How to restore deleted files from pendrive​？

When you delete a file from your pen drive, it doesn’t immediately disappear. Instead, the operating system marks the space previously occupied by the file as “free” or “available for use.” The file data itself remains on the storage medium until it is overwritten by new data. As long as the space where the deleted file was stored has not been overwritten, there is a high chance of recovering the lost file.

This principle is key to successful file recovery: the more time passes and the more data is written to the pen drive, the lower the likelihood of recovery. Therefore, it’s essential to stop using the pen drive immediately after realizing that data has been deleted.

1. Check the Recycle Bin (for Windows Users)

The first and easiest step in file recovery is checking the Recycle Bin. On Windows, when you delete a file from a pen drive, it is sometimes moved to the Recycle Bin, especially if the file was deleted from your computer after being transferred from the pen drive.

Step 1: Open the Recycle Bin on your desktop.

Step 2: Look for the deleted files.

Step 3: Right-click on the file(s) you wish to restore and select Restore. The file will be restored to its original location on the pen drive.

If you’re unable to find your files in the Recycle Bin, they may have been permanently deleted or the deletion process bypassed the Recycle Bin entirely.

2. Use Windows File History (for Windows 10/11 Users)

Windows File History is another backup option that can help restore deleted files if you have previously enabled it. File History regularly backs up files in your libraries, desktop, contacts, and favorites, and allows you to restore them if they are lost or deleted.

Step 1: Connect your pen drive to your computer.

Step 2: Navigate to the folder where the deleted files were located.

Step 3: Right-click the folder and select Restore previous versions.

Step 4: If File History is enabled, you’ll see a list of previous versions of the folder.

Step 5: Select a version that contains the deleted files and click Restore.

If File History was not enabled on your computer, this method will not be effective.

3. Check for Backups

Another way to recover deleted files is through backups. Many people back up their data automatically, and if you’ve done so in the past, there may be a copy of the deleted files available for restoration. Check any backup solutions you have in place, whether they’re cloud-based (e.g., Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox) or local backups (e.g., external hard drives, network-attached storage).

4. Recover Deleted Files Using Data Recovery Software

Panda Assistant is a versatile and intuitive data recovery software designed to help users retrieve lost, deleted, or corrupted files from a variety of storage devices, including hard drives, USB drives, memory cards, and more. With an emphasis on simplicity and efficiency, Panda Assistant is ideal for both beginners and experienced users seeking to recover important data that may have been accidentally lost or damaged.

The software supports the recovery of a wide range of file types, including documents, images, videos, audio files, and archives. It is equipped with powerful scanning algorithms that can detect and recover files from damaged or formatted drives, as well as those that have been deleted or corrupted. Panda Assistant is particularly effective in scenarios where data loss occurs due to accidental deletion, file system errors, or unexpected device crashes.

Key features of Panda Assistant include:

Deep Scan Technology: A thorough scanning process that helps recover even deeply buried files from storage devices with a high success rate.

User-Friendly Interface: Designed for ease of use, Panda Assistant offers a straightforward interface that guides users step-by-step through the recovery process.

Wide Device Support: The software is compatible with a variety of storage devices, such as USB flash drives, SD cards, hard drives, and SSDs.

Preview Functionality: Before initiating the recovery, users can preview files to ensure they’re recovering the right ones.

File Format Flexibility: Supports a broad range of file formats for recovery, from common documents (Word, PDF) to multimedia files (MP4. JPEG).

5. Use Command Prompt (Advanced Recovery)

If you are comfortable using the Command Prompt, you can try using the CHKDSK utility to recover lost files from your pen drive. This tool checks and repairs errors on the pen drive’s file system, which may help recover some lost or corrupted files.

Step 1: Insert the pen drive into your computer.

Step 2: Open the Command Prompt by typing cmd in the Start menu search bar and pressing Enter.

Step 3: Type the following command:

bash

chkdsk X: /f

Replace X with the letter corresponding to your pen drive.

Step 4: Press Enter and allow the process to run. If any recoverable files are found, they will be restored automatically.

Note: This method works best if the file system of the pen drive is corrupted, but it is not a guaranteed solution for deleted files.

6. Professional Data Recovery Services

If none of the above methods work or if the pen drive is physically damaged, you may need to resort to professional data recovery services. These services are typically expensive but can recover data from damaged or corrupted drives that software cannot fix.

Professional recovery services involve sending your pen drive to a specialized lab, where technicians will use advanced tools to recover your data. This option is usually only necessary if your pen drive has sustained physical damage (e.g., water damage, electrical failure) or if the software methods fail.

Preventing Data Loss on Pen Drives

While it’s possible to recover deleted files, prevention is always better than cure. To protect your data and avoid the headache of data loss, follow these tips:

Backup Regularly: Always have a backup of important files on another storage device or cloud service.

Safely Eject Your Pen Drive: Always eject your pen drive safely before removing it from the USB port to avoid file corruption.

Avoid Overwriting Data: If you accidentally delete files, stop using the pen drive to avoid overwriting the deleted data.

Use Encryption: If your pen drive contains sensitive information, consider encrypting it to prevent unauthorized access.

Restoring deleted files from a pen drive is often possible, but the success of recovery depends on several factors, including the type of deletion, the time elapsed, and whether the data has been overwritten. By using the methods outlined in this guide ranging from basic solutions like checking the Recycle Bin to advanced options like data recovery software you can increase your chances of recovering lost files. Remember, the key to successful recovery is to act quickly and avoid using the pen drive after data loss.