Can you get files and data after a hard drive is reformatted?
Formatting a hard drive using the formatting utility or the built-in format functionality in the operating system (Windows or macOS) technically erase all files from the computer.
However, in some situations, you can restore data and files on a formatted hard drive if its not overwritten by new data. Third-party software can recover deleted files, and companies offer this service. If you need to recover files on your formatted hard drive, using a data recovery utility is a good way to go. If the data recovery utility doesn't work for you, you can pay a company specializing in data recovery to recover your files. However, these companies charge several hundred dollars or more for their services, whereas a data recovery utility costs less than a hundred dollars.
How to make sure data cannot be recovered
If you do not want your old data to be recoverable, writing over all the information is the safest solution without destroying the hard drive.
Another option is to drill a hole or two through the hard drive. This process destroys the magnetic disk platters inside the hard drive, rendering the drive inoperable and unreadable.
The hole-drilling method is usually desirable if the computer is being thrown away or recycled. However, if the computer is being donated, overwriting all information on the drive is the best solution.