How to Restore Deleted Files on Windows XP for Free
Files can be accidentally deleted by pressing the wrong button or emptying the Recycle Bin without double-checking its contents. Viruses are a main cause of deleted files on Windows XP. Most deleted files can be restored for free. An free open source program, PhotoRec, will restore any non-corrupted deleted files from hard drives, flash drives and SD cards. The main focus here is photos, but the program can restore any deleted file to your Windows XP computer.
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Instructions
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Download PhotoRec for Windows XP. A link is in the Resource section of this article. PhotoRec is bundled with TestDisk. You don't need to install the program. Unzip the files by right-clicking the downloaded folder and choosing "Unzip." Then choose "Extract All Files."
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Open the unzipped folder. Open the "Win" folder. Double-click the "photorec_win" file to open the TestDisk software.
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Use your arrow keys to select your hard drive. Drives are listed by disk size and manufacturer. Press "Enter" to select the drive.
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Select your partition type. If you're uncertain, press "Enter" to select the default type. TestDisk automatically selects what the program sees as the correct partition type.
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Use your arrow keys to select the partition you wish to search. For most users, the largest partition or main NTFS partition will be the correct option. If you choose the wrong partition, repeat the process to search for files on other partitions.
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Press "Enter" to search for files. To change your options, use your arrow keys to select "Options" and then press "Enter." Options allow you to choose whether to try to restore corrupt files or not.
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Choose your file system type. For Windows XP users, choose "Other." Choose where to search for files. "Free" searches for only deleted files. "Whole" searches the whole partition. Use the "Free" option first. If your files aren't found, repeat the process and choose "Whole." Press "Enter" to continue.
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Choose where to store recovered files. Press "Enter" to select the default location or use your arrow keys to drill down to the correct drive and location. Recovered files will be placed in a folder called "recup_dir.1." Additional directories will increment by 1, such as "recup_dir.2."
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Press "Quit" after the process is complete to exit the program and view files.
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Tips & Warnings
Once the recovery is complete, move your recovered files back to their original locations.
Backup all files once the recovery is complete to prevent a second file loss.
Never format your drive during this process. This will erase all data on your computer.
