Accidentally deleting important files can be distressing, especially if they are permanently deleted from the Recycle Bin. However, in many cases, these files can still be recovered if you act promptly and use the right tools and methods. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to recover permanently deleted files from a hard disk on Windows.
1. Use Command Prompt (CMD)
The Command Prompt offers useful commands to recover deleted files directly from your hard disk.
Steps to Follow:
Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
- Press Windows + S and type cmd.
- Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
Run Disk Check:
Enter the following command to scan the drive for recoverable files: chkdsk X: /f
Replace X with the letter of the drive where the files were stored (e.g., D:).
Restore Files Using Attrib Command:
After the scan, use the following command to recover hidden or deleted files:
Again, replace X with your drive letter. This will display and attempt to recover files on the specified drive.
Note: While effective in some cases, this method may not recover all permanently deleted files, particularly if they have been overwritten.
2. Use Third-Party Data Recovery Software
If Command Prompt doesn’t work, data recovery software offers a more robust solution. These tools are specifically designed to recover lost files from hard drives.
Recommended Tools
- Recuva (Windows): A free tool with a user-friendly interface, suitable for recovering files from hard drives, USBs, and memory cards.
- EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard (Windows/Mac): A versatile tool capable of recovering data lost due to deletion, formatting, or system errors.
- Disk Drill (Windows/Mac): Offers advanced scanning features to retrieve lost files efficiently.
- PhotoRec (Windows/Mac/Linux): Open-source software tailored for recovering various file types, ideal for tech-savvy users.
How to Use Recovery Software:
- Download and install the software on a drive other than the one where data was lost.
- Launch the program and select the drive to scan for deleted files.
- Allow the software to scan for recoverable files.
- Preview and recover the desired files.
- Save the recovered files to a different drive to avoid overwriting data.
3. Check Backups
Restoring files from a backup is often the easiest and most reliable method.
Windows Backup
- Open Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
- Click Restore my files and follow the prompts to recover your data.
Cloud Backups
- If you use services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox, check their Recycle Bin or Trash folders for recently deleted files.
Mac Time Machine
- Open Time Machine from the menu bar.
- Navigate to the date before the files were deleted.
- Select the files and click Restore.
4. Restore Previous Versions (Windows)
Windows keeps shadow copies of files as part of its System Restore feature, which can sometimes help recover deleted files.
Steps to Restore Previous Versions:
- Right-click on the folder where the files were located.
- Select Restore previous versions.
- Choose a version from before the deletion occurred.
- Click Restore to recover your files.
5. Professional Data Recovery Services
If all other methods fail or the data is highly valuable, professional recovery services can help.
When to Consider Professional Services:
- The drive is physically damaged or inaccessible.
- Files were deleted a long time ago and likely overwritten.
- DIY recovery attempts have been unsuccessful.
How It Works:
- Contact a reputable data recovery provider.
- Ship your hard disk for analysis.
- The service will assess the drive and attempt to retrieve the lost data.
Tips to Maximize Recovery Chances
- Stop Using the Affected Drive: Any new data written to the drive could overwrite the deleted files.
- Act Quickly: The sooner you attempt recovery, the better the chances of success.
- Save Recovered Files Elsewhere: Always save recovered files to a different drive or partition to avoid overwriting data.
Preventing Future Data Loss
- Set Up Regular Backups: Use cloud storage or external drives for automatic backups.
- Partition Your Hard Drive: Separate system files from personal data to reduce the risk of accidental loss.
- Double-Check Before Deleting: Be cautious with permanent deletions, especially using Shift + Delete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover files from a formatted hard disk?
Yes, data recovery software like EaseUS and Disk Drill can scan formatted drives and recover lost files, provided they haven’t been overwritten.
Are free recovery tools effective?
Free tools like Recuva are effective for most common recovery needs. However, advanced recovery scenarios may require premium software or professional services.
How long does it take to recover files?
The recovery time depends on the size of the drive and the amount of data being scanned. Full scans can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
Conclusion
Recovering permanently deleted files from a hard disk is possible using tools like Command Prompt, data recovery software, or professional services. Acting quickly and following the steps outlined in this guide will maximize your chances of restoring lost data. Implementing regular backups and practicing cautious data management can help prevent future losses, ensuring peace of mind.
>>> Read more: What to Do When You’ve Forgotten Your BIOS Admin Password