No one likes to lose sensitive data they’ve kept for important future use from their PC. Sadly, it sometimes happens unexpectedly.
Whether the files were deleted accidentally, or they vanished due to some hardware failure, losing key information can have deep professional and personal implications. In this guide, we explore various means of permanently restoring files from your PC or device. You won’t only learn about restoring lost data, but also how to prevent future losses.
What Happens When You Delete a File?
Do deleted files get thrown into the abyss of “forevermore”? Not exactly!
The operating system simply marks the space on the disk as “available” for new data. That implies that, although the file has become invisible to the user, it still exists. Until the space is overwritten by other files, the data can be recovered using appropriate methods.
If a Windows PC supports the Recycle Bin feature, the previously deleted file is still accessible and can be restored using a single click. However, things get more “techy” when a file is deleted bypassing the Recycle Bin (using the Shift + Delete shortcut) or after the Recycle Bin is emptied. Recovery is still possible in such situations, but it requires a more advanced approach.
Where Deleted Files Go?
Understanding how files get deleted can help with planning the right recovery strategy. On Windows systems, data might be temporarily stored in backups, like the File History feature.
Cloud services like OneDrive and Google Drive retain deleted files in a dedicated Trash folder for a specific period. Even if a file appears permanently deleted, it often can be restored using specialized software, as long as its disk space hasn’t been overwritten.
What Types of Files Can You Recover?
Deleted data can come from various sources and can take varying forms. Depending on your recovery method, the following data forms can be retrieved.
Deleted data can come from various sources and take different forms. Depending on the recovery method, the following can often be retrieved:
Documents
The most frequently recovered files are Word, Excel, PDF, or PowerPoint documents. Losing sensitive information in any of these formats can be costly for both professionals and students. However, most files in these formats can be retrieved if you act swiftly.
Photos and Graphics
Deleted graphic files like PNG, GIF, or JPEG have a high chance of recovery. Fortunately, restoring your memories and projects is now possible, whatever your formats.
Videos and Audio
You can often retrieve video recordings (in MP4, AVI) and audio files (MP3, WAV), especially if they were stored on external devices like memory cards.
Databases and Archives
Also, specialized files like SQL databases, Access files, or ZIP/RAR archives can be adequately recovered, although the process might be more challenging.
Emails and Attachments
Lost emails are retrievable using domestic features in email systems or external recovery tools.
4 Ways to Recover Deleted Files After Hardware Failure
There are different ways to recover deleted files from your PC or mobile device. Depending on how swiftly you make a recovery move following the deletion, any of these four ways can get you your data back.
1. Check the Recycle Bin
The recycle bin provides the easiest “no-brainer” means of recovering lost data. To do this:
- Click on the Recycle Bin on your desktop
- Locate the file you want to recover
- Right-click the file and choose Restore
The file returns to its initial location. If you don’t find the file there, it may have been permanently deleted.
2. Use Windows Built-In Tools
Windows-enabled devices have several features you can explore for data recovery. These include:
- The System Restore Function: This function can roll back system changes in an action that potentially recovers some data (if they were part of a system snapshot).
- File History: You can always restore previous file versions if you enabled the file history function. You only need to right-click the folder and select “Restore” on previous versions.
- Windows File Recovery Tool: Here’s a free command-line program that enables file recovery, even from faulty disks.
3. Recover Files from the Cloud
On most cloud services, like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox, deleted files stay in a dedicated Trash folder for a specific time after deletion. To access this folder:
- Log in to your account.
- Locate and click open the Trash or “Deleted Files” folder.
- Spot the file and click Restore.
- If the file isn’t available, contact the service provider’s support team with a retrieval request.
4. Use Advanced Data Recovery Software
Advanced tools may be necessary when all the above standard recovery methods fail. Regular backups using advanced recovery software can play a key role in such situations. This comprehensive backup and recovery solution supplies automation, reliability, and swift retrieval – all of which are invaluable in emergencies. Meanwhile, features like file versioning, granular recovery, and the ability to retrieve entire systems and backup solutions are completely indispensable during crises.
Conclusion
Deleted files are recoverable via a recycle bin, in-built tools on operating systems like Windows, on-cloud services, and dedicated advanced recovery software. Depending on your unique situation and how swiftly you move to recover a deleted file, recovering your deleted file is often possible.