If your important files are deleted or your pen drive / SD card is formatted, don’t panic. In this guide, I will show you the exact step-by-step process shown in the video using PhotoRec tool to recover data from SSD, hard disk, PC, pen drive, phone, and memory card completely free.
This method works even if your storage is formatted, corrupted, or showing empty, because PhotoRec scans data deeply and recovers files without relying on the file system.
Method 1: Download and Open PhotoRec Tool
Download PhotoRec (TestDisk) from the official website
Extract the downloaded ZIP file on your PC
Open the extracted folder
Find and open photorec_win.exe (this is the main recovery file)
If prompted, allow admin permission
Method 2: Select Your Device Properly
After opening PhotoRec, you will see a command-style window
Use arrow keys on keyboard to navigate
Select your Pen Drive / SD Card / Hard Disk / SSD from the list
Press Enter to continue
Method 3: Select Partition (Very Important Step)
You will now see partitions of the selected device
Select the correct partition where your data was stored
If you are not sure, select [Whole Disk] option
Press Enter
Method 4: Choose File System Type
Now select file system type carefully
Select Other → for FAT / NTFS / exFAT (this is correct for most devices like pen drive, SD card, PC)
Select ext2/ext3/ext4 only if you are using Linux
Press Enter
Method 5: Choose Recovery Location (Important)
Now you need to select where recovered files will be saved
Use arrow keys to browse folders
Press Enter to open a folder
Once you choose location, press C to confirm
Important: Always choose a different drive (Example: recover pen drive data into PC drive like D or E)
Method 6: Start Data Recovery
After pressing C, recovery will start automatically
You will see files getting recovered in real-time
Wait until process completes (time depends on storage size)
Method 7: Check Recovered Files
Go to the selected folder location
You will see folders like recup_dir.1, recup_dir.2
Open them to find your recovered photos, videos, and files
Pro Tips (From Video Important Points)
Stop using device immediately after data loss
Do not save recovered files in same drive
Use full scan if files are missing
Keep patience during scan process
Devices Supported
This method works for:
Pen Drive
SD Card / Memory Card
SSD
Hard Disk
PC / Laptop
Android Phone Storage
Common Problems & Fixes
Device not showing → Reconnect or try different USB port
Recovered files not opening → Try another folder (PhotoRec creates multiple folders)
Files missing → Run scan again and select whole disk
Final Words
By following these exact steps shown in the video, you can easily recover deleted or formatted data from pen drive, SD card, SSD, hard disk, PC, or phone using PhotoRec. This method is completely free, safe, and highly effective, making it one of the best solutions for data recovery without spending money.
