Gimme Back My Data

James Fohl is a contributor at Free-backup.info — the home of the popular Amazon S3 based software for online data backup — Back2zip. This article can be found at http://free-backup.info/dont-loose-hope-with-file-recovery.html

Don’t Loose Hope with File Recovery!

If you accidentally deleted an important file, you are probably cussing at your computer screen, while pulling large chunks of your hair out wishing there was a way to make an easy recovery.

There is a small checklist of things to do in this situation, and it largely depends on what kind of file you deleted and what program you are using.

The first thing you should always do in a file recovery mission is try and remember the filenames of the files that you deleted. Once you have the filenames written down, you are ready to begin a little diagnostic work that will hopefully solve your file recovery problems.

Many users tend to ignore the Recycling Bin during their efforts of file recovery because of a simple prompt.

Look in the Recycling Bin to see if the files are there. A lot of people skip over the trash can because the software they used to delete the files did not ask the user if they were sure they wanted to delete the files (..and by delete the program means put it into the trash).

If the files you are trying to make a recovery of are found within the confines of the digital garbage dump, then bingo. Simply restore your files and glue the clumps of hair back on your head. If however you were unable to find the files buried in the trash, don’t start cussing again just yet.

Open up a Find dialog by either selecting Find in the Start menu or by pressing the F3 key. Once the find dialog is present, type in the appropriate filename BUT be sure to remove the file extension.

It is not unusual for specific software, such as Microsoft Word to make backup copies of files for recovery.

Sometimes the specific program, or even Windows itself will create a copy of the file in another directory, or a backup file (same filename, but with a different file extension) in a temporary folder (C:\windows\temp\). If you find that the system has indeed made copies of your deleted files, then there you go, the recovery of your files was a success.

If however this attempt was a failure, and you did not come across any copies of your deleted files, then you are probably going to need to do a quick search on the internet for file recovery software.

File recovery software is not miracle software; it has its limitations.

Keep in mind that while some file recovery software is freeware, a lot of it available on the internet requires payment before the program is actually considered usable. Also keep in mind that if you do plan on using file recovery software, than remember that it does not work miracles. You will not be able to make a recovery of the files you deleted a week ago.. in fact with most of the free software available you’ll be happy if you are able to make a recovery of the files you deleted an hour ago.

If the files are very very very important it is recommended that you skip all of these options and consult a hard drive recovery company so that your data is not lost forever.

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