How do I recover deleted files?
Recovering files deleted from your hard drive or computer is usually straightforward. But once you’ve emptied your device’s Recycle Bin, restoring permanently deleted data becomes trickier. At this stage, deleted data has not yet completely disappeared from your device…
Deleted files: what to do?
Recovering files erased by mistake requires an immediate response. However, in the case of logical failure, and sometimes even after human error, data deletion may not be immediately detected.
1- Anticipate by regularly backing up your files
Backing up your files on a regular basis allows you to anticipate their loss or deletion and restore deleted data:
- external backup: external hard disk, NAS/SAN servers, RAID systems…
- Windows PC backup with restore point.
- cloning your Mac using Time Machine software and a Time Capsule.
2- Restore a file deleted from your computer
If you delete a file on your computer or external hard drive :
- perform a Ctrl + Z function if the file has just been deleted and the user is still present in the folder concerned.
- in the event of a delayed reaction and if the file is in the Recycle Bin, right-click and select the “Restore” action.
How do I recover files deleted from the Recycle Bin?
It is always possible to recover deleted files after emptying your computer’s Recycle Bin, even if there is no backup or restore point:
- don’t perform any software actions (saving new files, installing software, surfing the web, etc.) to avoid overwriting the disk space freed up by emptying the Recycle Bin.
- Although some have proven to be reliable, using data recovery software can be risky and result in the permanent loss of your data.
- in case of doubt and in the absence of recovery software already installed on your computer :
- follow all precautions required by data loss, hard drive failure or disaster.
- contact a company specializing in data recovery.
