Recovery software

Bootable

Data recovery cannot always be done on a running system. As a result boot disk, Live CD, Live USB, or any other type of Live Distro containing a minimal operating system and a set of repair tools.

* Knoppix : The original Linux Live CD. It contains many useful utilities for data recovery.
* Ubuntu Rescue Remix : A GNU/Linux live system that runs from CD or USB pen drive that includes free-libre, open source data recovery and forensics tools. [9]
* SystemRescueCD : A Gentoo based Live CD, useful for repairing unbootable computer systems and retrieving data after a system crash
* NeroBackItUp ImageTool : A user friendly bootable environment, through which you can restore your image created by NeroBackItUp and/or NeroBackItUp ImageTool to make your machine back to consistent state.
* SpinRite : Bootable CD running FreeDOS. Drive recovery software written by Steve Gibson of Gibson Research Corporation. Will run on most PC (x86, non-Apple) hardware regardless of installed operating system.

Consistency checkers

* CHKDSK : A consistency checker for DOS and Windows systems.
* Disk First Aid : A consistency checker for Mac OS 9.
* Disk Utility : A consistency checker for Mac OS X.
* fsck : A consistency checker for UNIX file systems.

File Recovery

* PhotoRec : Multi-platform console program used to recover files.
* SanDisk RescuePRO : Software introduced by SanDisk and distributed through LC Technology International Inc.

Forensics

* The Coroner's Toolkit : A suite of utilities aimed at assisting in forensic analysis of a UNIX system after a break-in.
* The Sleuth Kit : Also known as TSK, The Sleuth Kit is a suite of forensic analysis tools developed by Brian Carrier for UNIX, Linux and Windows systems. TSK includes the Autopsy forensic browser.
* EnCase : A suite of forensic tools developed by Guidance Software that is used for imaging and forensic analysis for UNIX, Linux, and Windows systems.
* FTK by AccessData (Forensic Tool Kit) Used by law enforcement.

Imaging tools
Main article: Disk image

* ddrescue : The GNU tool for imaging failing hard drives.