DMDE Data Recovery - Recover Deleted Files & Partitions (Free Edition Available)

DMDE (also known as DM Disk Editor and Data Recovery Software) is a utility for recovering data from popular types of storage devices. It works with hard drives, flash memory, and RAID data arrays.

At the time of writing this review, the following list of features was announced by the developers: restoring the partition table, individual documents and directories, and a smart data search for granular recovery by signatures.

Three license variants are available:

Free Edition: Does not support multithreading mode.
Home Edition: Allows simultaneous execution of multiple tasks on one computer.
DMDE Professional: Includes advanced functions for administering client devices.

DMDE Basic Features

The list of basic features in DMDE exceeds that of some paid alternatives for recovering data from an HDD. Version 3.4.2 supports:

Disk editor
HDD/Solid-state drive partition manager
Image file creation function
Disk cloning tool
Damaged RAID array reconstruction
Recovery of deleted files in a single thread

All of these functions work seamlessly with the graphical interface for Windows, as well as the console versions for DOS and Linux. With the proper skills, you can even use it on MacOS. Consequently, you'll be able to recover accidentally deleted documents across all file system types: NTFS/NTFS5, FAT12/16, FAT32, exFAT, Ext2/3/4, and HFS+/HFSX.

How Does Searching by Signatures Work in DMDE?

The original feature created by DMDE developers is searching by signatures, which allows for file recovery from primarily deleted data arrays based on specified parameters. This method is used when it is impossible to rely on the standard way of searching through the file system structure. This situation typically occurs when the partition table is seriously affected by partial formatting or mechanical damage.

The search principle is straightforward: the system analyzes the data by comparing the given parameters with the properties of every document on the storage device. If a match is found, a link to that file is listed in the results. By default, documents that match the most parameters specified by the user are shown first.

With DMDE, you can search for deleted files using a specified template, including:

Search area
File system
Data gathering parameters
Name
Extension
Date of creation/deletion
Size

Utility Additional Features

DMDE operates effectively in live versions, providing a comprehensive and high-quality product that can be launched from a disk or flash card. Despite its compact form, it includes functional features for working with recovered files.

The partition manager is a subroutine for quickly searching and recovering deleted or lost partitions. It works with information from FAT, NTFS, exFAT, Ext2/3/4, and HFS table boot sectors.

There is also an integrated disk editor for editing disk structures in various formats. Its simple interface makes it easy to navigate between related elements, view cluster maps, and read file system directories.

Disk image applications allow access to cloning, creating virtual digital clones of data, and decompressing backups to suitable storage devices.

When Is DMDE Indispensable?

DMDE is essential in situations involving the accidental deletion of files. For example, if you’ve accidentally deleted a folder containing important reports without going through the Recycle Bin, or if a virus has wiped a customer database and backup work papers from a server. Regardless of the cause, if the files can be recovered, DMDE’s interface and console versions will help you.

To open the recovery interface on a running Windows, Linux, or DOS operating system, simply unzip the program into a folder on your device’s HDD/SSD and launch it. If logging into the operating system is impossible, you can create a live CD with DMDE and boot your computer from it.

Download DMDE for Windows