Here are several methods to recover deleted files from a USB drive. They vary in complexity and effectiveness, and you can choose the most suitable one for your situation.
Method 1: Recover from the Recycle Bin
Applicable Scenario: This method is applicable when you have deleted files from the USB drive on a Windows computer and the files have been sent to the Recycle Bin instead of being permanently deleted.
Steps:
Locate the Recycle Bin: On your Windows desktop, find the Recycle Bin icon. It usually looks like a trash can.
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Open the Recycle Bin: Double-click on the Recycle Bin icon to open it.
Search for Deleted Files: In the Recycle Bin window, look for the files that you deleted from the USB drive. You can use the sorting options or the search bar to help you find the specific files more quickly. The files are usually listed with their original file names and the date they were deleted.
Restore the Files: Select the files you want to recover and right-click on them. From the context menu, choose “Restore”. This will move the files back to their original location on the USB drive. If the original location on the USB drive no longer exists or is inaccessible, Windows will restore the files to their default location, which is usually the user’s Documents folder.
Method 2: Use Windows File History
Applicable Scenario: This method works if you have enabled File History on your Windows computer and the USB drive was connected to the computer when the files were deleted. File History continuously backs up your files, allowing you to restore them to a previous version.
Steps:
Open File History: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app. In the Settings window, click on “Update & Security”, then select “Backup” from the left sidebar. Under “Backup using File History”, click on “Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7)”. This will open the File History window.
Restore Files: In the File History window, click on “Restore my files”. A file browser will appear, allowing you to search for the files you want to recover. You can navigate through the folders and files to find the specific ones that were deleted from the USB drive.
Select the Version to Restore: File History keeps multiple versions of your files. You can use the timeline or the arrows to browse through different versions of the selected file. Choose the version that contains the data you need and click on the “Restore” button.
Method 3: Employ Data Recovery Software
Panda Assistant is a powerful and intuitive data recovery software designed to help users recover lost, deleted, or formatted files from various devices, including computers, external drives, and SD cards. This user-friendly tool is ideal for individuals who need a straightforward solution to retrieve important files without the hassle of complex procedures or expensive professional services.
The software is equipped with advanced scanning algorithms that can detect and restore a wide range of file types, such as documents, photos, videos, and audio files. Whether files were lost due to accidental deletion, system crashes, or a corrupted storage device, Panda Assistant offers a reliable way to recover them efficiently.
One of the standout features of Panda Assistant is its deep scanning mode, which allows for the recovery of files from drives that have been formatted or severely damaged. The software supports both Windows and Mac operating systems, providing cross-platform recovery solutions for a broad user base. Its intuitive interface makes it accessible to both beginners and experienced users alike, with easy-to-follow instructions guiding you through each step of the recovery process.
Method 4: Seek Professional Data Recovery Services
Applicable Scenario: If the above methods do not work or if you suspect that there is a serious problem with the USB drive, such as physical damage to the hardware or a complex file system issue, it may be necessary to seek professional data recovery services.
Process:
Search for Professional Services: Look for reputable data recovery companies in your area or online. Read reviews and check their certifications and experience in handling USB drive data recovery. Some well-known data recovery companies have specialized facilities and tools to handle various types of data loss situations.
Contact the Service Provider: Reach out to the data recovery company and describe your situation in detail. They will usually ask you questions about how the files were deleted, whether there was any physical damage to the USB drive, and other relevant information. Based on this, they can provide you with an estimate of the cost and the chances of successful recovery.
Send in the USB Drive: If you decide to proceed with the professional data recovery service, you will need to send the USB drive to the company. They will use specialized equipment and techniques to attempt to recover the data. This may involve opening the USB drive in a clean room environment to access the internal components if there is physical damage.
Receive the Recovered Data: Once the data recovery process is complete, the company will notify you. They will usually provide you with the recovered data on a different storage device, such as an external hard drive or a set of DVDs. You can then transfer the data to your desired location.
Precautions for Data Recovery
Stop Using the USB Drive Immediately: As soon as you realize that files have been deleted from the USB drive, stop using it right away. Continuing to use the drive, such as saving new files or modifying existing ones, increases the chances of overwriting the deleted data, making it much more difficult or even impossible to recover.
Handle the USB Drive with Care: If you suspect that the USB drive may have physical damage, be very careful when handling it. Avoid dropping it, exposing it to extreme temperatures, or subjecting it to any physical stress. Physical damage to the drive can further complicate the data recovery process and may cause irreversible data loss.
Verify the Recovered Files: After recovering the files, it is essential to verify their integrity and completeness. Open and check the recovered files to make sure that they contain the correct data and are in a usable format. Some files may be corrupted during the recovery process, and it’s better to identify and address these issues as soon as possible.
Regularly Back Up Your Data: To prevent future data loss, it is highly recommended to regularly back up your important files from the USB drive to other storage devices or cloud services. This way, even if files are accidentally deleted or the USB drive malfunctions, you have a copy of the data that can be easily restored.
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