How to Restore a Deleted File in Windows XP With Freeware

The first step to restoring a deleted file is to look in the Rectcle Bin.

Windows XP is a Microsoft operating system that came before Vista. Many people still use XP although Windows 7 is the latest operating system. The first step to restoring a deleted file is to look in the Recycle Bin. If you have emptied the Recycle Bin, then the only way to restore the files is with data recovery software. There are many data recovery programs that are free and a person should start with these before moving on to the fee-based data recovery programs.

Things You'll Need

• Free data recovery software

Instructions

1. Find free data recovery software on CNet.com or other download sites.

2. Download the software program you decide to use. Install it on your computer by following the on-screen directions.

3. Open the program. Follow the on-screen prompts to scan the hard drive. The software produces a list of deleted files.

4. Search the list of deleted files. Locate the file you want to restore.

5. Click the file you want to restore, then right-click the file. A menu appears.

6. Look for "Restore" or "Save" or other similar command. Click on it. The file is returned to its original folder.

References

• Life Hacker: How to Remover Deleted Files with Free Software

Resources

• CNET Downloads: Data Recovery Software