If you’ve recently deleted a batch of files on your computer, don’t panic. If you discover the loss quickly, there are probably steps you can take to rectify it. Keep in mind, though, that every action you take on your computer’s hard drive decreases the likelihood of getting the files back, so you’ll want to act fast and intentionally.
Here are four steps to get the process started:
1. Look in Your Recycle Bin
Sound simple? It is, but it’s an important step. If you have a Windows computer, your “Deleted” files might be hiding here.
Did you find them? Replacing the files is as simple as dragging them out of the bin, or right-clicking and selecting “Restore.” It’s smart to check your “recycle” bin periodically, to ensure important files haven’t wound up there by accident.
2. Check Your Backup Devices
If you back up your files (and you should), look on your various backup devices for deleted information. Your files may have automatically backed up to the cloud, or you may have moved them to an external backup platform. No matter which backup methods you use, now is the time to check them for your missing files.
3. Run Some Data Recovery Software
Remember: data recovery software isn’t right to use in all situations, but it can help if you accidentally deleted or overwrote your data. Even if you don’t see your files in your recycle bin or on your backup platform, they may still be retrievable, and data recovery software can help you find them.
There are dozens of excellent data recovery software programs out there. If you don’t have an immediate preference, contact a computer repair expert or read online reviews or forums to find one that you like. They range from free to paid plans and are ideal for computers where data loss occurred as the result of an accident rather than a hard drive failure or damage.
They range from free to paid plans and are ideal for computers where data loss occurred as the result of a user error rather than a hard drive failure or damage.
Beware, though: if your hard drive is damaged or failing, using data recovery software can make the problem worse, and is not advisable under any circumstances.
4. Call in the Data Recovery Specialists
If you still can’t find your lost files, or your hard drive falls into the “do not use data recovery software” category, you’ll need to contact a specialist for data recovery in Fort Worth.
While it’s unlikely that your files can be restored at this point, a data recovery expert can take a look at your system and tell you what’s going on with it. There’s a slight possibility that they may also be able to locate your lost files and restore them onto your computer for you.
Not Backing Up Your Data? It’s Time to Start
Nobody wants to deal with emergency data recovery, but it’s a reality for people who don’t back their data up on a regular basis. If you’re one who hasn’t backed your data up religiously over the last several years, now is a good time to start.
In addition to preventing you from scurrying to restore lost data, good backup practices will also help keep your computer fast and ensure that you know where your data is, at all times.
You can back your data up to a cloud application, like Amazon Drive, or to an external hard drive. For maximum security and peace of mind, most computer repair experts recommend backing up in two separate places, just in case one goes down.
Recover Lost Files Quickly With Computer CPR
If you lost files on your computer, there’s still hope for recovering them. Just remember that the sooner you act, the better. No matter what you do, though, some data recovery situations require a computer specialist. If you need help relocating your lost files, don’t hesitate to contact the techs here at Computer CPR – your local experts in data recovery and lost files in Fort Worth!