How to recover permanently deleted data on Laptop and Pc?

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How to recover permanently deleted data on Laptop and Pc?

Recovering permanently deleted data from a laptop or PC can be challenging but not always impossible. Here’s a general guide on how you might attempt to recover deleted data:

  1. Check Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac): Deleted files are often initially moved to the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac). You can simply open the Recycle Bin or Trash and restore the files from there.
  2. Restore from Backup: If you have a backup system in place, you can restore the deleted files from your backup. This is why regular backups are crucial for data recovery.
  3. File Recovery Software: There are several third-party data recovery software tools available that can help you recover deleted files. Some popular ones include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill. These tools scan your storage device for traces of deleted files and attempt to recover them.
  4. Stop Using the Device: When you realize data has been permanently deleted, stop using the device immediately. Continued usage can overwrite the sectors on the storage device where the deleted data was stored, making recovery more difficult.
  5. Professional Data Recovery Services: If the data is extremely important and you’re unable to recover it using software, you may need to seek help from professional data recovery services. These services have specialized equipment and expertise to recover data from physically damaged storage devices.
  6. Check Cloud Storage: If the deleted data was stored in cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud, check the respective recycle bins or trash folders in those services. They often keep deleted files for a certain period before permanent deletion.

Remember that the success of data recovery depends on various factors such as the extent of data overwritten, the type of storage device, and the duration since deletion. It’s also essential to act quickly and cautiously to maximize the chances of successful recovery.

Check Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac):

To check the Recycle Bin on Windows or Trash on Mac for deleted files, follow these steps:

Windows (Recycle Bin):

  1. Double-click on the Recycle Bin icon located on your desktop. If you don’t see it on your desktop, you can usually find it in the system tray or by searching for “Recycle Bin” in the Start menu.
  2. Browse through the Recycle Bin: Once the Recycle Bin window opens, you’ll see a list of deleted files and folders. You can sort them by name, date deleted, size, etc.
  3. Restore deleted files: Select the files or folders you want to recover, then right-click and choose “Restore” to move them back to their original location. Alternatively, you can drag them out of the Recycle Bin and drop them onto your desktop or any other folder.

Mac (Trash):

  1. Open the Trash: Click on the Trash icon located in the Dock at the bottom of the screen. If you’ve removed the Trash icon from the Dock, you can open it by clicking on the Finder icon in the Dock, then selecting “Trash” from the sidebar.
  2. View deleted files: Inside the Trash, you’ll see a list of deleted files and folders.
  3. Restore deleted files: To restore a deleted file or folder, drag it out of the Trash and drop it onto your desktop or any other folder. Alternatively, you can right-click on the file and select “Put Back” to move it back to its original location.

If you find the deleted files you were looking for, restoring them from the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac) is usually the simplest method. However, if you’ve emptied the Recycle Bin or Trash, or if the files aren’t there for some reason, you may need to try alternative methods like using data recovery software or backups.

Restore from Backup:

If you have a backup system in place, you can restore permanently deleted data from your laptop or PC by following these general steps:

  1. Identify your backup system: Determine what backup solution you use. It could be cloud-based backup services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud, or it could be local backup solutions like Windows Backup and Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac).
  2. Access your backup: Log in to the backup service or access your backup storage device.
  3. Navigate to the backup location: Depending on the backup system you use, locate the folder or storage location where your data is backed up.
  4. Restore the deleted files: Once you’ve found the backup of the data you want to recover, you can typically restore it by either copying the files back to your computer or using the built-in restore functionality of your backup system. Be sure to follow the specific instructions provided by your backup solution for restoring data.
  5. Verify the restored data: After restoring the deleted files, verify that they have been successfully recovered and are accessible.

It’s essential to regularly back up your data to avoid permanent loss in case of accidental deletion or hardware failure. If you don’t have a backup system in place, consider setting one up to protect your important files and data in the future.

