Ext4 File Recovery: How to Recover Deleted Files from Ext4 Linux

1. Ext4 File Recovery in Linux
2. Everything About Ext4 File System in Linux
3. How to Recover Deleted Linux Ext4 with Data Recovery Software
4. Why Do You Lose Data on Linux Ext4 Partition

Ext4 File Recovery in Linux

"Recently, I deleted some important files by mistake in the Linux system with an Ext4. How may I recover them?" This is one of the most commonly asked questions! This file system serves the roles of data storage, namespace, security model, application programming interface (API), and implementation in a computer system.

Unintended removal of Ext4 Linux partitions and overall disk format, disk re-partitioning of the hard drive, a glitch in the partition disk, a cracked superblock, a malware infection, a software re-install, and a system restore of the computer network are among the most likely reasons (we will discuss these in detail later) of data loss from Ext4 Linux partitions.

Fortunately, Ext4 data recovery is feasible and may be completed on a Windows machine with a few simple steps. Throughout this article, you will learn about the ext4 file system and the most successful methods to recover deleted files from Ext4 Linux using reliable data recovery software. Let's get started!

Everything About Ext4 File System in Linux

Ext4 began as a series of extensions to Ext3. Ext3 was a development of Ext2, a descendant of Extfs, the initial Linux-specific file system. Rémy Card and colleagues developed Extfs to solve the constraints of the MINIX file system used by Linus Torvalds in the original Linux kernel. Andrew S. Tanenbaum's MINIX (1987) is a Unix-like operating system.

The guy wrote it for the sake of higher education so that UNIX could be taught without having to pay a significant price for the genuine thing. The MINIX file system has limits. Hence Extfs was used to "expand" it.

Addition to Linux Kernel (Ext4dev) in 2006

Ext4 was included in the Linux kernel (Ext4dev) in 2006 and the repositories in 2008. It's a journaling file system (as of Ext3) that keeps track of pending and implemented modifications.

It differs from your journal in that its most recent entries predict what will happen rather than what has happened. If you will, consider it a day planner/journal hybrid. Journaling (optional) allows you to rapidly correct file system faults without using software (e2fsck) to scan the whole data structure, looking for anomalies.

A Root/Tree Filing System

Ext4 is a typical root/tree file system having a boot sector, partition table and employs inodes (index nodes) to represent files and objects, similar to the Unix File System.

It provides transparent encryption, employs checksums on metadata (journal and other), supports TRIM, and employs delayed allocation. Ext4 stores data until it can find the shortest and most efficient method to write it via delayed allocation. This improves speed and raises the potential that data will not be written in the event of a power outage. In this circumstance, journaling reduces the risk of data loss.

When Should You Use Ext4?

Because Ext4 is a fast, tried-and-true file system that also happens to be the default file system for Linux, it's an excellent choice for end-users like Tux.

It is possible that using Btrfs or OpenZFS will be a superior solution for NAS devices, servers, or any other case where fault tolerance and data integrity are more critical than performance.

Recover Deleted Linux Ext4 with Data Recovery Software

If you are looking to recover deleted files, we recommend one competent software that can help you do that. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is an excellent file recovery application. Additionally, it's an excellent option for individuals to recover data that has been lost or erased. Here's the best part: EaseUS EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard may be used on Linux systems such as MX Linux and Manjaro.

Linux users may easily restore any deleted files, folders, or directories using the program. Using this tool, users may restore deleted files from a Linux machine operating on a Windows PC. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard may use any storage device to retrieve deleted data. This includes hard disk drive data and data from SSDs and SD cards. RAW file systems that your operating system does not recognize may also be restored.

Step 1. Install and Launch EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard on your Windows PC. Choose "Linux Recovery" on the left panel. 

Step 2. This software will detect your IP and Port automatically. You need to input the user name and password. If the IP address or Port is not right, you can correct it manually. Then, click "Connect Now". 

Step 3. After successfully connecting to your Linux device, EaseUS recovery software will start scanning the disk to find all lost and deleted files. When the scan process completes, click "Filter" > "Type" to specify lost file types.

Step 4. You can preview the scanned files first. Then, select the target data and click the "Recover" button to restore lost files in Linux. 

Why Do You Lose Data on Linux Ext4 Partition

The most probable causes of data loss from Ext4 Linux partitions, which will be explored in further detail here, are as follows:

Factory Reset Your PC

"Factory Reset" is a function offered by many PC manufacturers that enables you to return your device to its factory settings. However, doing can result in the loss of any data saved on your local hard drive.

You Re-install Your System

To properly re-install the system, the administrator must ensure that all of the required checkboxes are ticked. After the system has been installed, selecting the erroneous option by clicking on it and selecting it again may result in the loss of a partition.

You Have a Corrupt/Broken Superblock

When the Superblock is broken or corrupted, the extended (EXT) disks are rendered inaccessible to the user.

You Have an Error in the Partition Table

"Insufficient memory," "sudden power outages," and "unexpected system shutdown" are all examples of difficulties that might result in incorrect partition table entries (file system errors).

Re-Partition Your Disk

If you re-partition your hard drive, there is a chance that you may accidentally format it or delete a partition by mistake. During re-partitioning a hard disk, errors may arise that were not anticipated.

When You Format Your Disk

Formatting entails erasing everything on the hard disk, including all of the partitions and data.

When You Delete a Linux Partition

The possibility of a partition being mistakenly deleted while handling disk partitions using partition managers such as GNU Parted FDisk, or GParted, should be considered.

The Bottom Line

You would need a quick and trustworthy third-party data recovery program would be required to recover deleted files from Ext4 Linux from your Windows system. While Linux has built-in compatibility for NTFS partitions, the Windows operating system cannot natively read Linux partitions. It must rely on third-party data recovery tools to do this.

The EaseUS EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is the most widely used and dependable data recovery solution presently available. The program is the fastest and most effective available for data recovery from Ext4, Ext3, and Ext2 Linux partitions on Windows.