How to Recover Deleted Files

We’ve all been in the situation where we’ve completely deleted something that we really needed, and only realized it AFTER emptying the recycle bin.

You wonder how it was possible for you to make the same mistake twice. Surprising as this may be, it happens to even the most experienced computer users. When this happens, the big question then is “Can I recover these files once they’ve been deleted from the hard drive?”

The answer to this question is a definite “probably”. Files CAN be recovered, even when they’ve been completely deleted. But you must act quickly and cautiously.

What Happens to Files When they Get Deleted?

Although we’ve always thought of the term “delete” as the permanent destruction of a data file, this is not exactly how it really works.

Contrary to what some Mac and Linux users might have you believe, Windows is actually a very smart operating system and seems to know what we want before we do. (At least in certain circumstances)

When we delete a file, it sort of puts the file off to the side for the time being. While it may appear to be deleted to you, it’s not completely deleted as far as Windows is concerned. The space that the deleted file occupied is kept open until Windows actually needs to overwrite that sector of the hard drive. Until this space is once again occupied with new data, the “deleted” files can still be recovered.

However, this is not 100% guaranteed, and your chances go down over time. The sooner you attempt to recover them, the better your chances of a full recovery.

Applications to Assist in Recovery of Deleted Files

You can take your hard drive to an expensive recovery technician, where they can help you recover your deleted files. But why waste your money when there are free applications you can download from the internet that will do the same thing.

The following programs have all been heavily tested and reviewed by various online experts. A bit of Google research will help you find the product that’s best suited to your needs.

• Restoration 3.2.13 – This application requires no installation and can easily be run on a USB stick because of its small size. This allows you to take it with you wherever you go and always be able to access it if you need it. With this small application, you can also permanently delete something for your hard drive. The application provides you with a filter just in case you’re searching for a specific file. (Which you probably will be) What many people like about this application is that it’s very fast.

(http://www3.telus.net/mikebike/RESTORATION.html)

• Smart Data Recovery 3.3 – This application also requires zero installation in spite of its small size. It can recovery files from almost any kind of device: hard drives, flash drives, digital cameras, memory sticks, etc. It also allows you the option of permanently wiping a file from your computer so it can never be recovered. It has excellent navigation options and is exceptionally fast, making it a popular option.

(http://www.smartpctools.com)

• PCI File Recovery 4 – This application does require an application in order to be able to use all the features of the program. It’s offered in many different languages, making it a larger application. It works very well but unless you’re using a filter, it can take a while.

(http://www.pcinspector.de)

• FreeUndelete 2.0 – This application is also small and also requires installation but is a simple application that will definitely get the job done.

(http://www.officerecovery.com)

Of course, none of these methods are guaranteed to be successful. These file recovery applications should only serve as a “last resort” that you can fall back on when everything else has failed.

As with anything else in life, the best defense is a good offence. Make sure that your data is frequently backed up, and that your backup copies are stored off-site for added security.

Tagged as: backup, delete, file, recover