Recovering a Deleted File or Photo
Losing important files or cherished photos is stressful, but do not panic; there are ways to recover them. Whether you have accidentally deleted files from your computer, phone, or an external device, this guide will walk you through some effective methods and tools to help you restore your data.
1. Check the Recycle Bin or Trash
First, check the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac).
- Windows: Go into the Recycle Bin, find your deleted files, right-click, and choose Restore.
- Mac: Go into the Trash folder, find the file, and drag it back to its original location.
They stay in these folders only for a short period until permanently deleted, so do not wait!
2. Use Built-In Backup Tools
Many devices have built-in backup solutions.
- Windows Backup: If you've set it up, File History is a good starting point.
- Restoring previous versions of files: Go to Control Panel > System and Security > File History. - Mac Time Machine: If you are using Time Machine, this is where you connect your backup drive and look at earlier versions of your files.
Smartphones:
- iPhone: The deleted photos would, in most cases, still be there in the Recently Deleted folder for 30 days.
- Android: Check Google Photos > Trash if it was set up for auto-backup.
3. Data Recovery Software for Computers
If the files aren't in the Recycle Bin or backed up, try using a data recovery tool. Popular options include:
- Recuva (Windows): Free and easy-to-use software for recovering deleted files.
- EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard (Windows & Mac): A versatile tool that supports deep scans to recover lost files.
- Disk Drill (Mac & Windows): Known for its intuitive interface and reliable results.
Steps for Data Recovery Software:
- Download and install the software on a different drive than the one you’re recovering files from.
- Run the program, select the drive or location, and begin the scan.
- Preview the recoverable files and restore them to a safe location.
4. Cloud Storage Options
If you use cloud services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or iCloud often, then your files may be stored in the cloud. In this case:
- Sign in to the cloud platform and look for the deleted file.
- Look for the Trash or Deleted Items folder in the cloud storage service for recently deleted files.
5. Recovery Tools for Smartphones
When files are deleted from phones, some recovery apps can help
- Dr.Fone: It's an extremely trustworthy application for recovery on both Android and iPhone - to recover deleted photos, messages, and files.
- Tenorshare UltData: Quite brilliant for iPhones; recover data even from iCloud and iTunes backups.
- DiskDigger: Effective and powerful recovery for rooted Android devices.
6. Professional Data Recovery Services
If all software solutions fail, you may have to seek professional help. Such services include DriveSavers and Ontrack, among others, which can recover files from damaged devices. These services can be quite expensive, so save this step for truly valuable or irreplaceable data.
Prevention Tips for the Future
- Regular Backups: Always backup your files using external drives or cloud storage.
- Use a Backup Service: Automate backups with Backblaze or Acronis. 3. Be Cautious with Deletions: Be very sure before deleting the files completely.
Conclusion
It is pretty usual to restore deleted files or photos with proper tool and technique support. First of all, check simple sources, like the Recycle Bin or cloud backups; then move to special utilities. And when all hopes seem to be lost, here come professional services of data recovery.
Found this guide helpful? Share with a friend or colleague who might need it! Questions, recommendations for particular tools? Feel free to leave your comments.
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