How to Recover Deleted Files in EXT3

Recovering deleted files from an EXT3 hard drive requires immediate action.

The EXT3 (third extended file system) is a journaling file system used in many Linux distributions and packaged as the default file system on Ubuntu. Recovering files unintentionally deleted from an EXT3 formatted hard drive can be a difficult process due to the nature of file storage on these disks. EXT3 file systems are managed to prevent any file fragmentation. Thus, when a file is deleted from the hard disk, the hard drive automatically fills the sector where the file formerly resided. However, it is possible to recover deleted files using freely available file recovery software.

Things You'll Need

• EXT3 file recovery software

Instructions

1. Download and install an EXT3 file recovery program of your choice (see Resources).

2. Launch Terminal by selecting "Applications," "Accessories," "Terminal."

3. Type the following command with the file name appended and press "Enter" to recover a file in which you know the exact file name and location:
   ralf /location/filename

4. Type the following command and press "Enter" to review a list of files which are recoverable:
   gabi

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid using "Shift" + "Delete" to remove files and instead simply press "Delete." This will send files to the Trash, where they will remain for up to 30 days for easy file recovery.

References

• Linux: For Those "Oops" Moments---ext3undel

Resources

• CGSecurity: Photorec
• SourceForge: Foremost
• IzzySoft: Ext3undel