File Recovery Software:

File recovery software can be a lifesaver when it comes to recovering permanently deleted data from your laptop or PC. Here’s how you can use file recovery software:

  1. Choose a reputable file recovery tool: There are several file recovery software options available, both free and paid. Some popular choices include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Disk Drill, and TestDisk. Choose one that fits your needs and has good reviews.
  2. Download and install the software: Go to the website of the file recovery software you’ve chosen and download the installation file. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software on your computer.
  3. Run the software: Open the file recovery software you’ve installed.
  4. Select the drive to scan: Choose the drive or storage device from which you want to recover deleted files. This could be your main hard drive (usually labeled as “C:”) or any external drives connected to your computer.
  5. Start the scan: Initiate a scan of the selected drive. The software will scan for deleted files and display a list of recoverable items.
  6. Review the scan results: Once the scan is complete, the software will present you with a list of deleted files it has found. You can usually filter the results by file type or location to make it easier to find the files you’re looking for.
  7. Recover the deleted files: Select the files you want to recover from the list and follow the prompts to restore them to a safe location on your computer. Avoid saving them to the same drive from which they were deleted to prevent overwriting.
  8. Verify the recovered files: After recovering the files, check to make sure they are intact and usable.

Remember that the success of file recovery depends on several factors, including how long ago the files were deleted, whether the storage space has been overwritten, and the condition of the storage device. It’s best to act quickly and avoid using the affected drive until you’ve attempted recovery to maximize the chances of successful data retrieval.

Name of File Recovery Software:

Certainly! Here are some popular file recovery software options:

  1. Recuva: Developed by Piriform, Recuva is a free file recovery tool for Windows. It can recover files from hard drives, external drives, memory cards, and other storage devices.
  2. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: EaseUS offers a comprehensive data recovery solution for both Windows and Mac users. It can recover deleted, formatted, or lost data from various storage devices, including hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, and more.
  3. Disk Drill: Available for both Windows and Mac, Disk Drill offers robust data recovery capabilities. It can recover over 400 file formats from internal and external storage devices.
  4. TestDisk: TestDisk is a powerful open-source data recovery tool that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It can recover lost partitions and repair disk structures.
  5. PhotoRec: Developed by the same team behind TestDisk, PhotoRec is another open-source data recovery software that focuses on recovering lost files, including photos, videos, documents, and more. It works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
  6. R-Studio: R-Studio is a premium data recovery software available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It supports various file systems and can recover data from local and network drives.
  7. MiniTool Power Data Recovery: MiniTool offers a user-friendly data recovery tool for Windows users. It can recover deleted files, partitions, and formatted data from different storage devices.

These are just a few examples of file recovery software available in the market. When choosing a file recovery tool, consider factors such as the type of data you need to recover, the operating system you’re using, and the features offered by the software. Additionally, always download such software from reputable sources to ensure safety and reliability.

Stop Using the Device:

When you realize that data has been permanently deleted from your laptop or PC, it’s crucial to stop using the device immediately to prevent further overwriting of the deleted data. Here’s why stopping device usage is important and what you should do:

  1. Prevent Data Overwriting: When you delete a file from your computer, it’s not actually erased from the storage device immediately. Instead, the space occupied by the deleted file is marked as available for new data to be written over it. If you continue using the device, new data may be written to these areas, potentially overwriting the deleted files and making recovery more difficult or impossible.
  2. Minimize Data Fragmentation: Continued use of the device can lead to data fragmentation, where pieces of files are scattered across different areas of the storage device. This can complicate the data recovery process and reduce the chances of successful recovery.
  3. Preserve the State of the Device: Stopping device usage helps to preserve the current state of the storage device, which is essential for successful data recovery attempts. Any additional usage increases the risk of further damage to the device or the data stored on it.
  4. Prevent Corruption: In some cases, continued usage of a device with deleted data can lead to data corruption or loss of additional files, exacerbating the problem.

