How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files from PC
Everyone has faced the heartache of mistakenly deleting important files from their PC. Unfortunately, once a file is deleted, it can be difficult to restore, often leading to permanent loss.
In this article, we will explore methods for recovering deleted files, including using built-in features in Windows and utilizing third-party software to achieve a wider range of recovery options.
Understanding the Problem: File Deletion and Recovery
When a file is deleted, the system doesn't actually remove it immediately; it merely marks the space as available for new data. If new data is written to that space before the file is recovered, the original file is overwritten and lost forever. As a result, you should take immediate action to recover the file.
Using Built-in Windows Features for Recovery
If you've recently deleted a file or folder, you can sometimes use built-in features in Windows to recover it. Here’s how:
Right-click the file or folder in File Explorer and select “Restore Previous Versions.” You will see a list of available previous versions of the file or folder. This list includes files saved on a backup if you are using Windows Backup to back up your files as well as restore points if both types are available. If there are any versions available, you can restore the original file.Note: This method works best for files that were still active but no longer needed. If the file was already overwritten, this method won't work.
Using Professional Data Recovery Software
When built-in methods fail, it’s time to consider using a professional data recovery software. These programs can scan and recover deleted files that have been overwritten by new data. Let’s explore the process of using 4DDiG Data Recovery.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using 4DDiG Data Recovery
1. Install and Launch 4DDiG Data Recovery: Download and install the most recent version of 4DDiG Data Recovery on your PC.
2. Select the Storage Partition: After launching the program, hover your mouse pointer over the storage partition that was holding the deleted files, then click on the “Scan” option.
3. Perform the Scan: A fast scan will be performed on the selected storage drive/partition, listing all recoverable files in the scan results. This scan can take a while depending on the amount of data.
4. Select and Recover Files: Once the scan is complete, find and select the files you wish to recover. Click the “Recover” button to restore the files to a specified storage location on your PC.
5. Confirm the Recovery: The selected files will be processed and restored to their original location or a new specified location.
Once the Recovery Fails: Professional Data Recovery Services
Unfortunately, not all files can be recovered, especially if the space was overwritten with new data. In these cases, the best course of action is to consult a professional data recovery service.
Why Should You Use a Professional? A professional has the expertise and tools to recover data that may have been overwritten or hidden. Their methods are more advanced and may be able to recover files even when the data has been overwritten multiple times. They specialize in data recovery and can offer peace of mind in knowing your data is in safe hands.
Immediate Action: If your file is particularly important, it's crucial to take the hard drive out of your PC and stop any further writing to it. This will prevent the overwritten data from further complicating the recovery process.
Future Prevention: Once the recovery process is complete or it's determined that the data is unrecoverable, it's important to focus on future prevention. Regularly backing up your data is crucial to avoid similar situations in the future.
Remember: Backing up your data is essential to protect against data loss due to accidental deletion or other unforeseeable circumstances. Utilize cloud storage, external hard drives, or other backup methods to ensure your data is safe.