Choosing HDD recovery software in Germany starts with the condition of the drive. A stable drive with accidentally deleted files is a different case from a drive that clicks, disconnects or was dropped. Compare tools only after deciding whether another software scan is appropriate.
Separate logical loss from drive failure
For a normally detected HDD, first check whether the files were moved or backed up. Record the disk capacity and the affected partition so that you do not scan a similarly named backup drive by mistake. Avoid formatting a volume just because Windows cannot open it.
If the HDD makes unusual mechanical noises, repeatedly disappears or becomes progressively slower to read, stop repeated scans. Software cannot repair damaged heads or platters. The software-versus-service decision should come before a purchase, especially when this is the only copy of important data.
Evaluate XRecovery before exporting everything
XRecovery 3.1.6 runs on Windows and can scan partitions, disks and external devices that Windows recognises. The ordinary scan starts with a quick scan and then proceeds automatically to a deep scan. Preview is available for some mainstream file formats; it is not a complete compatibility test for every result.
The confirmed free recovery allowance is 2GB in total. Use it to check representative files before deciding whether more recovery is worthwhile. File names, thumbnails and scan counts alone are not proof of complete recovery.
Scan, save and verify
- Preserve the source and prepare a different physical device for recovered files. Check backups first, and avoid formatting or repair writes while the missing files are needed.
- Select the intended source by its capacity and identity. Stop if it becomes unstable; scanning software cannot fix physical damage.
- Review available results and previews. Save selected files to the separate destination, then open them with their usual applications and check the important contents.
XRecovery scanning is read-only, but exporting writes data to the destination. Its default warning against saving to the scanned partition can be overridden, so keep the destination separate yourself. No software can guarantee recovery of data that is no longer readable.
Does a read-only scan make every HDD safe to scan?
No. Read-only describes how scanning accesses data; it does not remove the stress of reading an unstable mechanical drive. Stop if the device shows physical failure symptoms.
Before choosing a download or licence
Use the official product information to check the current package, requirements and terms. For users in Germany, also check that the available interface and support arrangements fit your needs; this article does not establish a separate local edition or local service coverage.