Once you’ve stopped using the device, you can then proceed with data recovery efforts using methods such as checking the Recycle Bin or Trash, restoring from backups, or using file recovery software. By acting quickly and responsibly, you maximize the chances of successfully recovering your permanently deleted data.

Professional Data Recovery Services:

If you’re unable to recover your permanently deleted data using methods like checking the Recycle Bin, restoring from backups, or using file recovery software, you may need to consider professional data recovery services. These services specialize in recovering data from physically damaged storage devices or situations where standard recovery methods have failed. Here’s what you should know about professional data recovery services:

  1. Evaluation: Professional data recovery services typically offer a free evaluation of your storage device to assess the extent of data loss and the feasibility of recovery. During this evaluation, they will provide you with a quote for the cost of the recovery process.
  2. Specialized Equipment and Expertise: Professional data recovery companies have access to specialized equipment and techniques that are not available to the average user. They employ highly skilled technicians who are experienced in dealing with various types of data loss scenarios.
  3. Physical Damage Recovery: If your storage device has suffered physical damage due to factors like water damage, fire, electrical issues, or mechanical failure, professional data recovery services may be your best option. They have cleanroom facilities where they can safely disassemble and repair damaged drives to retrieve the data.
  4. Secure Handling: Data recovery companies understand the importance of data privacy and security. They take strict measures to ensure that your recovered data remains confidential and secure throughout the recovery process.
  5. No Data, No Charge Policy: Many reputable data recovery services operate on a “no data, no charge” policy, meaning you only pay if they successfully recover your data. This helps provide peace of mind and ensures that you’re not charged for unsuccessful recovery attempts.
  6. Cost: Professional data recovery services can be expensive, with costs varying depending on the complexity of the recovery process and the amount of data to be recovered. However, for critical data and situations where standard recovery methods have failed, the cost may be justified.

When considering professional data recovery services, it’s essential to choose a reputable and trusted provider with a track record of successful recoveries. Do your research, read reviews, and ask for recommendations if possible. Additionally, be prepared for the possibility that not all data may be recoverable, especially in cases of severe physical damage or extensive data corruption.

Check Cloud Storage:

If you suspect that you’ve accidentally deleted data that was stored in cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud, you can check these services for your deleted files. Here’s how to do it for some common cloud storage platforms:

Google Drive:

  1. Sign in to Google Drive: Go to the Google Drive website (drive.google.com) and sign in with your Google account credentials.
  2. Check the Trash: On the left sidebar, click on “Trash” to view deleted files. Deleted files remain in the Trash for a certain period before being permanently deleted.
  3. Restore deleted files: If you find the files you want to recover, select them, right-click, and choose “Restore” to move them back to their original location. Alternatively, you can drag them out of the Trash and drop them into any folder in your Google Drive.

Dropbox:

  1. Sign in to Dropbox: Go to the Dropbox website (dropbox.com) and sign in to your Dropbox account.
  2. Navigate to the Deleted Files: On the left sidebar, click on “Deleted files” to view the files you’ve deleted.
  3. Restore deleted files: If you find the files you want to recover, select them, then click on the “Restore” button. This will restore the files to their original location in your Dropbox.

iCloud:

  1. Sign in to iCloud: Go to the iCloud website (icloud.com) and sign in with your Apple ID.
  2. Open iCloud Drive: Click on the iCloud Drive icon to access your stored files.
  3. Check Recently Deleted: Look for the “Recently Deleted” folder. Deleted files are stored here temporarily before being permanently removed.
  4. Recover deleted files: If you find the files you want to recover, select them, then click on the “Recover” button to restore them to their original location.

Keep in mind that cloud storage services may have different retention periods for deleted files before they are permanently removed. If you don’t find your deleted files in the Trash or Deleted Files folder, it’s possible that they have already been permanently deleted. In such cases, you may need to rely on backups or other recovery methods.

 

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