How to get back deleted files from pendrive​?

Losing important files from a USB flash drive (pendrive) can be an anxiety-inducing experience. Whether you accidentally deleted your files or lost them due to a system error, the good news is that deleted data from a pendrive is not always gone forever. 

How Data Deletion Works

Before diving into the methods of recovery, it’s important to understand how data deletion works. When you delete a file from a pendrive, it’s not immediately removed from the device. Instead, the operating system simply marks the space occupied by the file as available for new data. The file itself remains intact until new data overwrites that space.

This is why it’s crucial to act quickly when you realize a file has been deleted. The more you use the pendrive, the higher the likelihood that the deleted files will be overwritten, making recovery much more difficult or even impossible.

Common Causes of Data Loss from Pendrives

Several factors can lead to data loss from a pendrive. Some of the most common causes include:

Accidental Deletion: The most common cause of data loss is accidentally pressing the delete button, either by mistake or due to negligence.

Formatting: Formatting a pendrive, either intentionally or accidentally, erases all data from the device, though it may still be recoverable.

Virus or Malware Attack: A virus or malware infection can corrupt or delete files from your pendrive, sometimes making them inaccessible.

Corruption: File system corruption due to improper removal, sudden power loss, or software errors can lead to the loss of data.

Physical Damage: Physical damage to the pendrive, such as from water exposure or impact, may result in data loss, although data recovery is still sometimes possible.

Preparing for Recovery: Initial Steps

Before attempting data recovery, there are several key steps you should follow to maximize your chances of success:

Stop Using the Pendrive: As mentioned earlier, continued use of the pendrive can overwrite the deleted files. To give yourself the best chance of recovery, stop using the device immediately.

Check the Recycle Bin: If you’re using a Windows system, check the Recycle Bin. Sometimes files can be accidentally deleted, but not permanently removed. If they’re there, simply restore them.

Ensure Proper Connections: Sometimes, files may seem to be lost because of connection issues. Make sure the pendrive is properly inserted into the USB port and recognized by your computer.

Methods for Recovering Deleted Files from a Pendrive

There are several methods you can try to recover deleted files from a pendrive. Below, we’ll walk through the most effective techniques.

1. Using Data Recovery Software

Panda Assistant is a powerful data recovery tool designed to help users retrieve lost, deleted, or inaccessible files from various types of storage devices. Whether you have accidentally deleted important documents, formatted your hard drive, or experienced a system crash, Panda Assistant provides an effective solution to recover your data. The software supports a wide range of devices, including hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, memory cards, and even network drives.

With a user-friendly interface, Panda Assistant makes it easy to scan and recover files with just a few clicks. The software offers different recovery modes, including quick and deep scanning, to ensure that even the most complex data loss situations can be addressed. Panda Assistant also features advanced filters and search functions, allowing users to locate specific files based on type, size, or date.

2. Using Windows Built-in Tools

If you don’t want to use third-party software, you can attempt file recovery with built-in Windows tools. While not as powerful as dedicated recovery software, these tools can still help in certain cases.

a) Windows File History

If you have File History enabled on your system, you can recover deleted files that were previously backed up. Here’s how to do it:

Plug the pendrive into your computer.

Right-click the folder where the deleted files were originally stored.

Select “Restore previous versions.”

Browse through the available versions and select one before the files were deleted.

Click “Restore” to recover the files.

b) Check for Hidden Files

Sometimes, deleted files are still present on the pendrive but are simply hidden. You can show hidden files by doing the following:

Open File Explorer and navigate to the pendrive.

Click the “View” tab at the top of the window and check the “Hidden items” box.

If the files are hidden, they will now appear on the pendrive, and you can copy them to a different location.

3. Using Command Prompt (Windows)

In some cases, using the Command Prompt to check for hidden or corrupted files might help you recover lost data.

Open Command Prompt by typing cmd in the Windows search bar and pressing Enter.

Type chkdsk X: /f (replace “X” with the drive letter of your pendrive).

Press Enter. The system will scan for errors and attempt to fix them, potentially recovering lost files in the process.

4. Recovering Files After Formatting

If you accidentally formatted your pendrive and lost all files, don’t despair. It’s still possible to recover the data as long as the space hasn’t been overwritten. Here’s how you can try:

Professional Data Recovery Services: If you’re unable to recover the data on your own, you may need to seek help from a professional data recovery service. These services have specialized tools to retrieve data from damaged or formatted devices.

Advanced Data Recovery: When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried the above methods and still can’t recover your files, it might be time to turn to professional data recovery services. These services can retrieve data from physically damaged pendrives or those with severe corruption. However, these services can be expensive and aren’t always guaranteed to succeed.

To prevent future data loss, consider regularly backing up your files and using more robust data management practices. Always remember to safely eject your pendrive from the computer to avoid file corruption and ensure a longer lifespan for your storage device.