How to restore files from recycle bin after emptied​？

Once the recycle bin is emptied, it becomes much more difficult to restore files, but it’s not entirely impossible.

1. Check Backup Systems

System Restore

Windows: System Restore is a built – in feature in Windows that can help you revert your computer’s state to an earlier point in time. To use it, you need to have previously created restore points. You can access System Restore through the Control Panel. In the System Properties window, click on the “System Protection” tab and then the “System Restore” button. Follow the on – screen instructions to select a restore point that was created before the files were deleted. Keep in mind that this will also revert other system settings and installed programs to their state at the selected restore point.

Mac: Time Machine is the equivalent backup tool for Mac. If you have been using Time Machine to back up your Mac regularly, you can restore your files from it. Connect your external Time Machine backup drive and then open the Time Machine application. Navigate through the backup history to find the files you want to restore and click “Restore”.

Cloud Storage and Third – Party Backup Services

Many users store their files in cloud storage services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive. These services usually have a version history feature. For example, in Dropbox, you can right – click on a file or folder and select “Version History”. From there, you can view and restore previous versions of the file that may have been deleted from your local recycle bin.

Third – party backup software like Acronis True Image, Norton Ghost, or Macrium Reflect also offers backup and restore capabilities. If you have used such software to create backups of your system or specific files, you can use it to restore the deleted files according to the software’s instructions.

2. Data Recovery Software

Panda Assistant is a versatile software tool designed to assist users with a variety of data recovery tasks, system optimization, and file management. With an intuitive interface and powerful recovery capabilities, it has become a go-to solution for individuals and businesses facing the challenge of losing important files. Whether you are dealing with accidentally deleted files, formatted drives, or corrupted data, Panda Assistant offers a range of features to help recover and manage your data effectively.

Key Features of Panda Assistant

Data Recovery

The core function of Panda Assistant is its data recovery feature. It supports the recovery of a wide range of file types, including photos, videos, documents, emails, and more. Whether the data was lost due to accidental deletion, formatting errors, or system crashes, Panda Assistant is equipped with advanced scanning algorithms that can search for traces of lost data on hard drives, SD cards, USB drives, and other storage devices. This makes it a valuable tool for users looking to recover lost files from a variety of storage media.

Deep Scan and Quick Scan Options

Panda Assistant offers two scanning modes: Quick Scan and Deep Scan. The Quick Scan option is designed for faster recoveries, especially in cases where the files were recently deleted and have not been overwritten. The Deep Scan mode, on the other hand, performs a more thorough scan of the storage device, looking for fragments of lost files that may not be visible during a standard scan. This makes Deep Scan ideal for more challenging recovery scenarios, such as recovering files from a formatted or severely damaged drive.

File Preview

Before committing to the recovery process, Panda Assistant provides a file preview option, allowing users to preview the recoverable files. This ensures that only the files you need are restored, saving time and reducing the risk of recovering unnecessary data.

Data Loss Prevention

In addition to recovery, Panda Assistant offers tools designed to prevent data loss in the first place. The software can create backup copies of important files and schedules regular backups, ensuring that valuable data is always protected. It also features an automatic recovery feature that can detect and recover lost files immediately after a crash or unexpected shutdown.

Support for Various File Systems

Panda Assistant supports multiple file systems, including FAT, NTFS, exFAT, HFS+, and others. This makes it compatible with a wide range of devices, from Windows PCs to Mac systems and even external storage media like USB drives, external hard drives, and SD cards.

User-Friendly Interface

One of the highlights of Panda Assistant is its user-friendly interface. Even for users with limited technical knowledge, the software is straightforward and easy to navigate. The intuitive layout guides users through the recovery process with minimal effort, offering step-by-step instructions to ensure a smooth experience.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Panda Assistant is compatible with both Windows and macOS, offering flexibility for users who work across different operating systems. This ensures that individuals with mixed device environments can still utilize the software efficiently.

Security Features

The software also prioritizes data security. Panda Assistant has built-in encryption features that allow users to securely restore sensitive files without compromising privacy. Additionally, it ensures that the recovery process does not overwrite or damage any remaining files on the device.

File Management and Optimization

Beyond recovery, Panda Assistant offers file management tools that allow users to organize their data more efficiently. Users can easily sort files, delete duplicates, and free up space on their devices to improve performance. The optimization tools can also clean up junk files, system caches, and other unnecessary data, helping to maintain the health of the system.

3. File System – Specific Approaches

NTFS (Windows File System)

In the NTFS file system, when a file is deleted, its entry in the Master File Table (MFT) is marked as deleted. Some advanced data recovery tools can analyze the MFT and try to reconstruct the file’s original location and data.

Additionally, in some cases, if you have access to a Windows Server environment and the files were stored on a network – attached storage (NAS) device or a shared drive that is regularly backed up using Windows Server Backup, you may be able to restore the files from the server – side backups.

HFS+ and APFS (Mac File Systems)

For Macs, the HFS + and APFS file systems also have their own characteristics. Time Machine is the most recommended way to recover files as it is integrated with the Mac’s file system and backup architecture. However, for more technical – savvy users, there are some data recovery tools that can work with these file systems. For example, Disk Drill also supports HFS+ and APFS file system recovery. It can scan the Mac’s hard drive or SSD to find and restore deleted files by analyzing the file system’s metadata and data structures.

4. Preventive Measures to Avoid Data Loss in the Future

Regular Backups

Establish a regular backup routine. For personal computers, you can use external hard drives, network – attached storage (NAS), or cloud storage services. Set up automatic backups to ensure that your important files are always protected. For example, you can schedule daily or weekly backups of your important documents, photos, and videos.

In a business environment, more sophisticated backup solutions like enterprise – grade backup software and tape backups may be used to protect critical data and ensure business continuity.

File Versioning

Enable file versioning features in your operating system or applications. As mentioned earlier, cloud storage services often have versioning capabilities. In a Windows environment, you can also enable file history. File History in Windows allows you to restore previous versions of files that have been modified or deleted. You can configure which folders to include in File History and set up how often it saves versions of the files.