Main Categories

Other Resources

Pages

OnlineEarnings Article Board » Computers » Bringing Out the Dead Files
Welcome Guest

Bringing Out the Dead Files

Author: KayBrener
Total views: 45
Word Count: 571
View PDF

Add2Netvouz

For any Windows newbie, emptying the recycle bin means the complete loss of the files stored there for deletion, sometimes followed by accidental loss of critical data. As we will see, this is not always the case.

So, what exactly happens when a file is deemed defunct and swept out of the bin? Windows won't actually permanently overwrite your file until new data rides in and is written to disk; so, the file still resides on your hard drive, even when purged from the recycle bin, but it can't been seen anymore. Bearing this in mind, there's always a chance that Windows hasn't overwritten your deleted data yet, so your file may still be recoverable if you've the right tools at your disposal.

I Lost My File!

Let's start with the basics. First, we have the problem: a file is missing in action and you do not know whether you have deleted it or renamed it or whatever. If you decide right on the spot that you need to spend some money on an expensive recovery program, stop right there. Here is the first thing you need to do.

We explained earlier that Windows assigns memory from every bit and piece of data on your computer memory. Even if a file is deleted, the allocated memory space remains occupied by that data until it is required for other information. So, when you discover the disaster, stop any program that needs Windows to write data on hard drive.

Now it is the time to search the file through the most convenient method: Windows Search. Write down the whole name of the file, or, if you cannot remember it, at least a part of it. If successful, don't forget to create a backup of your lost and found file, by saving it on an USB pen drive or e-mailing it to yourself.

No Dice: Another Method

Let's say that the Search tool was no good, as the file looks to have gone forever and Windows is unable to locate it. Then it is the moment to bring in more firepower. Which means, actually, some file recovery programs that can do the job for you. There are many programs for you to choose from, and some may cost quite a lot. Before thinking about an important investment, try out some free software, like FreeUndelete, a highly recommended program for its ease of use.

Bring Back Your Data From The Grave - Accidental Hard Drive Formatting

Have you ever accidentally reformatted your hard drive? What a nightmare, I know, but how does one recover their data from such a catastrophe? This scenario requires a little more muscle than a simple data recovery utility provides. QueTek offers a solution called File Scavenger for $49 USD, which is a lot cheaper than many of the other recovery solutions on the market; File Scavenger also offers most of the features of its more expensive competition.

Recovery Of A Near Dead Hard Drive

Is scan disk showing you bad clusters? Do you get any strange errors when you try to save data on your hard drive? Is Windows behaving erratically? Those are the signs of a hard drive living its last moments. Don't waste time! Backup! Backup everything you think you may need from it! Make copies on another hard drive or write down important data on USB pen drives or even CD-R's or DVD's. This will save you, and your precious data, as well.

About the Author

Kay Brenner is a PC Doctor expert who restores slow PCs, saving you from the hassles of struggling with a slow PC. To reclaim your dream machine you first bought, download a free PC Health Check