It happens to the most careful of people, accidentally deleting important files and needing deleted file recovery. It’s always a good idea to back up your files on another device, such as a flash drive or backup hard drive so that an accidental deletion means you still have them available.
This is because deletion does not mean that that the files are gone for good. If your hard drive is intact and working properly, files that are deleted normally or by accident are still present on your computer. The good news is there is deleted file recovery and you can recover most deleted files quickly and easily if you follow a few tips.
Recycle Bin
If you’ve moved the files to the recycle bin or trashcan, you can retrieve them before they become fully deleted. All you need to do is open the bin, locate the files, and drag them back to where you originally stored them on your computer.
File History Backup
Hopefully, you have switched on the File History Backup if you are running Windows 8 or a later version. This will automatically backup your files so they can be retrieved quickly. All you need to do is go to “Settings”, then “Control Panels”. Look for “Save backup copies of your files with File History” which should be located under “System and Security”.
You can select “Restore personal files” located on the left side of the window. You should see all your files that are being tracked and even check specific folders to see what is available.
Another thing to consider is if you have emailed the file to anyone. This means that the file might be present on email systems such as iCloud, SkyDrive, or Drobox. It’s possible to find a copy if you used one of these systems, so it’s best to check it out as you have nothing to lose and quite a bit to gain by finding the files in the email system.
Alternatives
If you do not have a backup system and the files needed are no longer in the Recycle Bin, your next move is to try one of the several free or inexpensive file retrieval programs on the market such as the following;
Pandora Recovery
Easy Undelete
Undelete 360
Disk Drill
Disk Drill is a tool that is used for partition loss, failed boot ups, reformatting of hard drive, and can recover accidental deletions as well. Recuva is another free program that lets you retrieve otherwise lost files due to accidental deletion. It can also help if the hard drive of a device crashes, but can be connected to your computer so that Recuva can get the files back.
If you have exhausted the free or inexpensive recovery options, your next step should be to visit a professional data recovery company. They will charge a fee for their services, but likely, they will be able to recover deleted file recovery especially if they are from an otherwise intact computer or storage device. Their services are quick, precise, and offer a high percentage of getting back all your files.