How to Recover Deleted Index DAT Files

An Index DAT file is a basic data file that contains information from programs, such as Microsoft Word. These files can be transferred from a computer’s hard drive to a portable storage device. Sometimes DAT files can be accidentally deleted while transferring them, but you can use free data recovery programs to restore the deleted files to your computer.

Instructions

1. Install Recuva (see Resources). Recuva allows you to retrieve files that have been lost or deleted. Go to the drive selection menu and find the drive where your DAT files are stored. A list of deleted files will be displayed. Click on the ones you want to recover and click the “Restore” button.

2. Download EASEUS on your computer (see Resources). Bring up the drive selection menu and select the appropriate drive. A list of deleted items will appear. Highlight the files you want to retrieve and click “Restore.”

3. DownloadTOKIWA DataRecovery (see Resources). Open the drive selection menu and select the drive your DAT files are stored on. Click “Scan Files,” which will bring up a display box containing deleted files. Select the ones you want to restore and click the “Recovery” button.

Tips & Warnings

• Save your DAT files in multiple locations to prevent accidentally deleting files.

• Exposing a storage device--where DAT files and documents are stored--to extreme temperatures can result in loss or corruption of the files.

References

• Piriform Docs: Using the Recuva Wizard
• EASEUS: EASEUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Edition
• TOKIWA: DataRecovery FAQ

Resources

• Recuva Official Website
• EASEUS Deleted File Recovery Official Website
• TOKIWA Official Website