Accidental deletion of data from a USB flash drive can be a stressful experience, especially when the lost files are important. However, there are several methods you can try to retrieve the deleted data. This article will guide you through some effective ways to recover your lost files.
Method 1: Check the Recycle Bin
The first and simplest step is to check the Recycle Bin on your computer. When you delete files from a USB flash drive, they are often moved to the Recycle Bin instead of being permanently erased. Open the Recycle Bin, locate the deleted files, and right-click on them. Select "Restore" to move the files back to their original location on the USB flash drive.
Method 2: Use Data Recovery Software
If the files are not in the Recycle Bin or if you have emptied it, you can use data recovery software. These tools are designed to scan your USB flash drive and retrieve deleted files. There are many data recovery software options available, both free and paid. Choose a reputable program, follow the instructions, and let it scan your USB flash drive for recoverable files. Once the scan is complete, you can select the files you want to recover and save them to a safe location on your computer.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.
Method 3: Use the Previous Version Feature (if available)
If you have enabled the Previous Versions feature in Windows, you may be able to restore deleted files from a previous state of your USB flash drive. Right-click on the USB flash drive in File Explorer, select "Properties," and then click on the "Previous Versions" tab. If there are any previous versions available, you can select one and click "Restore" to retrieve the deleted files.
Method 4: Contact a Data Recovery Specialist
If none of the above methods work, and the files are extremely important, you may consider seeking the help of a professional data recovery service. These specialists have advanced tools and techniques to retrieve data from damaged or corrupted USB flash drives. However, this option can be expensive and may not always be successful.
Preventive Measures
To avoid accidental deletion in the future, it's essential to take some preventive measures. Regularly backup your data to another storage device or cloud service. This ensures that even if you delete files from your USB flash drive, you still have a copy somewhere else. Additionally, be cautious when deleting files and always confirm your actions before proceeding.
In conclusion, accidental deletion of data from a USB flash drive can be a frustrating experience, but there are several methods you can try to retrieve the lost files. From checking the Recycle Bin to using data recovery software or seeking professional help, there are options available to help you get your data back. However, it's always best to take preventive measures to avoid such situations in the future.
