I have always relied on a Windows operating system. And like me, there are many other people who completely rely on Windows for all their personal and professional work. But after repeated usage, including creating of new file, addition of data to a file, or deletion of file or information may lead to fragmentation of data, which slows the computer system at hand. Running defragmentation programs becomes need of the hour, but sometimes leads to unexpected data loss situations. If such a situation is encountered, then the user has little option but to opt for Windows data recovery using updated backups. However, if backups are unavailable, then the user has to opt for partition recovery software.

Does this mean that a user should not run defragmentation on the system? Or, are there some situations that do not allow defragmentation to be carried out properly? And, what should be done by a user, if he/she is facing data loss after the defragmentation of the disk! Let use analyze the same in this article!

The defragmentation utilities manipulate disk volume blocks either using control code named FSCTL_MOVE_FILE or directly, but early in the boot process, even before Autochk.exe finishes. And, when the volume blocks of a hard drive are manipulated in Windows Vista during boot time, it causes extreme file loss along with volume corruption. The volume becomes unmountable, Windows doesn't boot and none of the saved files remains accessible.

Let us understand why this happens! There are certain files stored in folder: VolumeName\System Volume Information, and are used by Windows Vista to store all the data related to snapshots created using Volume Shadow Copy Service. These files have {3808876B-C176-4e48-B7AE-04046E6CC752} in their names, and use certain blocks of data early in the boot process. When defragmentation utilities change the location of these blocks, or overwrites them, then data loss occurs.

In case you encounter such a problem, then formatting the hard disk and reinstallation of Windows is the only option for any Windows user! After this, Windows data recovery using updated backups is all that can be done. However, if you didn't create a backup, or your backup doesn't work, then you need not panic, as partition recovery software can aid you in such situations by recovering data.

Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery can recover your Windows partition using advanced algorithms. With support for FAT and NTFS file systems, and compatibility for Windows OS, this tool is a sure-shot winner in all Windows data loss situations.