how to view deleted files,How to View Deleted Files: A Comprehensive Guide

How to View Deleted Files: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever accidentally deleted a file and wished you could recover it? Whether it’s a cherished photo, an important document, or a cherished video, the thought of losing such files can be distressing. The good news is that there are several methods to view deleted files, and in this guide, I’ll walk you through the process step by step.

Understanding File Deletion

Before diving into the recovery methods, it’s essential to understand how files are deleted on your computer. When you delete a file, it’s not immediately removed from your system. Instead, the space occupied by the file is marked as available for new data. This is why you can often recover deleted files within a certain timeframe.

Method 1: Using the Recycle Bin

The Recycle Bin is a built-in feature in Windows that stores deleted files. To view deleted files using the Recycle Bin:

Open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking on its icon on your desktop.
Scroll through the list of deleted files and locate the one you want to recover.
Right-click on the file and select “Restore.” This will move the file back to its original location.

Remember that the Recycle Bin only works on Windows. If you’re using a Mac, you’ll need to use a different method.

Method 2: 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, USB flash drives, and memory cards. Here’s how to use file recovery software:

Download and install a reputable file recovery software, such as Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.
Launch the software and select the drive where your deleted file was located.
Start the scanning process. The software will search for deleted files on the selected drive.
Once the scan is complete, browse through the list of found files and locate the one you want to recover.
Click on the “Recover” button to restore the file to its original location or a new location of your choice.

It’s important to note that the success of file recovery depends on several factors, such as the time elapsed since the file was deleted and the condition of the storage device.

Method 3: Using Command Prompt

Command Prompt is a powerful tool in Windows that allows you to perform various tasks, including file recovery. To use Command Prompt to view deleted files:

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type “cmd” and press Enter to open Command Prompt.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command: “dir /a /s /b”. This command will list all files, including hidden ones, in a simple text format.
Use the “findstr” command to search for specific file names. For example, to search for a file named “example.txt,” type the following command: “findstr /i /c:”example.txt””

This method can be useful if you know the name of the deleted file you’re looking for. However, it may not work for all file types or in all situations.

Method 4: Checking the Shadow Copies

Shadow Copies, also known as Volume Shadow Copies, are copies of files and folders that Windows creates automatically. To view deleted files using Shadow Copies:

Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder where your deleted file was located.
Right-click on the folder and select “Restore previous versions.” This will open a window displaying a list of available Shadow Copies.
Select the desired Shadow Copy and click on “Restore.” This will restore the deleted file to its original location.

Keep in mind that Shadow Copies are only available on Windows and may not be enabled by default. You can enable Shadow Copies by opening the Control Panel, selecting “System and Security,” and then clicking on “System.” In the System window, click on “System protection” and follow the on-screen instructions.