Data recovery refers to the process of retrieving and restoring lost, corrupted, or inaccessible data from storage devices such as hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), USB drives, memory cards, and other digital media. It involves salvaging data that has been accidentally deleted, formatted, damaged by a hardware failure, infected with malware, or affected by natural disasters.

Data recovery can be necessary in various situations, including:

1. Accidental deletion: When files or folders are mistakenly deleted and emptied from the Recycle Bin or Trash, data recovery can help recover them.

2. Hardware failure: If a storage device fails due to physical damage or logical issues, such as a hard drive crash, electronic failure, or circuit board malfunction, data recovery techniques can attempt to retrieve the data.

3. File system corruption: When the file system becomes corrupted, often due to software errors, viruses, or power outages, data recovery can help recover files from the affected storage device.

4. Formatting or reformatting: If a storage device is formatted or reformatted, data recovery can attempt to restore the files, though the success rate depends on various factors.

5. Partition loss: When partitions on a hard drive or other storage device become inaccessible or are accidentally deleted, data recovery can help recover the lost partitions and the data stored within them.

6. Virus or malware attacks: Data recovery can be used to recover files that have been compromised, encrypted, or damaged by viruses or malware.

Data recovery methods can vary depending on the specific situation and the nature of the storage device. It typically involves using specialized software tools or engaging the services of professional data recovery companies that employ advanced techniques and equipment.

It’s important to note that data recovery is not always guaranteed to be successful. The chances of successful data recovery depend on factors such as the cause of data loss, the extent of damage to the storage device, and the actions taken after the data loss occurred. To maximize the chances of successful recovery, it’s advisable to stop using the affected storage device immediately and seek professional assistance if needed.