USB flash drives have become an integral part of our digital lives, allowing us to easily transfer and store data on the go. However, the sudden disappearance of files from a USB flash drive can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to recover those lost files. This article will guide you through the process of recovering disappeared files from a USB flash drive.
1. Check for Hidden Files
Before jumping to conclusions, it's essential to ensure that the files haven't simply been hidden. Sometimes, files can be inadvertently set to hidden status, making them invisible in regular file explorer views.
- Open File Explorer: Navigate to the USB flash drive's drive letter in File Explorer.
- Show Hidden Files: Click on the "View" tab and ensure that the "Hidden items" checkbox is ticked. This will reveal any hidden files and folders.
2. Use Data Recovery Software
If the files are not hidden, the next step is to use data recovery software. These tools can scan your USB flash drive for deleted or lost files and help you restore them.The following is an example of Panda data recovery operation.
USB flash drive recovery steps:
Step 1: Select USB flash drive/memory card recovery
Choose the option that suits us more "USB flash drive/memory card recovery".
Step 2: Select USB flash drive
Insert the USB flash drive into the computer in advance, then select the USB flash drive and click Start Scanning.
The third step is to scan the USB flash drive
You need to be patient during the USB flash drive scanning process.
Step 4: Find the file
The files you want to recover can be found after the scan is completed, and you can find them by the file type, search name, etc.
Step 5: Preview
Double-click to preview the file to make sure the file is correct and it can be recovered, if the file preview fails, it may be that the file is damaged.
Step 6: Recover the files
Tick the files you want to recover and click Recover to do it.
Please note that do not save the recovered files to the USB flash drive itself during the recovery process, so as not to overwrite the original data.
3. Check for Viruses and Malware
Sometimes, viruses or malware can infect your USB flash drive, causing files to disappear or become inaccessible.
- Run a Virus Scan: Use your computer's antivirus software to scan the USB flash drive for viruses and malware. If any are found, follow the antivirus software's instructions to remove them.
- Update Your Antivirus: Ensure that your antivirus software is up-to-date to provide the best protection against the latest threats.
4. Consider Physical Damage
If the above steps fail to recover your files, it's possible that your USB flash drive has suffered physical damage.
- Visual Inspection: Inspect the USB flash drive for any visible signs of damage, such as bent pins, cracks, or water damage.
- Professional Recovery: If you suspect physical damage, consider sending the USB flash drive to a professional data recovery service. These services have specialized equipment and expertise to handle more complex recovery cases. However, be aware that physical damage can significantly reduce the chances of successful recovery, and professional services can be expensive.
5. Prevent Future Losses
To prevent future file losses, consider implementing the following preventive measures:
- Regular Backups: Regularly back up your important files to a separate location, such as an external hard drive, cloud storage, or another USB flash drive.
- Safe Removal: Always use the "Safely Remove Hardware" feature in Windows or eject the USB flash drive properly in macOS before physically removing it from your computer.
- Antivirus Protection: Keep your antivirus software up-to-date and run regular scans to protect your USB flash drive and computer from viruses and malware.
In conclusion, recovering disappeared files from a USB flash drive can be a challenging task, but it's not impossible. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of successfully recovering your lost files. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so take the necessary precautions to protect your data in the future.
