How to recover trash folder in sandisk external drive​？

Data loss is a common yet frustrating issue for anyone who uses external storage devices such as Sandisk external drives. One of the most common scenarios is accidentally deleting important files and folders, including the Trash or Recycle Bin folder. While many users think that once data is deleted, it is gone for good, the truth is that data recovery is often possible, especially if the files are not overwritten by new data.

Trash Folder on a Sandisk External Drive

Before diving into the recovery process, it is important to understand what the Trash folder is and how it works. When you delete files on your computer, they typically don’t get permanently erased immediately. Instead, they are moved to the Trash (on Mac) or Recycle Bin (on Windows), where they are stored temporarily. This gives you an opportunity to recover files if you accidentally delete them.

On a Sandisk external drive, the Trash folder operates similarly, depending on how you connect it to your computer. If the drive is used with a Mac or a Windows system, the Trash folder may appear on the external drive as a hidden file or folder. However, if the Trash folder itself gets deleted or corrupted, or if the external drive is mistakenly formatted or reconnected to another system, it can result in a scenario where the Trash folder or its contents are no longer accessible.

Possible Causes for Trash Folder Loss

Several factors can lead to the loss or disappearance of the Trash folder on a Sandisk external drive:

Accidental Deletion: Sometimes, users might mistakenly delete the Trash folder while cleaning up files or managing their external drives.

Drive Formatting: If the external drive is formatted—whether intentionally or due to a system error—the Trash folder, along with any other data, will be erased.

System Errors: Operating system glitches, unexpected shutdowns, or improper disconnection of the drive can cause data corruption, including the Trash folder.

Hidden Files and Folders: On Mac or Windows systems, hidden files and folders (like the Trash) might be invisible to the user, leading them to mistakenly believe that the folder is missing.

Step-by-Step Guide for Recovering the Trash Folder

Step 1: Stop Using the Drive Immediately

When you realize that your Trash folder or any data is missing from your Sandisk external drive, it’s crucial to stop using the drive immediately. This is because new data could overwrite the deleted or lost files, significantly reducing the chances of successful recovery. The more you use the drive, the more likely it is that your lost data will be overwritten and irretrievable.

Step 2: Check for Hidden Files

Before jumping into recovery tools, it is worth checking whether the Trash folder is hidden. Many operating systems hide system files and folders by default.

For Windows:

Open File Explorer and navigate to your Sandisk external drive.

Click on the View tab at the top of the window.

Ensure that the Hidden items checkbox is checked.

Look for any folder named $RECYCLE.BIN or similar, which contains the deleted files from the drive.

For Mac:

Open Finder and go to your Sandisk external drive.

Press Command + Shift + Period (.) to show hidden files.

Look for a folder named .Trashes or similar.

If the folder appears, you can try to access the deleted files from there.

If the folder is visible, you can simply restore the files back into the original location.

Step 3: Use Data Recovery Software

Panda Assistant is an innovative and user-friendly data recovery software designed to help individuals and businesses recover lost or deleted files. Whether it’s a critical document, cherished photo, or important video, Panda Assistant uses advanced algorithms to scan your storage devices and restore files that were seemingly lost due to accidental deletion, corruption, or formatting. With its intuitive interface, even users with minimal technical expertise can navigate the software with ease, ensuring that the data recovery process is both effective and efficient.

One of the key features of Panda Assistant is its ability to recover data from a wide range of storage devices, including hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, memory cards, and even cloud storage services. This versatility makes it a valuable tool for anyone who needs to recover files, whether at home or in a professional setting. Additionally, Panda Assistant supports multiple file types, from documents and images to videos and system files, ensuring that users can recover a variety of important data.

Step 4: Try Command Line Recovery (for Advanced Users)

If you are comfortable using command-line tools, you may try using advanced file recovery techniques. Both Windows and Mac have built-in command-line tools that can be helpful in certain data recovery situations.

For Windows: You can use the chkdsk command to check for errors and recover readable data from a corrupted drive.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Type chkdsk X: /f (replace X with your external drive’s letter).

Press Enter and let the system attempt to fix the errors and recover data.

For Mac: You can use Terminal with the diskutil command to check for disk issues.

Open Terminal.

Type diskutil list to identify your Sandisk external drive.

Use the fsck command to attempt file system repair.

This method can be a bit risky, so it is recommended for users with technical expertise.

Step 5: Consult a Data Recovery Service

If you are unable to recover the Trash folder or the files through software methods, it may be time to consider a professional data recovery service. These services specialize in recovering data from damaged or corrupted drives and can often retrieve files that are not recoverable by typical software.

Look for reputable data recovery services that have experience working with external drives. While this option can be more expensive, it can also be the most effective in cases where other methods fail.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Data Loss

While recovery methods can often restore your files, it’s always better to prevent data loss in the first place. Here are some useful preventive measures:

Regular Backups: Always back up your important files to another external drive, cloud storage, or network drive.

Use Multiple Storage Devices: Spread your data across multiple storage devices so that if one fails, you won’t lose everything.

Safely Eject Your Drive: Always eject your Sandisk external drive properly to avoid corruption or accidental data loss.

Update Software: Keep your recovery software, operating system, and external drive drivers up to date to minimize errors and compatibility issues.