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How to Get Deleted Files
Dealing with deleted files can be a frustrating experience, but fear not! There are several methods and tools at your disposal to retrieve those precious documents, photos, or videos. Whether you’ve accidentally deleted something or your system encountered an unexpected error, this guide will walk you through the process of getting your deleted files back.
Understanding File Deletion
Before diving into the recovery methods, it’s essential to understand how file deletion works. When you delete a file, it’s not immediately removed 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 files.
File System | Deleted File Behavior |
---|---|
NTFS | File is moved to the Recycle Bin or deleted permanently. |
FAT32 | File is deleted permanently. |
APFS | File is moved to the Trash or deleted permanently. |
Now that you understand the basics, let’s explore the different methods to get your deleted files back.
Using the Recycle Bin or Trash
The Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac) is the first place to look for deleted files. These folders store deleted files temporarily, allowing you to restore them easily.
- On Windows, open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking its icon on the desktop. On Mac, open the Trash by clicking its icon in the Dock.
- Locate the deleted file you want to recover.
- Right-click the file and select “Restore” (Windows) or drag the file out of the Trash (Mac).
- Wait for the file to be restored to its original location.
Remember that the Recycle Bin or Trash can only store files for a limited time. If the files have been deleted for an extended period, they may not be recoverable using this method.
Using File Recovery Software
File recovery software is a powerful tool that can help you recover deleted files from various storage devices, including hard drives, SSDs, USB flash drives, and memory cards.
- Download and install a reputable file recovery software, such as Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or Disk Drill.
- Launch the software and select the storage device from which you want to recover the deleted files.
- Choose the file types you want to recover (e.g., documents, photos, videos) to narrow down the search.
- Start the scanning process and wait for the software to analyze the storage device.
- Once the scan is complete, browse through the recovered files and select the ones you want to restore.
- Choose a location to save the recovered files and click “Restore” or “Save.” Avoid saving the recovered files to the same storage device from which they were deleted.
It’s important to note that the success rate of file recovery software can vary depending on the file system, the amount of time that has passed since the deletion, and the condition of the storage device.
Checking for Shadow Copies
Shadow copies are copies of files and folders created by the Windows operating system for backup purposes. You can use these copies to recover deleted files.
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the location of the deleted file.
- Right-click the folder and select “Restore previous versions.” This will open a new window displaying available shadow copies.
- Select the desired shadow copy and click “Restore” to recover the deleted file.
Keep in mind that shadow copies are only available on Windows systems and may not be available for all files or folders.
Seeking Professional Help
If the above methods fail to recover your deleted files, it may be time to seek professional help. Data recovery services can help you recover files from damaged, corrupted, or physically damaged storage devices.
- Research reputable data recovery services online or ask for recommendations from friends or colleagues.