How to retrieve accidentally deleted files​？

Accidentally deleting important files can be a frustrating experience, especially when those files hold significant personal, professional, or academic value. The good news is that, in many cases, these files are not truly lost but are still recoverable.

1. File Deletion

Before diving into recovery methods, it’s essential to understand how files are deleted from a system. When you delete a file, it’s typically removed from the file system’s index, but the actual data is often still present on the disk. It’s only overwritten when new data is written to that space. This is why recovery is possible, but it’s also why the sooner you attempt to recover the files, the higher the chances of success.

1.1 Soft vs. Hard Deletion

Soft Deletion: Files are moved to a recycle bin or trash folder.

Hard Deletion: Files are permanently removed, usually bypassing the trash or recycle bin.

1.2 The Role of File Systems

Different operating systems use different file systems, such as NTFS, FAT32. exFAT (Windows), and HFS+ or APFS (Mac). Each has its own mechanisms for handling deleted data, which may impact recovery.

2. How to Recover Deleted Files on Windows

Windows offers a variety of ways to recover deleted files, from simple restoration methods to third-party software tools for more complex cases.

2.1 Using the Recycle Bin

The first and easiest method to recover deleted files on Windows is through the Recycle Bin. Files you delete from your desktop or file explorer are typically moved to the Recycle Bin.

Steps:

Open the Recycle Bin from your desktop.

Locate the deleted file(s).

Right-click the file and select Restore.

2.2 File History Backup

Windows 10 and later versions come with a built-in tool called File History, which automatically creates backups of your files.

Steps:

Open Settings > Update & Security > Backup.

Click More options under the “Back up using File History” section.

Scroll down and select Restore files from a current backup.

2.3 Using Previous Versions

Windows also offers a feature called Previous Versions that lets you recover older versions of files and folders.

Steps:

Right-click the folder that contained the deleted file.

Select Restore previous versions.

Choose a version from before the file was deleted and click Restore.

2.4 Data Recovery Software for Windows

If the above methods fail, you may need third-party data recovery software. Tools like Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or Panda Data Recovery can scan your hard drive for deleted files and attempt to restore them.

Steps:

Download and install a data recovery tool.

Launch the program and select the drive to scan.

Let the software scan the drive for deleted files.

Once the scan is complete, browse through the list of recoverable files and select the ones you wish to recover.

Click Recover and choose a safe location to save the files.

3. How to Recover Deleted Files on Mac

Mac users can also retrieve accidentally deleted files, whether they are stored locally or on external drives. The recovery methods are similar to those on Windows but are optimized for macOS environments.

3.1 Using the Trash

When you delete files on a Mac, they’re typically moved to the Trash folder.

Steps:

Open Trash from the Dock.

Locate the deleted file.

Right-click the file and choose Put Back to restore it to its original location.

3.2 Time Machine Backup

Time Machine is the built-in backup system on macOS, making it easier to restore deleted files.

Steps:

Open the folder where the file was located.

Open Time Machine by clicking the Time Machine icon in the menu bar.

Scroll through the timeline and locate the version of the file you want to restore.

Select the file and click Restore.

3.3 Using Data Recovery Software on Mac

Panda Assistant

Panda Assistant is a versatile data recovery software designed to help users retrieve lost or deleted files from various storage devices, including hard drives, USB drives, and memory cards. With an intuitive interface, it enables quick scanning and recovery of documents, photos, videos, and more. Panda Assistant supports different file systems like NTFS, FAT, and exFAT, making it compatible with both Windows and macOS. Additionally, it offers advanced recovery features for formatted, corrupted, or inaccessible files, providing users with an efficient solution for data recovery without the need for professional services.

4. How to Recover Deleted Files on Linux

Linux is slightly different from Windows and macOS in terms of file recovery, but it still offers several options for retrieving lost files.

4.1 Checking the Trash

Like Windows and Mac, Linux has a Trash where deleted files are temporarily stored.

Steps:

Open your File Manager.

Go to the Trash folder.

Locate and restore the file if available.

4.2 Using the extundelete Command

If you’re using an ext3 or ext4 file system, you can use extundelete to recover deleted files.

Steps:

Open a terminal window.

Unmount the partition containing the deleted files: sudo umount /dev/sda1.

Run sudo extundelete /dev/sda1 –restore-all to recover deleted files.

Files will be saved in the current directory.

4.3 Data Recovery Tools for Linux

Data recovery software like TestDisk, PhotoRec, or R-Studio can also help you recover files from damaged or formatted Linux drives.

Steps:

Install the recovery software.

Scan the drive for lost data.

Select the files to recover and save them to another drive.

5. How to Recover Deleted Files from External Drives

If the deleted files were on an external storage device (USB flash drive, external hard drive, SD card, etc.), you can use similar methods as on internal drives.

5.1 Recovering from a USB Flash Drive

Plug the USB drive into your computer.

If you accidentally deleted files, use the Recycle Bin or the Previous Versions feature (for Windows) or Time Machine (for Mac) to recover them.

Alternatively, use data recovery software to scan the USB drive.

5.2 Recovering from an SD Card

Insert the SD card into your computer or use a card reader.

Check the Recycle Bin or use data recovery software like Recuva or Panda Data Recovery to recover deleted files.

6. How to Avoid Losing Important Files

Preventing file loss is always better than dealing with recovery. Here are some best practices:

Regular Backups: Use cloud storage or external hard drives to back up important files.

File Versioning: Enable version control for documents, photos, and projects.

Data Recovery Software: Keep a copy of recovery software on hand in case of emergency.

Be Cautious with Deletions: Always double-check before permanently deleting files.