Free HFS/HFS+ (Mac OS Extended) Data Recovery Software

Quick Navigation:

• What is HFS?
• Common Causes of HFS Data Loss
• Advantages of Using Free HFS Data Recovery Software
• Best Free HFS/HFS+ Data Recovery Software
• How to Recover Lost Data with Free HFS/HFS+ Data Recovery Software?
• Conclusion
• FAQs About Free HFS/HFS+ Data Recovery Software

Hierarchical File System, or HFS/HFS+ (also called Mac OS Extended), is a file system made by Apple specifically for its macOS operating system. It sets up files in a way that makes it easy to handle big amounts of data, which makes it an important part of macOS devices. But, like any other file system, HFS can lose data if it is deleted by mistake formatted or the disk gets damaged. Malware can also do this. Luckily, you can get free data recovery tools to back lost files from HFS partitions.

This article will discuss what causes HFS data loss, why free HFS data recovery software is helpful, and some of the best free tools you can use. Whether you're an individual trying to get back important personal files or a business needing to get back data that is essential to the operation, this guide will give you the information you need to get your data back.

What is HFS?

Knowing what HFS is and why it's important in macOS computers before looking into recovery options is important.

The Structure of HFS

Apple first released HFS in 1985, making handling files on their hard drives easier. Over time, HFS changed into HFS+, also known as Mac OS Extended. It has a lot of improvements, such as the ability to handle bigger file sizes and name files using Unicode. The HFS structure is hierarchical, meaning files are stored in folders and subdirectories. That makes it easy to find files and move around.

Common Causes of HFS Data Loss

There are many reasons why data loss can happen. Understanding the reason will help you choose the best way to recover:

• Accidental Deletion: One of the most common ways data is lost on an HFS partition is when files are removed by accident.
• Formatting Errors: If you format a drive or folder without backing up the data, you could lose it forever.
• Corruption or Disk Errors: Data can't be accessed without logical errors, bad areas, or system corruption.
• Software Problems: Data can be lost or damaged when the system crashes, or software programs don't work well together.
• Virus or Malware: Infections can sometimes delete files, mess up files, or make it impossible to view whole volumes.

Advantages of Using Free HFS Data Recovery Software

There are often more advanced features in paid software, but free data recovery tools can work in many common data loss situations. Some important benefits are:

• Cost-effectiveness: Since they are free, you don't have to buy pricey tools unless you have to.
• Ease of Use: Most free tools have easy-to-understand interfaces that even newbies can use.
• Flexibility: Free versions usually only let you recover a small amount of data, which is great for people who have lost only a small amount.

Best Free HFS/HFS+ Data Recovery Software

Several highly effective free data recovery tools support HFS and HFS+ file systems. Below are some of the most reliable and widely recommended options.

1. Do Your Data Recovery for Mac Free

Do Your Data Recovery for Mac Free has an easy-to-use graphics interface that simplifies recovery for people who aren't very good with computers. It works with HFS/HFS+ and other file systems such as APFS, NTFS, ExFAT/FAT32 and has features like previewing files and searching deeply. People who use macOS and want an easy way to recover data often choose this software because it is known for being easy to use and effective at recovery.

With this software, users can easily recover lost data from Mac's internal drive, external hard drive, USB flash drive, digital camera, SD card, etc. It not only can recover deleted files, but it also can unformat hard drive, recover lost data from an eased hard drive, recover damaged disk, etc.

2. TestDisk

TestDisk is a strong open-source data recovery tool that works especially well to regain lost partitions and fix boot sectors. It works with both HFS and HFS+ file systems, which makes it useful for macOS users.

TestDisk has a command-line interface that may be hard for beginners to use. However, for more experienced users, it has powerful recovery tools. It can fix broken HFS file systems and regain lost partitions by rebuilding the partition table. TestDisk is a free, open-source tool with a great reputation for getting back lost data.

3. PhotoRec

PhotoRec is another free recovery program made by the same people who made TestDisk. It was mostly made for recovering photos, but it can also read many other file types, even those on HFS and HFS+ folders. PhotoRec can recover lost files using file signatures, even if the files were removed or damaged.

It has a command-line interface that some people might find hard to use, but it is very good at getting files back from different storage devices. It is known for returning many file types, and PhotoRec is free.

4. Disk Drill

With its easy-to-use graphics interface, Disk Drill is a complete data recovery tool that works with HFS and HFS+ file systems. You can get back up to 500 MB of data with the free version, which has features like previewing files and a special Recovery Vault that helps protect files from losing data again.

The simple design and powerful recovery options of Disk Drill make it a strong choice for people who want to get back lost files without going through many steps. It works especially well for people who like to see what they do while recovering data.

5. Lazesoft Mac Data Recovery

Lazesoft Mac Data Recovery is a free program for people using macOS. It's easy for beginners because the layout is simple. Lazesoft is different from other free tools because it lets you recover as much data as possible.

It is a big plus for people who have lost a lot of data. It works with HFS file systems and has features like bootable recovery choices that can be useful if the operating system won't start up. It might not have all the features you'd want, but it works well for basic data recovery needs and is easy for macOS users to use.

How to Recover Lost Data with Free HFS/HFS+ Data Recovery Software?

It is easy to recover lost files with HFS/HFS+ data recovery freeware - Do Your Data Recovery for Mac Free. It supports to recover all file types such as images, videos, documents, emails, archives, etc.

Step 1. Download and install Do Your Data Recovery for Mac Free on your Mac, then open it on your Mac.

Step 2. Open Do Your Data Recovery for Mac Free, select the HFS/HFS+ drive to start data recovery.

Step 3. Click on Scan button to deeply scan the HFS/HFS+ drive and find all recoverable files.

Step 4. Once the scan is completed, you can preview all recoverable files. Then select the wanted files, click on Recover button to save them.

This software also can help you fix corrupted HFS/HFS+ file system. Just choose Disk Manager, click Format or First Aid to fix logical errors and repair the damaged drive.

Conclusion:

For personal and business reasons, getting back lost data from HFS files is important, and free data recovery tools make it easy and don't cost much. TestDisk and PhotoRec are powerful recovery programs that are backed by open source. While, Do Your Data Recovery for Mac Free and Disk Drill have easy-to-use interfaces and useful tools for people who aren't as tech-savvy.

Lazesoft Mac Data Recovery stands out because it can recover as much data as you want and is very easy to use. For this reason, it's important to pick a tool based on your wants and level of technical knowledge. Using these free tools, you can regain important data without spending much money. This way, losing data by chance won't set you back permanently.

FAQs About Free HFS/HFS+ Data Recovery Software

1. What is the best free HFS/HFS+ data recovery software?

Here is the list of top 5 free HFS/HFS+ data recovery software:

• Do Your Data Recovery for Mac Free
• PhotoRec
• Lazesoft Data Recovery
• Disk Drill
• TestDisk

2. How to recover lost data from HFS/HFS+ drive?

You can download and install Do Your Data Recovery for Mac Free and use it to recover lost data from a HFS/HFS+ drive:

• Download and install Do Your Data Recovery for Mac Free.
• Open this software, select the HFS/HFS+ drive.
• Click on Scan button.
• Deeply scan the HFS/HFS+ drive.
• Preview and recover lost files.

3. Is it possible to recover lost data from an erased HFS/HFS+ drive?

Yes, free HFS/HFS+ data recovery software can deeply scan the HFS/HFS+ and find all recoverable files including the erased files.