top of page

Wanna Recover Deleted Files?

  • Writer: CyberThalamus
    CyberThalamus
  • Jul 18, 2023
  • 3 min read




Accidentally deleting important files can be a stressful experience, but don't panic. There are several methods you can use to recover deleted files. This tutorial will guide you through these steps, including a review and guide on using the free software "Recuva".


Step 1: Check the Recycle Bin When you delete a file, it often goes to the Recycle Bin first.

  • Double-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.

  • Look for your file. If you find it, right-click on it and select "Restore". The file will be returned to its original location. If you can't find your file here, don't worry. There are other methods to recover deleted files.


Step 2: Use the File History Feature (Windows) If you have the File History feature enabled, you can use it to recover deleted files.

  • Navigate to the folder that originally contained the deleted file.

  • Right-click inside the folder, click on "Properties" and then select "Previous Versions". You'll see a list of available previous versions of the file.

  • Select the version you want and click "Restore". If you can't find your file here, it's time to use a file recovery program.

Note: If "File History" is not enabled on your computer, to enable it go to "Control Panel" > "File History" and set it up by choosing the drive on which you want to save copies of your files.




Step 3: Use System Restore (Windows) If the file was deleted recently and you've created a system restore point, you can recover the file using System Restore.

  • Type "Create a restore point" into the start menu and select it.

  • In the System Properties window, under the System Protection tab, click "System Restore...".

  • Follow the prompts to choose a restore point from before you deleted the file. This will restore your system to that point, including the deleted file. Note: This will also undo any system changes made after that point, like software installations.




Step 4: Prevent Future Data Loss The best way to recover deleted files is to prevent them from being deleted in the first place. Regularly back up your files to prevent data loss.

  • Consider using a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox. These services automatically back up your files and allow you to recover deleted files.

  • For important files, consider keeping multiple backups in different locations. For example, you could keep one backup on an external hard drive and another in cloud storage.


Step 5: Use a File Recovery Program If the above methods don't work, you can use a file recovery program. There are many available, but one reliable option is Recuva.


Review of Recuva: Recuva is a highly rated file recovery software developed by Piriform. It's known for its ability to recover a wide range of file types from various storage mediums, including hard drives, USB sticks, memory cards, and more. It offers both a free and a paid version, with the paid version providing advanced file recovery, virtual hard drive support, and premium support.


How to Use Recuva:

  • Download and install Recuva from its official website. Make sure to download the correct version for your system (32-bit or 64-bit).

  • Open Recuva. You'll be greeted with a wizard to guide you through the recovery process. Click "Next".

  • Choose the type of file you're looking to recover (Pictures, Music, Documents, Video, Compressed, Emails, or "All Files") and click "Next".

  • Choose the location where the file was located. If you're not sure, select "I'm not sure". Click "Next".

  • Click "Start" to begin the scan. This may take a while depending on the size of the drive.

  • Once the scan is complete, you'll see a list of files Recuva has found. Files marked with green circles have a good chance of being recovered, while those with red circles may be unrecoverable.

  • Check the box next to the file(s) you want to recover, then click "Recover..." and choose a location to save the recovered file(s). It's best to save the recovered files to a different drive to avoid overwriting other deleted files that you may want to recover.




Step 6: Consult with a Professional If you're unable to recover the file yourself, consider consulting with a professional data recovery service. This can be expensive, but if the file is extremely important, it may be worth the cost.


Conclusion: Recovering deleted files can be a simple process if done promptly and correctly. However, the best way to protect your files is to regularly back them up to an external drive or cloud storage service.


Disclaimer: Always be careful when downloading and installing software from the internet. Make sure it's from a trusted source. Also, remember that not all files can be recovered, especially if they were deleted a long time ago or the drive has been overwritten.

Comments


bottom of page