How do I recover permanently deleted data?
Recovering deleted data can be a nightmare, especially when it happens due to human error, device failure, or ransomware attacks. However, don’t worry; all is not lost. Permanently deleted data does not necessarily mean it can never be recovered. While data recovery is not foolproof, there are effective ways to recover deleted files and data. In this article, we will explain the process of recovering deleted data and provide tips for making it easier.
Step 1: Find a Data Recovery Tool
The first step is to find a suitable data recovery tool that caters to your specific device (computer, phone, or external hard drive), and the type of deleted data (files, partition, or entire drive).
| Data Recovery Options | Description | Free/Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Disk Drill | Comprehensive solution for recovering deleted files on various devices | Paid |
| Recuva | Data recovery software for Windows systems | Free/Paid (evaluation version) |
| EaseUS Data Recovery | File recovery software for recovering lost data on Windows-based systems | Paid |
| Photorec | Comprises of several tools; mainly used for recovering RAW and JPEG files | Paid (evaluation version) |
| TestDisk | Utilize for recovering deleted parttions, files on HDD, SSD, thumbdrives, and disk media | Free |
Make sure to choose a free/paid data recovery program wisely, as some files can be recovered without specialized tools.
Step 2: Identify the Point of Deletion
Find the point of data loss to determine the effective approach for recovery. Remember the following:
- Was it a sudden deletion without prompting?
- Was any malware involved?
- If backed up, was your latest backup recent?
Be meticulous in recalling the deleting actions, as this aids the recovery process.
Can Data Be Recovered?
Yes, data deleted permanently can be recovered until:
- Overwrote: The deleted section gets overwritten by new files. This reduces the potential of recovery.
- Backup: If you kept backups, you can get recent versions of the affected data.
- Partition Loss: If the section storing the deleted data does not get overwritten, full data recovery is possible up until the point of final system shutdown.