List of data recovery software

The following is a list of notable data recovery software.

Contents 1 Bootable 2 Consistency checkers 3 File recovery 4 Forensics 5 Imaging tools 6 Services

Bootable

Data recovery cannot always be done on a running system. As a result, a boot disk, Live CD, Live USB, or any other type of Live Distro containing a minimal operating system and a set of repair tools is needed.

• Knoppix: The original Linux Live CD. It contains many useful utilities for data recovery
• SpinRite: A FreeDOS-based data recovery tool for hard disks and magnetic storage devices
• SystemRescueCD: A Gentoo based Live CD, useful for repairing unbootable computer systems and retrieving data after a system crash
• Ultimate Boot CD for Windows: A Windows XP live CD with diagnostic and repair utilities built in, useful for removing malware and recovering data
• Trinity Rescue Kit

Consistency checkers

• CHKDSK: A consistency checker for DOS and Windows systems. (~ $90)
• Disk First Aid: A consistency checker for Mac OS 9.
• Disk Utility: A consistency checker for Mac OS X.
• fsck: A consistency checker for UNIX file systems.

File recovery

• dvdisaster: Generates error-correction data for optical disc
• CDRoller: Recovers data from optical discs
• IsoBuster: Recovers data from optical discs

• TestDisk: Multi-platform. Recover files and lost partitions (Open Source, GPL)
• PhotoRec: Multi-platform console program used to recover files (Open Source)

• Recuva: Microsoft Windows 2000 & later, FAT and NTFS (Freeware)
• Card Data Recovery: Data Recovery for FAT and NTFS file systems
• TotalRecovery : Windows. Bootable backup and recover system (Proprietary, approx $40)
• TuneUp Utilities: Windows XPsp2 & later. A suite of utilities that has a file recovery component (Proprietary, approx $50)
• Norton Utilities: A suite of utilities that has a file recovery component (Proprietary, approx $50)
• DataLifeSaver: Data recovery for FAT and NTFS file systems (Proprietary, approx $60 for time limited use)
• GetDataBack: A Windows recovery program (Proprietary, approx $80)

• FileSalvage: A Mac OS X recovery program
• Mac Data Recovery Guru: A Mac OS X program that recovers data from most device types

Forensics

• The Coroner's Toolkit: A suite of utilities aimed at assisting in forensic analysis of a UNIX system after a break-in.
• The Sleuth Kit: Also known as TSK, The Sleuth Kit is a suite of forensic analysis tools developed by Brian Carrier for UNIX, Linux and Windows systems. TSK includes the Autopsy forensic browser.
• EnCase: A suite of forensic tools developed by Guidance Software that is used for imaging and forensic analysis for UNIX, Linux, and Windows systems.
• Forensic Toolkit (FTK) by AccessData (Forensic Tool Kit) Used by law enforcement.
• Open Computer Forensics Architecture: Runs on Linux.

Imaging tools

• ddrescue: The GNU tool for imaging failing hard drives, DVDs and CDs
• CopyCatX: Originally a backup software, it is capable of creating images of damaged media

Services

• DriveSavers
• DTI Data
• SalvageData