How to Recover Deleted Files in Windows 7
When you delete a file, you'd better be sure that you really want it gone--if you make a mistake, it's a hassle to get it back. This is especially true on newer systems, but data recovery is almost always possible on deleted files due to the way that Windows is set up. And yes, this applies to Windows 7, too.
Here's a look at how deleted files can be recovered in Windows 7.
1. Data recovery software. The biggest impetus to deleted file recovery in Windows 7 is the lack of software designed specifically to recover files in the operating system. That's not to say that there isn't any data recovery software for the OS, just that it's not designed exactly for Windows 7's environment.
That's good news. Most data recovery programs that work for Windows XP and Windows Vista are compatible with 7. You basically have your pick; some of the most common programs, like OnTrack's data recovery tool or Datarecovery.com's software will work well with deleted files in 7.
2. Data recovery companies. You can also send your drive to a data recovery company, as they're usually able to easily retrieve deleted files. Unfortunately, "easy" doesn't translate to "free." Data recovery companies will charge an average of about $400 to recover deleted files. It's worth the money if your files are especially important, and if you don't feel comfortable handling the file recovery on your own. Shop around, and look for consumer reviews.
3. Important steps to avoid data loss. You might wonder what happens when a file is deleted in 7, and even if you've never wondered that, too bad, because I'm on a roll and I'm going to explain it. The operating system deletes references to the file, and marks the space that the file occupied as "available." When new programs are installed, or new files are written, the deleted file is overwritten. Once something's overwritten, data recovery becomes difficult if not impossible. More bad news: as long as your computer is on, it's writing files somewhere. There's simply a ton of stuff going on in Windows 7, and you can't stop it from writing tiny, tiny bits of information.
For this reason, if you accidentally delete a file in Windows 7, it's absolutely important to shut down the computer ASAP. Access the data from another computer; if you need help with this, refer to the documentation with your recovery software. You really can't install the data recovery software onto the same drive, or you'll permanently overwrite your files. Good luck.
You can also avail online tech support services to make the process smoother. Have you had issues with deleted files in Windows 7? Post in our comments section below.
Here's a look at how deleted files can be recovered in Windows 7.
1. Data recovery software. The biggest impetus to deleted file recovery in Windows 7 is the lack of software designed specifically to recover files in the operating system. That's not to say that there isn't any data recovery software for the OS, just that it's not designed exactly for Windows 7's environment.
That's good news. Most data recovery programs that work for Windows XP and Windows Vista are compatible with 7. You basically have your pick; some of the most common programs, like OnTrack's data recovery tool or Datarecovery.com's software will work well with deleted files in 7.
2. Data recovery companies. You can also send your drive to a data recovery company, as they're usually able to easily retrieve deleted files. Unfortunately, "easy" doesn't translate to "free." Data recovery companies will charge an average of about $400 to recover deleted files. It's worth the money if your files are especially important, and if you don't feel comfortable handling the file recovery on your own. Shop around, and look for consumer reviews.
3. Important steps to avoid data loss. You might wonder what happens when a file is deleted in 7, and even if you've never wondered that, too bad, because I'm on a roll and I'm going to explain it. The operating system deletes references to the file, and marks the space that the file occupied as "available." When new programs are installed, or new files are written, the deleted file is overwritten. Once something's overwritten, data recovery becomes difficult if not impossible. More bad news: as long as your computer is on, it's writing files somewhere. There's simply a ton of stuff going on in Windows 7, and you can't stop it from writing tiny, tiny bits of information.
For this reason, if you accidentally delete a file in Windows 7, it's absolutely important to shut down the computer ASAP. Access the data from another computer; if you need help with this, refer to the documentation with your recovery software. You really can't install the data recovery software onto the same drive, or you'll permanently overwrite your files. Good luck.
You can also avail online tech support services to make the process smoother. Have you had issues with deleted files in Windows 7? Post in our comments section below.
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