There are numerous ways to try restoring accidentally deleted files. Depending on the type of storage medium used, the options and steps required will vary; however, it is rarely impossible to restore deleted files.
1. Using System Restore
The first option to try is using the built-in system restore feature available on Windows systems. System Restore allows you to take your computer back to a point in time before the files were deleted. To use system restore, open the Control Panel and click on ‘System’. Under the ‘System Protection’ tab, click ‘System Restore’ and follow the instructions to select the desired restore point.
2. Use File History
Another feature available on Windows systems is File History, which is a feature built into the operating system to back up files on an ongoing basis. To use File History, open the Control Panel and select ‘File History’. You can then restore the deleted files from the backup created by this feature.
3. Use a Data Recovery Software
Data recovery software such as Recuva and EasyRecovery are designed to scan for deleted files and attempt to recover them. The effectiveness of these programs depends on the type of storage medium in use and the amount of data that has been written to it since the file was deleted. However, they are often successful at recovering accidentally deleted files even if the original file names have been lost.
4. Check the Recycle Bin
If the files were accidentally deleted, they should still be present in the Windows Recycle Bin. To check if the file is present, open the Recycle Bin by double clicking on its icon on the Desktop. Once opened, look through the list of files to see if the deleted file is present. If the file is present, right click on it and select ‘Restore’ to restore the deleted file to its original location.
5. Contact a Data Recovery Service
If all other methods have failed to restore the deleted files, it may be necessary to contact a data recovery service. These services generally charge a fee for their services but are often successful in recovering data even if the files have been overwritten. Depending on the size and complexity of the job, the fee could range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It is important to note that some data recovery services offer free trials or evaluations so it is worth considering this option before committing to the service.
In conclusion, it is usually possible to restore accidentally deleted files with relative ease, particularly if the files were only recently deleted. However, depending on the circumstances surrounding the deletion, more advanced methods such as using a data recovery service may be required.