How to Recover a Deleted File on Your Computer

A computer can store thousands of files at a time.

If you deleted a computer file that you shouldn't have, or you cannot find the file you are looking for and have reason to suspect that it has been deleted, you can attempt to recover the deleted file from your computer -- even if the Recycle Bin has already dumped it. A computer file is rarely deleted permanently unless you have run Disk Defragmenter since deleting the file.

Instructions

1. Check the Recycle Bin on your Desktop. When you delete a file, program, picture or document, it goes to the Recycle Bin. If you empty your Recycle Bin infrequently, you may be able to recover the file without a hassle.

   If you can't find your Recycle Bin, click "Start," "Control Panel," "Appearance and Personalization" and then "Personalization." Click the "Change desktop icons" link on the left and check the box next to "Recycle Bin." Click "OK." Your Recycle Bin should now appear on your Desktop.

2. Download a file recovery program, such as Uneraser (uneraser.com), Recuva (piriform.com/recuva) or Recover My Files (recovermyfiles.com) if you have already emptied your Recycle Bin. These programs will scour your hard drive for evidence of the file you deleted to restore it.

3. Install and run the file recovery program. You may opt to try more than one program. Although not all files can be recovered after being emptied from the Recycle Bin, many can.

References

• Tech-Pro.net: How to Recover Deleted Files From Windows or Mac OS

Resources

• Active@: Uneraser Download
• Piriform: Recuva Download
• GetData: Recover My Files Download