Recovering data from a hard drive is one of the primary objectives in forensic investigations. Whether files have been deleted, formatted, or corrupted, following a structured approach is crucial.

Step 1: Create a Forensic Image

• Use tools like FTK Imager to create a bit-by-bit copy of the HDD.
• Never work on the original drive to maintain evidence integrity.

Step 2: Analyze File Systems

• Check the file system (NTFS, FAT32, exFAT) for recoverable data.
• Look for file headers and metadata using forensic software.

Step 3: Recover Deleted Data

• Use forensic tools to retrieve deleted files from unallocated disk space.
• Employ carving techniques to extract fragmented files.

Step 4: Extract Hidden Data

• Analyze slack space, swap files, and hidden partitions.
• Search for encrypted or obfuscated data.

Step 5: Document Findings

• Maintain proper documentation of each step taken during recovery.
• Ensure the chain of custody is intact for court admissibility.

Conclusion
A well-structured data recovery process can help forensic investigators extract valuable evidence without compromising data integrity.