Recovering deleted files

[djgeneral]

I know it is a long shot, but I had a paper I did for school back in December of 2009, and I deleted it from my computer after I turned it in. I now lost that original copy I got back, and I need the original document. Is there anyway to recover a word document from just before Christmas?

 

[karlsnooks]

As you said, in view of the long time, the odds are against you but try Recuva.
Recuva - Undelete, Unerase, File and Disk Recovery - Free Download

and it's free.

 

[djgeneral]

Thanks. I am trying it right now.

 

[richc46]

Welcome,

If it did not happen such a long time ago there would be a fairly certain way of retreving, but time has passed. You can try backup and restore, hopefully you will go back far enough but I have doubts.

Recover lost or deleted files

Recover Deleted Files in Windows 7 With Recuva Freeware File Recovery Tool | TechHail free

File Recover - Deleted Files Recovery, Restore Files pay

 

[richc46]

Here is another

DmitryBrant.com DiskDigger

Incidently, Karlsnooks and I were typing at the same time.

 

[whs]

The best ways to recover files (short term) is with Shadow Explorer - from the restore points. Long term only imaging helps. That's why I always keep between 10 and 20 images around. It always amazes me how few people actually understand these concepts.

 

[karlsnooks]

djgeneral,
As WHS mentioned, one chance is that in a shadow copy there is still a valid version around.

If you remember what folder you stored the file in then:

1. 1. Backup the folder 100%
2. 2. Right-click on the folder.
3. 3. Choose Properties
4. 4. Previous version tab
5. 5. If you see an applicable version, then you can Open,Copy, or Restore.

Hope you have seen the wisdom of regular use of Windows Backup And Restore (you get there via Control Panel).

 

[guiLe]

you can try restore point from safe mode
or
try using software
for free s/w try "ntfs undelete"

gud luck ..

 

[djgeneral]

Hope you have seen the wisdom of regular use of Windows Backup And Restore (you get there via Control Panel).

I tried doing the back up and it said there is no back ups available. I didn't know you had to do it manually, I thought it was automatic...either way, I always back up what I need on a external HD (I have 2)..I just didn't realize I would need this document so much I guess.

 

[karlsnooks]

dj,
Control Panel | Backup and Restore

configure as you desire and schedule backups to your preferences.

 

[djgeneral]

Thanks

I am using DiskDigger right now, and it seems to be literally finding everything. I see documents from 2007 and 2008. It is 38% done so far.

 

[richc46]

You have just learned about a great benefit of this forum. We have many members with different ideas and approaches. You are able to use the suggestion that works the best for you.

I hope that my suggestion, does solve your problem.

 

[karlsnooks]

dj,
Please let us know whether you manage to recover the file.
thanks, karl

 

[SIW2]

There is another good one - free atm - normally is a $70 program :

Info [EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY] Unlimited Free Licenses Of EASEUS Data Recovery Wizard Worth $69.95 For Our Blog Readers | Megaleecher.Net

Download Rapidshare

 

[richc46]

Great information TY. Rep is well deserved.

 

[SIW2]

Easeus Data recovery runs beautifully from WinPe also.

 

[karlsnooks]

siw2,
Excellent.
Many thanks, karl

 

[djgeneral]

Thanks everyone for all of the help!

DiskDigger is now about 96% done, and I still don't see the file. I do see however TONS of files that will not give a preview. Could it be one of those files? It also is kinda sad because it doesn't show the original file names...but if DiskDigger could find documents from 2007,2008 and 2009, I'm sure one of the no preview available items has to be what I need right? Just how to find the right one is now the question.

 

[richc46]

80% chance that it is there. When you delete, it is not gone completely. It is not accessed. As you use the hard drive you will write over the deleted document, the more you use it the more difficult it becomes to retrevive. If I were you I would use the software suggested by SIW2. If it still is not found, I would use the best information by disc digger or SIW2's suggestion to find it. Personally, I think it is there, but you have to find it.

 

[karlsnooks]

djgeneral,

Before you throw all away, take a look at the suggestion made by slw2.

Also don't use that computer for anything more than recovery the lost files for the time being. When Windows need space, then windows "reclaims" the space used by deleted files.

There is another good one - free atm - normally is a $70 program :

Info [EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY] Unlimited Free Licenses Of EASEUS Data Recovery Wizard Worth $69.95 For Our Blog Readers | Megaleecher.Net

Download Rapidshare