Losing files accidentally from a computer can be a stressful experience, but fortunately, there are several methods you can use to recover those deleted files. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to recover accidentally deleted files from a computer:
1.Stop Using the Computer Immediately
Once you realize that files have been accidentally deleted, immediately stop using the computer. Continuing to use the computer, especially by writing new data to the disk, can overwrite the deleted files and reduce the chances of successful recovery.
2.Check the Recycle Bin
The first place to look for deleted files is the Recycle Bin. Open the Recycle Bin and check if the deleted files are present. If they are, simply right-click on the files and select "Restore" to recover them.
3.Use Data Recovery Software
If the files are not in the Recycle Bin, you can use data recovery software to scan your computer's hard drive for deleted files. The following is an example of Panda data recovery.
Panda data recovery Steps:
Step 1: Select the scenario mode
Choose the appropriate recovery mode according to the actual situation, if the document has been deleted for a long time, you can try "Deep Recovery".
Step 2: Select a location to store your documents
Scan the disk where the document is stored, and try it a few more times if you make the wrong choice or don't remember.
Step 3: Find the documentation
You can search for documents based on their type, or search for them if you remember them.
Step 4: Preview and recover documents
After finding the document, double-click to preview it to make sure it opens normally, and then click to restore.
4.Check for Previous Versions
If you have enabled file history or previous versions in Windows, you may be able to restore deleted files from a previous version. Right-click on the folder where the deleted files were located and select "Properties." Go to the "Previous Versions" tab and check if there's a version with your deleted files. If available, select the version you want to restore and click "Restore."
5.Contact a Professional
If you're unable to recover the deleted files using the above methods, consider contacting a professional data recovery service. These services have advanced tools and expertise that can help recover even the most complex cases of data loss.
Additional Tips:
- Regularly Back Up Your Data: To prevent data loss in the future, make sure to regularly back up your important files. You can use external hard drives, cloud storage, or other backup solutions to store your data safely.
- Be Careful with Deletion: Before deleting any files, always double-check to ensure you're deleting the correct files. Avoid using the "Shift + Delete" combination, which permanently deletes files without sending them to the Recycle Bin.
- Protect Your Computer: Keep your computer protected from viruses, malware, and other threats that can lead to data loss. Install a reliable antivirus program and keep your operating system and software updated.
Remember, the chances of successfully recovering deleted files depend on various factors, such as the amount of time elapsed since deletion, the type of file system, and the number of write operations performed on the disk. However, by acting quickly and using the appropriate methods, you can significantly increase the chances of recovering your lost files.