How to Undelete Files
Have you heard the news? It's possible to undelete files even if you have emptied the Recycle Bin or reformatted the hard drive. It sounds impossible but it's actually quite easy to undelete data.
First, put aside your misconceptions about deleted data. When you delete a file, it's not really deleted. Just like when you put a piece of garbage in the trash can, it's still there if you really want to dig in and get it. The Windows Recycle Bin works in much the same way. If you want your file back, go in and get it. (Simply find the file in the Recycle Bin folder and right-click it. Click Restore and it's restored to its original location.)
Even if you empty the trash or Recycle Bin, you can still undelete data. In the case of real garbage, you have to follow the trash truck to the dump and dig through heaps of garbage. In the case of an emptied Recycle Bin, the job isn't quite as messy. The file is still on your hard drive for the time being.
When a file is deleted, references to it are removed from the File Allocation Table or Master File Table and the file is considered "free space." Windows uses free space when it needs to write new data to the disk. Because the deleted files are marked for future overwriting, you need to undelete files as soon as possible and minimize the use of your hard drive.
In order to undelete data, you need a data recovery software utility. Alternately, you can take your computer to a data recovery service and have them undelete files for you though you'll pay a premium for this service.
Data recovery software comes in various configurations addressing numerous scenarios. In the case of deleted files or accidental formatted drives, a general purpose data recovery utility should do just fine. If you have specialized needs such as photo recovery, iPod recovery, RAID recovery, or e-mail recovery, you can find data recovery software designed to undelete files specifically in those situations.
When you are searching for a suitable recovery tool, look for one that will not install itself onto the disk that has the data you wish to undelete. If you must download the utility, download it to a floppy or CD and make sure that the utility is self-booting.
Many data recovery utilities come with free versions that let you see if it's possible to undelete data on your computer before you buy the full version. This option saves you money and frustration if your data is not recoverable.
Because different utilities use different algorithms to undelete files you may have to try several before you successfully undelete data. If one program is unsuccessful, try a few others to see if they can get your data back.
Advances in data recovery technology makes it possible to undelete files, even after formatting the disk.
