How to Recover and Save Lost Text Files

If you have lost your text files on a PC because of a reformatted hard drive, a system error or an accidental delete, the good news is you can recover recently deleted files, safely and quickly. To recover your text files, you need a recovery program such as Recuva. This easy-to-use program employs a wizard that makes it easy to trace, recover and save your lost text files.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Download Recuva at no cost (see link in Resources). Follow the setup and installation instructions. Double-click the program to launch it. When the recovery wizard opens, click "Next."

2. Select "Documents" from the file type menu, and then click "Next." Click the "Enable Deep Scan" check-box to perform a more extensive search. This option can take hours, but it has a higher chance of locating your lost text files. Select the location where you want to search for your text files, and then click "Start." Recuva will be scanning the location for lost and delete text files. When the scan is complete, the traced text files will be displayed on a new window.

3. Scan through and select the text files that you want to recover, and then click the "Recover" button. Select the location where you want to save your text file, and then click "OK." Your file will be recovered and saved to the location of your choice.

Tips & Warnings

• There are other data recovery programs, such as Data Rescue ii (see link in Resources).

References

• Data Recovery Program Reviews

Resources

• Recuva Recovery Program
• Data Rescue ii