How do I use TestDisk?

To use TestDisk for recovering lost partitions or files, follow these steps:

1. Install TestDisk:

   • On Debian/Ubuntu:

     sudo apt-get install testdisk

   • On Fedora:

     sudo dnf install testdisk

   • On macOS (using Homebrew):

     brew install testdisk

2. Run TestDisk:
   Open a terminal and run TestDisk with superuser privileges:

   sudo testdisk

3. Create a Log File:
   When prompted, choose to create a new log file, append to an existing one, or not use a log file.

4. Select the Disk:
   Use the arrow keys to select the disk you want to analyze and press Enter.

5. Select Partition Table Type:
   TestDisk usually detects the partition table type automatically. If you're unsure, you can accept the default option.

6. Analyze the Disk:

   • Choose Analyze to search for lost partitions.
   • Select Quick Search to start the search. If partitions are found, you can choose to list files or continue with deeper searches.

7. Deeper Search (if needed):
   If the quick search does not find your lost partitions, you can select Deeper Search to perform a more thorough scan.

8. Recover Files:

   • If you find the lost partition, you can navigate through it and select files to recover.
   • Use the C key to copy files. Choose a destination to save the recovered files.

9. Write Changes (if necessary):
   If you need to restore a partition, select it and choose the option to write the changes. Be cautious with this step, as it can overwrite existing data.

10. Exit TestDisk:
    After completing your recovery, you can exit TestDisk by selecting the appropriate option.

Important Notes:

• Always work on a copy of the disk if possible to avoid further data loss.
• Recovery success depends on various factors, including how much the disk has been used since the deletion.
• Read the documentation or help files within TestDisk for more detailed instructions and options.