Hard drive data recovery. Is the chance high for a PC

If the failure is due to physical damage (e.g., a dropped or water-damaged drive), the chances of recovery are lower compared to software-related failures (e.g., a corrupted file system). If the drive is still physically intact and shows no signs of mechanical failure, the chances of recovery are higher. If data was overwritten, it may be more challenging to recover, as the new data may have overwritten the original files.
Recovery software effectiveness: Depending on the type of failure and drive condition, certain software tools may be more effective than others in recovering lost data.

Here’s a breakdown of free methods you can try about Hard drive data recovery:

1. Check Recycle Bin

• Before moving on to more complex recovery methods, make sure the files aren't in the Recycle Bin.

2. File History or Previous Versions

• If you're using Windows, check if you had File History enabled. Right-click on the folder where the files were stored, select "Restore previous versions," and see if older copies are available.

3. Use Windows Command Prompt

• For simple file system issues, you can try using built-in tools like chkdsk:
• Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
• Run chkdsk X: /f (replace X with the drive letter of the affected drive). This can fix some logical errors in the file system.

DIY Recovery: DIY methods, especially with free software, can be very successful for users comfortable with technology. These approaches often work best for logical issues (e.g., accidental deletion or file system corruption) rather than significant physical damage. 

Professional Help: If your hard drive has physical damage (clicking noises, not spinning), or if the data is highly critical and cannot be replaced, it may be wiser to seek professional recovery services. These services can be expensive but often have a much higher success rate. Attempting DIY recovery on a physically damaged drive can sometimes make the situation worse.