Losing data is one of the most common issues that we come across. Losing data may be due to various reasons viz. deleting accidentally, crashing of hard disk, or that of PC/Laptop’s operating system. It might be impossible for recovering all data but if lost data have a format that is known then it becomes easier.
Deleted files are not deleted but are just marked for deletion. But one must take note that it is easier to recover a deleted data earlier or in other words, one must attempt to recover a lost file earlier. This is because after a file/data is marked for deletion, each hard drive could overwrite the data that is to be recovered.
Firstly, to restore important missing file or folder, one must do the following:
- Type Restore files in the search box on the taskbar. Then, Select Restore your files with File History.
- Find the file that is to be recovered. And also see all its versions (by using arrows)
- After finding the required version of your choice, select Restore to save it (if it is to be restored in its original location) and if not then right-click on Restore then select restore to and then to Choose a new location.
Secondly, if data is to be recovered from the recycle bin then open the Recycle Bin. Then find the file(s) of your choice and choose on Restore. You will get back those deleted files back in their original location. You can also later copy the recovered data to other drives as well if you wish to. But you must remember the fact that these data or files will only be recovered if you have not emptied your Recycle Bin.
Thirdly, if files are to be recovered from Windows 10, then follow the steps:
- Right-click on the desktop icon.
- A drop-down menu appears. From there choose on open.
- Then select files to recover.
- Right-click on the files that are to be recovered.
- Choose Restore. The required file can also be dragged out from Recycle Bin for restoring.
Fourthly, if you have emptied the recycle bin then you can also try to recover an older version of the lost file. You can do so by using the free backup and restore feature built-in Windows. Follow the steps below:
- Click on the Start button then After this, Head out for the location of the folder.
- Right-click on the folder. After this click on “ Restore previous versions”
- A list appears. Choose the required version and click on Restore.
The above-mentioned steps, are to be followed if you want to retrieve files from Windows 7. Similarly, if files are to be recovered from Windows 10, then follow the steps below:
- Open the folder and click on the History button.
- History will be displayed. Then click the Previous button (to select the file of your choice) and then click on the Restore button.
Lastly, to recover data you can also make use of some software available. These are Disk Drill Data recovery (for hard disk drive recovery), Recuva (for Windows computers), PhotoRec (for recovering any file system), Undelete 360 (for those data of internal disk, memory cards, external hard disks, etc), MiniTool Power Data Recovery (if an entire partition or drive is lost), R-Studio( for commercial data recovery), UnDeleteMyFiles Pro(it provides some advanced features), EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard (if data is deleted accidentally or mistakenly formatted drive/ partition), Stellar Phoenix, Prosoft Data Rescue 5 (for Windows).
I’m sure this article will help you with your purpose.