How to Restore Permanently Deleted Files
In today’s digital age, losing important files can be a distressing experience. Whether it’s due to accidental deletion, system errors, or hardware failures, permanently deleted files can seem irretrievable. However, there are several methods and tools available to help you restore these files. In this article, we will explore various ways on how to restore permanently deleted files and ensure that your valuable data is not lost forever.
1. Check the Recycle Bin or Trash
The first and simplest step to restore permanently deleted files is to check the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac). When you delete a file, it is often moved to these temporary storage locations instead of being permanently deleted. To restore files from the Recycle Bin or Trash:
– On Windows, open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking on its icon on the desktop. Right-click on the file you want to restore and select “Restore.”
– On Mac, open the Trash by clicking on its icon in the dock. Drag the file you want to restore to its original location or right-click on the file and select “Put Back.”
If the file is not in the Recycle Bin or Trash, proceed to the next method.
2. Use File Recovery Software
If the file is not in the Recycle Bin or Trash, you can use file recovery software to restore permanently deleted files. These programs scan your hard drive for deleted files and attempt to recover them. Here are some popular file recovery software options:
– Recuva: A free and user-friendly file recovery tool available for Windows.
– EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: A comprehensive file recovery software that supports various file types and offers a free trial version.
– Disk Drill: A powerful data recovery tool that can recover deleted files from various storage devices.
To use file recovery software:
1. Download and install the chosen software on your computer.
2. Run the software and select the drive where the file was originally located.
3. Start the scanning process and wait for the software to find the deleted files.
4. Preview the recovered files and select the ones you want to restore.
5. Choose a location to save the recovered files and start the recovery process.
3. Check for Shadow Copies
Shadow copies are backup copies of files and folders created by the Windows operating system. These copies can be used to restore deleted files. To check for shadow copies:
1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the location of the deleted file.
2. Right-click on the folder and select “Restore previous versions.”
3. If available, a list of previous versions will be displayed. Select the version you want to restore and click “Restore.”
If shadow copies are not available, proceed to the next method.
4. Contact a Professional Data Recovery Service
If the above methods do not work, it may be necessary to contact a professional data recovery service. These experts have advanced tools and techniques to recover deleted files from various storage devices, including hard drives, SSDs, and USB flash drives. However, this option can be expensive and may not guarantee a successful recovery.
In conclusion, restoring permanently deleted files is possible with the right tools and methods. By checking the Recycle Bin or Trash, using file recovery software, checking for shadow copies, or contacting a professional data recovery service, you can increase your chances of retrieving your valuable data. Always remember to regularly backup your files to prevent future data loss.
