Recover deleted files not in recycle bin​

​Losing important files can be a frustrating experience, especially when they aren’t sitting in the Recycle Bin waiting for recovery. Fortunately, there are several methods and tools available to help you recover deleted files.

1. File Deletion

How Files are Deleted

When you delete a file from your computer, it usually goes to the Recycle Bin. However, when you empty the Recycle Bin or delete a file using Shift + Delete, the file is not permanently removed from your storage device immediately. Instead, the operating system marks the space occupied by the file as available for new data, making it possible to recover it until that space is overwritten.

Why Files Don’t Appear in the Recycle Bin

There are several reasons why files may not appear in the Recycle Bin:

Shift + Delete: This bypasses the Recycle Bin, permanently deleting the file.

External Drives: Files deleted from external drives may not go to the Recycle Bin, depending on your system settings.

File System Issues: Corruption or file system errors can cause files to become inaccessible.

Malware or Virus Attacks: Malicious software can delete or hide files from view.

2. Basic Recovery Options

Checking Backup Solutions

Before diving into complex recovery methods, check any backup solutions you may have in place:

Windows Backup: If you have Windows Backup set up, you may be able to recover the deleted files from your backup.

Cloud Services: Check cloud storage services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox for backups of your files.

External Backups: If you regularly back up your data to an external hard drive, check there for copies of your lost files.

Utilizing Previous Versions

Windows includes a feature called “Previous Versions,” which allows you to restore files or folders to an earlier state:

Navigate to the Folder: Go to the folder where the deleted file was stored.

Right-Click: Right-click on the folder and select “Restore previous versions.”

Select a Version: Choose a version from the list that precedes the deletion date and click “Restore.”

This method works if you have System Restore enabled or File History set up.

3. Advanced Recovery Techniques

If basic recovery options do not work, consider the following advanced methods.

Data Recovery Software

Panda Assistant is an innovative data recovery software designed to help users effortlessly recover lost or deleted files from various storage devices. Whether you’ve accidentally deleted important documents, photos, or videos from your computer, external hard drives, or USB flash drives, Panda Assistant provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the recovery process.

With advanced scanning algorithms, Panda Assistant thoroughly scans your storage devices to locate and recover files that may seem permanently lost. The software supports a wide range of file formats, ensuring that you can retrieve everything from documents and spreadsheets to multimedia files.

One of the standout features of Panda Assistant is its ability to recover data from formatted drives and corrupted storage media, making it an essential tool for both casual users and professionals. The intuitive design allows even those with minimal technical expertise to navigate the recovery process with ease.

Install the Software: Ensure the software is installed on a different drive than the one you’re trying to recover files from to prevent overwriting data.

Run a Scan: Launch the software and select the drive from which you want to recover files. Initiate a scan to locate deleted files.

Preview and Recover: Once the scan is complete, preview the files you wish to recover and select them. Follow the prompts to restore them to a safe location.

Using Command Prompt

For more tech-savvy users, the Command Prompt can be used to attempt recovery of deleted files:

Open Command Prompt: Type “cmd” in the Windows search bar, right-click on Command Prompt, and select “Run as administrator.”

Use CHKDSK Command: Type the following command and press Enter:

bash

chkdsk X: /f

Replace “X” with the drive letter of the disk from which you want to recover files. This command scans the drive for errors and attempts to fix them.

Look for Recovered Files: After running CHKDSK, check the drive for any recovered files, which may be stored in a folder named “found.”

4. Preventing Future Data Loss

Backup Strategies

The best way to prevent data loss is to implement effective backup strategies:

Regular Backups: Schedule regular backups using Windows Backup or a third-party solution.

Use Cloud Storage: Utilize services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to keep copies of important files.

External Drives: Regularly back up your data to an external hard drive or NAS (Network Attached Storage) device.

File Recovery Best Practices

To enhance your chances of successful file recovery:

Stop Using the Affected Drive: If you’ve accidentally deleted files, minimize use of the drive to prevent overwriting.

Use Reliable Software: Invest in reputable data recovery software that has good reviews and a track record.

Keep Software Updated: Ensure your recovery software is up to date to take advantage of the latest features and bug fixes.