Accidentally deleting an important file can be a nightmare. But don’t worry! In many cases, the file is still recoverable. The key is to act quickly. Join us as we go through the different ways to recover lost or deleted files from any computer.
What happens when you delete a file or a folder?
When you delete a file or a folder from your computer, several processes occur to remove the file and free up the associated storage space. It’s important to note that the precise behavior of file deletion and the availability of recovery options may vary depending on the operating system, file system type, and specific configurations. When you delete a file or a folder from your computer’s storage device, the following happens:
- File System Update: The file system, which manages how files are organized and stored on the storage device, updates its records to indicate a file deletion. The file’s metadata, such as its name, size, and location, is removed from the file system’s directory.
- Marked as Free Space: The space previously occupied by the deleted file or folder is marked as available. This means that the file system can reuse this space for storing new data in the future.
- Accessible Recovery: The file’s content still exists on the storage device until it gets overwritten. The file’s content remains intact on the storage device, but its references are removed.
- Recycle Bin/Trash (Optional): Depending on the operating system, the deleted file or folder may be moved to a designated folder, such as the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (macOS). This provides a temporary safety net before permanent deletion. Emptying the Recycle Bin or Trash permanently deletes the files, freeing up storage space.
- Recovery Possibilities: Until the deleted file’s space is overwritten, the file remains potentially recoverable. File recovery software or data recovery services can scan the storage device to retrieve the deleted files or folders.
Recovering Lost or Deleted Files from a Windows PC
Begin by checking the Recycle Bin. Double-click on the Recycle Bin icon located on your desktop to open it. Look for the lost files within the Recycle Bin. If you find the files there, right-click on them and select “Restore” to recover them to their original location.
If the files are not in the Recycle Bin, utilize the File History feature. Open the folder where the lost files were originally located. Right-click on the folder and select “Restore previous versions.” A list of previous versions will appear, and you can choose the version that contains the lost files. Click on the “Restore” button to recover the selected files.
Another option is to attempt a System Restore. Type “System Restore” in the search bar and select the “Create a restore point” option from the search results. In the System Properties window, click on the “System Restore” button. Follow the prompts and select a restore point to start the recovery from. Initiate the system restore process and wait for your computer to restart. After the restore, check if the lost files have been recovered.
In cases where the above methods don’t yield satisfactory results, you can employ file recovery software. Download and install a reputable file recovery app such as Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or Disk Drill. Launch the software and select the drive or location where the files got lost. Start scanning to search for deleted or lost files on the selected drive. Upon the completion of the scan, you will get a list of recoverable files. Preview the files if possible to confirm their integrity. Select the files you wish to recover and choose a safe location to save them.
Recovering Lost or Deleted Files from a macOS PC
Start by checking the Trash. To access the Trash, simply click on its icon located in the Dock. Look for the lost files in the Trash. To restore the files, you can right-click on them and choose the “Put Back” option to restore them to their original location.
If the files are not in the Trash, utilize the Time Machine backup feature. Connect your Time Machine backup drive to your Mac. Open the folder where the lost file was originally located. Use the Time Machine interface to navigate to an earlier point in time when the files were present. Select the files you want to recover and click on the “Restore” button to retrieve them.
In case you don’t have a Time Machine backup, you can utilize the file recovery software designed for macOS. Some popular options include Disk Drill, Data Rescue, and EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac. Download and install the software of your choice. Launch the application and select the drive or location where the files got lost. Start the scanning process, and the software will search for deleted or lost files. Once the scan is complete, review the list of recoverable files. Preview the files if possible to ensure their integrity. Choose the desired files for recovery and select a secure location to save them.
FAQs on How to Recover Files from a Computer
To recover deleted files, you can check the recycle bin, use the file history feature, or employ a file recovery app.
To recover deleted files on a Windows PC, you can try the following:
– Check the Recycle Bin. If the files are there, right-click and select “Restore” to recover them.
– If not found, use the file history feature to restore the previous versions of the files.
– Try a system restore to revert your computer to its previous state.
– If the above methods don’t work, utilize a file recovery program to scan and recover the deleted files.
If you have formatted your computer and want to recover lost files, consider the following:
– Stop using the computer to minimize data overwriting.
– Use professional file recovery software to scan the formatted drive for recoverable files.
– If the software does not work, consult a professional data recovery service for assistance.
Conclusion: Recovering Lost or Deleted Files from Your Computer
Losing or accidentally deleting files from your computer can be a disastrous event. However, there are different methods available to recover and restore those files. These methods include checking the recycle bin, using the file history feature, or applying a file recovery program. If these methods do not work, consult a professional data recovery service for help.
