Many times we need to clean or delete files from storage media so we could save other important documents or boost the system speed by freeing up space from the hard drive. But sometimes we accidentally delete some important documents and remove those even from the recycle bin.
Moreover, you can lose precious files due to various other causes and unluckily, there is no inbuilt utility in either Windows or Mac that can retrieve deleted files back (especially when files have been deleted from recycle bin). Studies show that approx 32% data loss happens due to human errors such as accidental deletion/formatting or physical damage in the media as a cause of dropping the device.
So if you have already tried different ways to restore files back but didn’t meet the success yet, might get some helpful tips here.
Whenever we delete files, system mark the space as free and make it open to save any other document. Deleted stuff still remains there but you will not be able to see it.
Reasons why your data has gone?
Once the file is deleted or accidentally lost, it?s not completely deleted and can be easily restored by employing effective methods like using file recovery software. Windows and Mac both have certain vulnerabilities that address the data loss circumstances.
Some of the common data loss reasons you might have familiar with:
- Accidentally deleting files from the folders and then emptying the recycle bin or trash too.
- Virus/malware corruption marks your data hidden and thus prevents you to access it.
- Drive corruption can lead to system inaccessibility and as a result of which, you will no longer be able to see the stored data.
- File system corruption can also lead to damaged or deleted data situations.
- Failure of Motherboard, PSU and system drivers also contribute in majority towards system inaccessibility or data loss situations.
Things to retrieve deleted files successfully
You need to take few precautions to make sure that the deleted files are still in recoverable condition and can be recovered once you employ effective methods. Have a look at the below section to carefully make your deleted files recoverable.
-
Avoid Using the Problem media
Stop immediately operating the device after accidentally hitting the delete command on your Windows or Mac since every time your computer writes new information for any new file you save/move. Even performing simple operation on the device could overwrite the data and you might not be able to see it again. -
Choose another system to perform recovery operation
Instead of doing recovery operation on the problem computer, you are advised to remove and connect the media externally to any other system using SATA/IDE, USB enclosure and then start hunting for your lost or deleted precious files. Doing this will have greater chances of recovery and allows to safely save your data.
What if the media is inaccessible or damaged?
Windows and Mac both are flooded with many unwelcome errors that occur frequently and causes complete system inaccessibility like blue or black screen of death, system files corruption, malware attack etc. These errors are the indication of any problems with the system that it couldn’t handle and unable to start. Though, these errors may automatically wipe off just by rebooting the system.
Addressing such problems is not easier and you need to be a bit advanced to effectively handle the situations and recover your data. Check out the 6 worst reasons of hard disk failure along with subsequent steps to recover your data, if you have logically failing hard drive. Moreover, if you’ve lost your important photos or files from memory or flash card, here is a great article about finding lost data on a flash memory device.
How to find deleted files
Try first to look around recycle bin or in trash folders and see if the deleted files are still there. You could also seek for the backup files (if any) that you have created previously. If the above two methods fails, try using Stellar deleted file recovery software and check your desired data in demo version. If you are able to see your files preview in demo version, can register your copy to restore the data on either Windows or Mac machine.
Below are the Stellar Windows Data Recovery working steps
- Download and Install the software on your working system.
- On the main screen, select “What you want to Recover” and click Next.
- Select the location/drive where you wish to recover and hit Scan.
- You can Preview all the recoverable data in the preview section.
- Select the files/folders you wish to recover and click Recover.
- Save the files in the desired location.
Prevent it from happening next time
You may lost data anytime in any form like photo loss, deleted word documents, undetectable external hard drive etc. and taking backup is always a good alternative to don’t let this happen again.
Windows and Mac have several useful utilities to automatically take backups on regular intervals so you don’t need to backup your data manually all the time. Taking backups can greatly reduce the chances of loosing your valuable data as well as protects your data from natural disasters.
