
Recover Files Deleted from SharePoint: A Comprehensive Guide
Dealing with deleted files on SharePoint can be a daunting task, but fear not! This guide will walk you through the process of recovering files deleted from SharePoint, ensuring that your data is safe and sound. Whether you’re a SharePoint administrator or a user who accidentally deleted important documents, this article will provide you with the necessary steps to get your files back.
Understanding SharePoint File Deletion
Before diving into the recovery process, it’s essential to understand how files are deleted on SharePoint. When you delete a file, it is initially moved to the Recycle Bin. If you delete a file from the Recycle Bin, it is considered permanently deleted. However, there are ways to recover files from both the Recycle Bin and permanently deleted files.
Recovering Files from the Recycle Bin
1. Access the Recycle Bin
Log in to your SharePoint site and navigate to the Recycle Bin. You can usually find it in the Quick Launch menu or by searching for “Recycle Bin” in the search box.
2. Search for the Deleted File
Once you’re in the Recycle Bin, you’ll see a list of deleted files. Use the search function to find the file you want to recover. You can search by file name, file type, or date.
3. Restore the File
Once you’ve found the file, click on the “Restore” button next to it. The file will be restored to its original location in the SharePoint library.
Recovering Permanently Deleted Files
1. Check the Recycle Bin
Before attempting to recover permanently deleted files, make sure you’ve checked the Recycle Bin. If the file is still there, follow the steps outlined in the previous section.
2. Use SharePoint Online Recycle Bin
For SharePoint Online users, you can recover files from the Recycle Bin for up to 93 days. If the file has been deleted for more than 93 days, you’ll need to use the following steps:
Step | Description |
---|---|
1 | Open PowerShell ISE |
2 | Run the following command: Get-SPODeletedSite -Identity “YourSiteURL” |
3 | Identify the deleted file and its version history |
4 | Run the following command: Restore-SPODeletedSite -Identity “YourSiteURL” -DeletedSiteId “DeletedSiteID” -VersionHistoryId “VersionHistoryID” |
3. Use SharePoint Server Recycle Bin
For SharePoint Server users, you can recover files from the Recycle Bin for up to 30 days. If the file has been deleted for more than 30 days, you’ll need to use the following steps:
Step | Description |
---|---|
1 | Open SharePoint Management Shell |
2 | Run the following command: Get-SPDeletedSite -Identity “YourSiteURL” |
3 | Identify the deleted file and its version history |
4 | Run the following command: Restore-SPDeletedSite -Identity “YourSiteURL” -DeletedSiteId “DeletedSiteID” -VersionHistoryId “VersionHistoryID” |
Preventing Future Data Loss
Now that you’ve successfully recovered your deleted files, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent future data loss. Here are some best practices to consider:
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Regularly backup your SharePoint site
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Implement a strong file recovery policy