How to Restore and Recover Deleted Files

There are two ways to restore and recover deleted files. Recovering files from the Recycle Bin is the easiest method. If you have already emptied out the Recycle Bin, then data recovery software is the next solution. There are several free data recovery programs available to restore and recover your deleted files.

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Data recovery software

Instructions

Recover From Recycle Bin
- 1
  
  Click "Recycle Bin" on the desktop. Wait as the files in the Recycle Bin appear on the page.
- 2
  
  Search the list and click on the file you want to restore.
- 3
  
  Right-click on the file to get the drop-down menu. Click "Restore." Windows XP will restore the deleted file.
Restore with Data Recovery Software
- 4
  
  Download and install a data recovery software program by following the on-screen commands.
- 5
  
  Open the program. Use on-screen commands to get the program to scan the entire hard drive. Wait for the scan to generates a list of deleted files.
- 6
  
  Click on the file you want to restore or recover.
- 7
  
  Right-click on the file. Click on "Restore" or similar command from the drop-down menu. Windows will restore the file.