The NTFS (New Technology File System) file system treats every file or directory as a set of various file attributes. The file elements like name of the file, file’s security information, and its data/contents, are all file attributes. Each file attribute is described by attribute type code, optionally by an attribute name. For proper management, security, and access of the files, it is essential for the file attributes to remain intact. In case of corruption or any issues with these attributes, the file may become inaccessible from NTFS partition. At this point, opting for Windows Data Recovery solution becomes a need of the hour.
All the attributes of file that need little space for storage and can thus fit in MFT (Master File Table) file record, are known as resident attributes. For instance, time stamp and file names are always saved in MFT file records. If the attribute can not fit into MFT file record due to its comparatively larger size, and is placed separately, with a pointer in the MFT leading to it, the attribute is nonresident. NTFS file system defines the following file attributes:
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Standard Information- Stores information like link count and time stamp.
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Attribute List- Displays location of all the attribute records, which don’t fit in MFT record, and thus acts as a pointer.
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File Name- Repeatable attribute for short and long file names.
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Security Descriptor- Contains information about file owner and access privileges.
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Data- Stores file data. NTFS file system enables multiple data attributes in each file. Every file generally has an unnamed data attribute.
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Reparse Point- It is used for the mount points of NTFS volume. This is also used by IFS (Installable File System) filter drivers for marking some files as specific to the driver.
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Index Root- Used for implementing various indexes including folders.
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Volume Information- Used in $Volume system file and contains version of volume.
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Volume Name- Contains the label of volume.
In case, any of the above file attributes is damaged, file/folder may become inaccessible and you encounter data loss. At this point, windows data recovery software come to your rescue.
The Windows Data Recovery applications thoroughly scan the entire NTFS file system volume and extract all lost, missing, and inaccessible files. They recover windows in a quick, easy, and safe way.
Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery is the most advanced and efficient tool that recovers lost data in all logical data loss scenarios. The software works well with Microsoft Windows 7, Vista, 2003, XP, and 2000. It recovers lost data from FAT16, FAT32, VFAT, NTFS, and NTFS5 file system partitions.