specialized tool.
Final Thoughts
If you lost some files after running CHKDSK command. Don’t worry, you are not alone as long as you pay attention and act quickly! If recovered data seems missing, firstly open the FOUND folder and apply command-line recovery if the data is simply hidden away. Lastly, recover CHKDSK deleted files with an authentic, safe, and professional recovery.