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Recover Deleted File: A Comprehensive Guide
Have you ever accidentally deleted a file and felt a pang of regret? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Data loss is a common occurrence, and the good news is that there are ways to recover deleted files. In this article, we will delve into the various methods and tools available to help you retrieve your lost data. Whether you’ve deleted a file from your computer, smartphone, or external storage device, we’ve got you covered.
Understanding File Deletion
Before we dive into the recovery process, it’s essential to understand how file deletion works. When you delete a file, it doesn’t immediately vanish from your storage device. Instead, the space occupied by the file is marked as available for new data. This is why it’s crucial to act quickly if you want to recover the deleted file.
File Deletion Process | Description |
---|---|
File Selection | You select the file you want to delete. |
File Deletion | The file is moved to the Recycle Bin or Trash folder. |
Space Marking | The space occupied by the file is marked as available. |
Now that you understand the basics, let’s explore the different methods to recover deleted files.
Recovering Deleted Files from Your Computer
1. Use the Recycle Bin or Trash Folder
One of the simplest ways to recover a deleted file is by using the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash folder (Mac). These folders store deleted files temporarily, allowing you to restore them easily.
1.1. Windows
1. Open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking on its icon on your desktop.
1.2. Find the deleted file.
1.3. Right-click on the file and select “Restore.” The file will be returned to its original location.
1.4. If you can’t find the file, try searching for it using the search bar at the top of the Recycle Bin window.
1.5. If the file is still missing, it may have been permanently deleted. In that case, proceed to the next method.
1.6. Note: If you’ve emptied the Recycle Bin, the file is likely gone forever. In this case, you’ll need to use a third-party recovery tool (see section 4).
1.7. For Mac users, the process is similar. Open the Trash folder, find the deleted file, right-click, and select “Put Back.” If the file is missing, try searching for it using the search bar at the top of the Trash folder.
2. Use File Recovery Software
If the Recycle Bin or Trash folder doesn’t work, you can use file recovery software to scan your computer for deleted files. Some popular options include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill.
2.1. Download and install a file recovery software of your choice.
2.2. Run the software and select the drive where the file was deleted from.
2.3. Start the scanning process. The software will search for deleted files on the selected drive.
2.4. Once the scan is complete, browse through the list of found files and select the one you want to recover.
2.5. Choose a location to save the recovered file and click “Recover.” The file will be restored to your computer.
3. Check for Previous Versions
Windows and macOS have a built-in feature called “Previous Versions” that allows you to restore files to a previous state. This feature works by creating restore points at regular intervals.
3.1. Right-click on the folder or file you want to recover.
3.2. Select “Restore previous versions” from the context menu.
3.3. A window will open, displaying a list of available restore points. Select the one you want to restore from and click “Restore.” The file will be restored to its original location.
Recovering Deleted Files from External Storage Devices
1. Use File Recovery Software