"Recently, I accidentally deleted some crucial files in a Linux system with an Ext4 file system. How can I recover them?" This is one of the most frequently asked questions! The Ext4 file system plays multiple roles in a computer system, including data storage, namespace management, security model, application programming interface (API), and implementation.
Unintentional deletion of Ext4 Linux partitions, accidental formatting of the entire disk, disk repartitioning, partition table errors, a damaged superblock, malware infections, software re-installations, and system restores on the computer network are among the leading causes of data loss from Ext4 Linux partitions (we will delve into these in more detail later).
Fortunately, Ext4 data recovery is feasible and can be accomplished on a Windows machine with just a few straightforward steps. In this article, we will delve into the ext4 file system and explore the most effective methods to recover deleted files from Ext4 Linux using reliable data recovery software. Let's begin!
Ext4 started as a series of enhancements to Ext3, which itself evolved from Ext2, a descendant of Extfs, the original file system tailored for Linux. Rémy Card and collaborators created Extfs to overcome the limitations of the MINIX file system employed by Linus Torvalds in the early Linux kernel. MINIX, developed by Andrew S. Tanenbaum in 1987, is a Unix-like operating system.
The individual created it with the purpose of facilitating higher education, allowing UNIX to be taught without incurring substantial costs for the authentic version. The MINIX file system had limitations, which is why Extfs was employed to "extend" its capabilities.
Addition to the Linux Kernel (Ext4dev) in 2006
Ext4 was included in the Linux kernel (as Ext4dev) in 2006 and added to the repositories in 2008. It is a journaling file system, similar to Ext3, which keeps track of pending and completed modifications.
It differs from your journal in that its most recent entries predict what will happen rather than what has happened. If you will, consider it a day planner/journal hybrid. Journaling (optional) allows you to quickly correct file system errors without needing to use software (e2fsck) to scan the entire data structure for inconsistencies.
A Root/Tree Filing System
Ext4 is a conventional root/tree file system that features a boot sector, a partition table, and utilizes inodes (index nodes) to represent files and objects, akin to the Unix File System.
It offers transparent encryption, utilizes checksums on metadata (such as the journal and other components), supports TRIM, and employs delayed allocation. With Ext4, data is stored temporarily until the most concise and efficient writing method can be identified through delayed allocation. This enhances performance and decreases the likelihood of data being written in case of a power outage. In such situations, journaling helps mitigate the risk of data loss.
When Should You Use Ext4?
Since Ext4 is a fast, proven file system that also happens to be the default for Linux, it's a great choice for end-users like Tux.
It's possible that utilizing Btrfs or OpenZFS could be a superior solution for NAS devices, servers, or any other scenario where fault tolerance and data integrity are of greater importance than raw performance.
If you're seeking to recover deleted files, we recommend a reliable software solution that can assist you in this task. The Data Recovery Wizard by tools is an outstanding file recovery tool. Furthermore, it's an ideal choice for individuals to retrieve lost or erased data. Here's the great news: tools Data Recovery Wizard can be utilized on Linux systems, including MX Linux and Manjaro.
Linux users can effortlessly recover any deleted files, folders, or directories using this software. With this utility, users can restore erased files from a Linux system on a Windows PC. The Data Recovery Wizard tool can be utilized to retrieve deleted data from any storage device, including hard disk drives, SSDs, and SD cards. It also enables the recovery of data from unrecognized RAW file systems.
Step 1. Install and launch tools Data Recovery Wizard on your Windows PC. Choose "Linux Recovery" from the left panel.
Step 2. This software will automatically detect your IP and Port. You need to enter the username and password. If the IP address or Port is incorrect, you can manually correct it. Then, click "Connect Now".
Step 3. Once connected to your Linux device, the recovery tool will begin scanning the disk to locate all lost and deleted files. Upon completion of the scan, click "Filter" > "Type" to specify the types of lost files you wish to recover.
Step 4. You can preview the scanned files first. Then, select the target data and click the "Recover" button to restore lost files in Linux.
The most likely causes of data loss from Ext4 Linux partitions, which will be examined in greater depth here, are as follows:
Factory Reset Your PC
"Factory Reset" is a feature provided by many PC manufacturers that allows you to revert your device back to its original factory settings. However, performing this action can result in the deletion of any data stored on your local hard drive.
You Re-install Your System 翻译成英文是: You Reinstall Your System
To properly reinstall the system, the administrator must ensure that all the necessary checkboxes are checked. After the installation, selecting the wrong option by accidentally clicking on it and then selecting it again might lead to the loss of a partition.
You Have a Corrupt/Broken Superblock
When the Superblock is damaged or corrupted, the extended (EXT) disks become inaccessible to the user.
You Have an Error in the Partition Table
"Insufficient memory," "sudden power outages," and "unexpected system shutdown" are all scenarios that could lead to incorrect partition table entries (file system errors).
Re-partition Your Disk
If you repartition your hard drive, there is a possibility that you might accidentally format it or mistakenly delete a partition. While repartitioning a hard disk, unforeseen errors can occur.
< strong > When You Format Your Disk < / strong >
Formatting involves erasing everything on the hard drive, including all partitions and data.
< strong > When You Delete a Linux Partition
The possibility of accidentally deleting a partition while managing disk partitions using tools like GNU Parted, FDisks, or GParted should be taken into account.
To recover deleted files from an Ext4 Linux filesystem on your Windows system, you would require a fast and reliable third-party data recovery program. Although Linux has inbuilt compatibility with NTFS partitions, the Windows operating system does not inherently support reading Linux partitions. Therefore, it necessitates the use of external data recovery tools to accomplish this task.
The Data Recovery Wizard tool is the most widely utilized and reliable data recovery solution currently available. This program is the fastest and most efficient option for retrieving data from Ext4, Ext3, and Ext2 Linux partitions on Windows operating systems.