Product Review: Stellar Phoenix Linux Data Recovery

As you know, Linux operating systems are sophisticated in use, which makes them fall under the category of the most undesired platforms. However, this nature of Linux OSes does not make users avoid using it, especially in corporations. In fact, Linux is mainly used in organizations keeping the security aspects in view. Well, I know you must have heard of Linux as a secure operating system. Those who practice software development or some other technical tasks usually prefer using Linux, which is aimed at achieving optimum security for their data.

Switching from Linux to Windows platform requires deleting all its partitions and recreating them, as Windows OSes do not support Ext4, Ext3, and Ext2 file system based drives. This makes reformatting the hard drive mandatory on the new platform. However, formatting the hard drive sometimes causes data loss, or you might intentionally formatted the hard drive to delete all the data in a flash.

Introduction

Stellar Phoenix Linux Data Recovery software enables recovering data from lost or deleted Ext4, Ext3, and Ext2 file system based Linux partitions. The software runs on Windows platform and has got the ability to scan the entire hard drive to recover the partitions that no longer exist on it. Once the deleted or lost partitions are recovered, you can scan them individually for data recovery.

The software enables you to create drive image for data recovery at a later time. In other words, you can continue recovery with the drive image as per your convenience. Both of these options are provided under different tabs on the home screen. The software also displays the information about the hard drive, such as drive’s model number, drive temperature, serial number, drive size, and S.M.A.R.T. Status, and more.

Ease of Use

Keeping the ‘sophistication’ of Linux platform in view, This Linux Recovery software is provided with a simple and user-friendly GUI that makes it easy to use for completing such a difficult task like data recovery. The software interface is self-directive, which makes it a Do-it-Yourself utility. Its tabbed interface has multiple options for data recovery (see the image below).

Stellar Phoenix Linux Data Recovery – Home Screen



The following are the tabs along with the option(s) they include:

  • Data Recovery 
    • Quick Recovery 
    • Advance Recovery 
    • Deleted File Recovery 
    • Search Lost Volume 
  • Resume Recovery 
    • Select Image/Scan File 
  • Advance Options 
    • Drive Imaging 
    • Drive Status 
  • Recovery Services

How it Works?

The ‘Quick Recovery’ module of the software on clicking shows the existing partitions on the hard drive. In fact, this option enables you to recover lost/deleted files from all the existing partitions. This scan option performs a quick scan on the selected partition and displays the result in a three-pane view. In case you lost your files due to volume corruption, this scan option is highly recommended for recovery.

The ‘Advance Scan’ module also shows all the existing partitions and enables data recovery from any of them. Selecting this option performs a slow, but extensive scan on the partition you select. However, the chances of recovery are better.

The ‘Deleted File Recovery’ module of the software also lists the existing partitions of the hard drive attached to your PC. This option scans the selected partition to recover all the files that were deleted recently.

The ‘Search Lost Volume’ module of the software lists all the hard drives (not partitions) installed on your PC. Select the hard drive in which you want to search lost volumes, and then scan it.


As you click the Start Scan button, Scan Mode pop-up appears, on which you have to select a scan mode. The default scan mode for this recovery module is ‘Quick Scan’, but you can switch to ‘Deep Scan’, in case the scan result is not satisfactory.


In addition to the lost/deleted Ext4, Ext3, and Ext2 file system based Linux partitions, the software also supports recovery from FAT32, FAT16, and FAT12 file system based partitions. Once the lost partitions are recovered, highlight one, and then choose a recovery option out of Quick Recovery, Deleted File Recovery, and Advanced Recovery.

Apply Mask

This Linux Recovery software provides you with ‘Mask’ option that enables you to narrow down the search result for selected data recovery. You can create a small tree out of the one created automatically in the search result window.



The following is the criteria for masking:

  • File of type 
    • Match Case
    • Deleted File
    • Existing Files 
  • Size from (KB) 
  • Date 
    • Date list box
    • In the last months
    • In the last days
    • Between

Drive Imaging

Stellar Phoenix Linux Data Recovery software enables you to ‘Create Image’ as well as ‘Clone Disk’ for recovery at a later time.

  • Create Image – option replicates the hard drive or a partition sector by sector, and then saves the image (*.img file) at a specified location. 
  • Clone Disk – option create a mirror image of the entire hard drive, which requires another hard drive* to save it. 
*Note: The destination hard drive must match the storage capacity of the drive you are cloning.

Resume Recovery

Stellar Phoenix Linux Data Recovery software enables you to save the scan information (*.img file) for recovery at a later time. The ‘Resume Recovery’ tab enables you to do it.



For this, simply go to the ‘Resume Recovery’ tab, click the Browse button, and then locate the Scan Information File or the disk image created earlier.

Drive Status

Stellar Phoenix Linux Data Recovery software displays complete information about the hard drive installed on your PC, under Advance Options > Drive Status.



The image shown above displays the drive status. You see a similar screen on your PC.

The Verdict

Stellar Phoenix Linux Data Recovery software enables recovering lost or deleted Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, FAT32, FAT16, and FAT12 file system based Linux partitions. The software enables applying mask on the scan result to narrow it down for selected items’ recovery. For recovering data from deleted Linux partitions, this software is highly recommended.

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