How to Recover Deleted Files From a Disk Drive
When a file is deleted, it usually goes to the Recycle Bin. The Recycle Bin has an easy way to restore files that were accidentally deleted and put there. When the bin is emptied, however, restoration requires recovery software. The deleted files are still there, the space they occupied is marked as available. If it hasn't been overwritten with new data, it can be restored. There are many program--free and pay--that can be used to recover deleted files.
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Instructions
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NTFS Undelete
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1
Download NTFS Undelete and double-click it to run.
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2
Place a check mark in the box that represents your hard drive. It is usually the "C" drive.
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3
Wait for the auto scan to complete. It could take several minutes, but it's recommended that you do not use the computer during this time.
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4
Click the "Search" tab and type in the name of the file that was deleted. If unsure, leave it as is and click "Search."
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5
Look through the lists that results and locate the deleted file. Put a check in the box beside it.
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Go to the "Recover Marked Files" tab and choose a destination folder. Choose a place that is not on the current drive, such as an external drive or partition. A flash drive will work as long as it's large enough to hold the deleted file.
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Click "Recover."
Recuva
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Run Recuva and click "Next" to begin the wizard. Click "Cancel" only if you wish to use more advanced features.
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Mark the radio dial beside the type of file you need to recover. It it doesn't fit any of the categories, choose "Other" to show all files.
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Specify the location where the files were located by selecting the appropriate radio dial. Click "Next."
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Click "Start" to begin the search. Fill in the box that says, "Enable Deep Scan" if previous attempts at recovery were unsuccessful.
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Place a check by the files, and click "Recover."
File Restore Plus
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Run File Restore Plus and insert a check mark next to the "C" drive or whichever drive contained the file.
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Click "Start Scan."
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Wait for the scan to finish and highlight each file that you'd like to recover. Alternatively, put a check next to each one.
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Click "Start Undelete."
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Tips & Warnings
Attempt restoration as soon as possible to reduce the possibility of permanent deletion.
Do not use the computer once you've decided to restore and turn off any programs that might use the drive. If the free space is filled with new information, the deleted files can not be restored.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit red botton delete in macro image by Alexey Klementiev from Fotolia.com
