A drive showing its full capacity as Unallocated Space despite containing files moments before indicates a failure of the partition table or file system metadata.
Your data remains physically present on the media, but the operating system has lost the map required to locate and mount the volumes. It’s important to avoid writing any new data to the drive, as the system now views that space as available for overwriting.
If you need data from the drive, turn it off immediately. Datarecovery.com provides risk-free evaluations, and with certified cleanroom technology in every location, we’re ready to help you restore your files. We support every case with a no data, no charge guarantee: If we’re unable to recover the files you need, you don’t pay for the attempt.
To speak with an expert, call 1-800-237-4200 or submit a case online. Below, we’ll explain why “ghost partitions” occur — and what you can do to optimize your chances of a successful recovery.
What Are Ghost Partitions, And Why Do They Happen?
Every storage device uses a specific area of the drive to store a partition table such as a Master Boot Record (MBR) or GUID Partition Table (GPT). The partition table defines where a volume starts and ends.
When this metadata becomes corrupted, the operating system no longer recognizes the logical boundaries of your files. The data’s still physically on the drive — but without the partition table, it’s unreadable.
We often see this occur following a sudden power interruption or a forced restart. If the drive was in the process of updating its file system journal or partition headers when power was lost, those sectors can become unreadable or inconsistent. Your computer has safeguards that will usually allow it to overcome some amount of partition table corruption — but those safeguards aren’t perfect.
Common Triggers for Sudden Volume Loss
Several factors can lead to a drive reporting as unallocated space. Identifying the cause helps us determine a strategy for logical data recovery.
- File System Corruption: Errors in the NTFS, APFS, or exFAT headers can cause the OS to ignore the partition entirely.
- Physical Media Degradation: If a hard drive develops bad sectors in the specific area where the partition table is stored, the computer will fail to mount the volume.
- Firmware Glitches: Modern solid-state drives sometimes experience controller-level errors that result in a loss of logical mapping.
- Improper Ejection: Removing an external drive while it is still performing background tasks can corrupt the Volume Boot Record.
Data Recovery for Ghost Partitions
If you encounter a ghost partition, follow these steps.
1. Avoid Initializing the Drive
Windows may prompt you to Initialize Disk or Format the volume to make it usable. Performing these actions writes new data to the drive, which may overwrite the original partition headers and make professional recovery more difficult.
In other words, don’t do it! Keep the drive powered off.
2. Verify Hardware Integrity
The safest course of action is to contact a professional data recovery provider and get a media evaluation. If the data is irreplaceable, that should be your next step.
With that said, we’re aware that not every drive failure is an emergency. If the data isn’t irreplaceable, you can rule out external factors by testing the drive with a different cable or computer. You can refer to Microsoft’s Disk Management overview for more information on how the operating system identifies disk status.
3. Strategic Use of Recovery Utilities
If the drive is physically healthy — meaning it makes no clicking or grinding noises — you might consider using a partition restoration tool. We do not directly endorse specific products, but you can do a quick search of the data recovery subreddit to find recommendations.
Partition recovery utilities scan for backup copies of the partition header and attempt to write them back to the drive. Remember, running any data recovery software can cause permanent data loss. You should only take this step if you’re able to run the software from another device — not the drive that you’re trying to recover — and if you’re willing to lose data.
Learn why we don’t recommend data recovery software as a primary tool for file recovery.
Professional Solutions for Partition Data Recovery
Restoring a corrupted partition requires a deep understanding of file system structures. Our engineers utilize proprietary hardware to create a bit-for-bit clone of the failing media before attempting any repairs. By pairing non-destructive processes with proprietary data recovery technology, we deliver high success rates and fast turnaround times.
To set up a risk-free media evaluation, open a ticket online or call 1-800-237-4200.
