How to recover a folder that was deleted​?

Recovering a deleted folder can be a straightforward process, but it depends on several factors, including the operating system you’re using, whether you’ve emptied the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac), and whether you have backups.

1. Check the Recycle Bin or Trash

For Windows:

Open Recycle Bin: Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.

Locate Your Folder: Browse through the items. If you find the deleted folder, right-click on it.

Restore: Select “Restore” to recover the folder to its original location.

For Mac:

Open Trash: Click on the Trash icon in the dock.

Find Your Folder: Search through the contents. If the folder is there, right-click (or Control-click) on it.

Put Back: Choose “Put Back” to restore the folder to its original location.

2. Use File History (Windows)

If you’ve set up File History, you can recover previous versions of your files and folders:

Open File Explorer: Navigate to the location where the folder was originally located.

Click on the “Home” Tab: Select “History” in the ribbon.

Browse Previous Versions: Use the arrows to navigate through the available backups.

Restore Folder: Once you find the folder, click “Restore” to recover it.

3. Use Time Machine (Mac)

If you have Time Machine enabled, you can recover lost data easily:

Connect Time Machine Drive: Ensure the Time Machine backup drive is connected.

Open Finder: Go to the folder where the deleted folder was located.

Enter Time Machine: Click the Time Machine icon in the menu bar and select “Enter Time Machine.”

Navigate Through Time: Use the timeline on the right to locate the backup before the folder was deleted.

Restore Folder: Select the folder and click “Restore.”

4. Restore from Backup

If you regularly back up your system using software like Windows Backup, Acronis, or another third-party backup solution:

Open Backup Software: Launch the backup application.

Select Restore: Find the option to restore files or folders.

Choose Backup: Select the backup that contains the deleted folder.

Follow Prompts: Proceed through the prompts to restore the folder.

5. Use Command Prompt (Windows)

If the folder is hidden or you suspect it’s still on your hard drive:

Open Command Prompt: Search for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-click, and choose “Run as administrator.”

Navigate to Directory: Use the cd command to navigate to the folder’s previous location (e.g., cd C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents).

List Files: Type dir /a to list all files, including hidden ones. Look for your folder.

Recover: If the folder appears, use the command attrib -h -s “FolderName” to unhide and unprotect it.

6. Use Data Recovery Software

If the folder is not in the Recycle Bin/Trash and you have no backups, consider data recovery software:

Choose Recovery Software:

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Install and Run: Download and install the software. Follow the prompts to run it.

Scan for Deleted Files: Select the drive where the folder was located and start a scan.

Preview and Recover: Once the scan is complete, preview the recoverable files and select the folder for recovery.

7. Check Cloud Backups

If you use cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, check there:

Log into the Service: Access your account through the website or app.

Check the Deleted Files: Most cloud services have a trash or deleted files section.

Restore Folder: If you find your folder, use the restore option provided.

8. Professional Data Recovery Services

If the data is extremely important and you’re unable to recover it through the above methods, consider hiring a professional data recovery service:

Research Services: Look for reputable data recovery companies with good reviews.

Consultation: Many companies offer free consultations to assess your case.

Recovery Process: Be prepared for a potentially expensive process, depending on the severity of data loss.

9. Prevention Tips

To avoid future data loss, consider the following strategies:

Regular Backups: Implement regular backup routines using Windows Backup, Time Machine, or third-party software.

Cloud Storage: Use cloud services for automatic file backup.

Organized File Management: Keep your files organized to minimize accidental deletions.

Version Control: Use version control for important documents to keep track of changes.