A factory reset is a helpful troubleshooting step when other methods can’t fix software issues on your Mac. In this article, we’ll discuss what happens during a factory reset, whether you can recover your data afterward, and ways to attempt data recovery. This process erases any personalized configurations and installed apps. After a factory reset, retrieving your data becomes more challenging because it is erased. However, there are methods and tools available to recover lost data.
Table of content:
First, let’s discuss what happens when you do a factory reset.
Remember, a factory reset deletes everything forever, so only do it if you need to, and be careful.
A Mac factory reset is often done for a few common reasons. Here are the leading causes
Causes | Description |
Fixing Problems | Sometimes, a factory reset is needed to solve persistent software issues or system errors that can’t be fixed in other ways. |
Speeding Up the Mac | When a Mac is running slowly or experiencing performance problems, a factory reset can help by removing unnecessary files, settings, and applications to improve its speed. |
Upgrading the Operating System | When upgrading to a new version of macOS, a factory reset might be recommended to ensure a smooth installation and avoid compatibility issues with the new system. |
Enhancing Security | If a Mac has been infected by malware or other security threats, a factory reset can help eliminate those risks and start fresh with improved security. |
Remember to back up your important files before performing a factory reset, as it will erase all data on the Mac.
Note: It’s essential to stop using your computer when you lose your data to prevent the risk of overwriting it. Follow the instructions below to learn how to recover data on your Mac after a factory reset.
Here are three simple methods to recover files after a factory reset on your Mac.
To recover files after a factory reset on your Mac, you can use the Time Machine backup method. Time Machine is available on macOS, so you don’t need extra software. Just follow these steps if you have a Time Machine backup:
4. Use Time Machine’s interface to search for the files and folders you want to recover.
5. Select the items you want to restore and click the “Restore” button.
6. The files will be restored to their original locations on your Mac.
Remember, this method requires a valid Time Machine backup that includes the files you want to recover.
Another method to recover Mac data after a factory reset is using the macOS Disk Utility’s restore option. This technique copies the contents from one volume to another. However, you must have made a copy of the volume before the reset. Follow these steps to restore the reset volume:
3. Choose the destination volume in the sidebar, which will be erased and restored.
4. Click the Restore button.
5. Select the target volume from the Restore pop-up menu to copy its data to the destination volume.
6. Click Restore and then Done.
Remember, this method requires a previous copy of the volume you want to restore and doesn’t require additional software.
Yodot Mac Data Recovery is a simple software tool that helps you get back your lost or deleted files on your Mac. It scans your Mac’s storage to find different types of files like documents, photos, and videos. It’s designed to assist Mac users in recovering important files that were accidentally lost or inaccessible.
Steps to recover files after factory reset on Mac:
3. Select the particular Volume/drive where you lost your files and click “Next.”
4. Wait for the scanning process to finish. You can view the files in Data View or File Type View.
5. Preview the recovered data from your external hard drive.
6. Select the files or folders you want to recover and click “Save.”
Remember to act quickly and avoid using the drive where the files were lost to improve the chances of successful recovery.
If you’ve lost files after a factory reset on your Mac, there are ways to recover them. You can use data recovery software like Yodot Mac Data Recovery or restore files from a backup using Time Machine. Act quickly, avoid using the computer and follow the necessary steps to maximize your chances of successful file recovery. These methods can help you retrieve and regain access to your important files.
While having a backup significantly increases the chances of recovering files, you can still attempt data recovery using specialized software designed for Mac. However, the success of file recovery may vary depending on various factors.
To back up your files before a factory reset, you can use built-in tools like Time Machine, which allows you to create regular backups on external drives or network storage. Cloud storage services or manually copying important files to an external drive are viable backup options.
Yes, it is recommended to stop using your Mac immediately after data loss to prevent overwriting the lost files. Continuing to use the computer may increase the risk of permanent data loss.
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