Lost Data? Here's 6 Steps to Data Recovery, Fast!
published 1/21/2020Every year, 46% of people experience some sort of data loss. This may be a shocking statistic, considering we heavily rely on our electronics and devices nowadays.
Maybe you've just booted up your laptop, only to find that nothing will load, and all your data is gone. Or perhaps you've accidentally deleted the file yourself.
In any case, you're panicking - these are important files you need, pronto!
Have you lost your data recently and want to recover it as quickly as you can? Then here are 6 steps to data recovery, fast!
1. Check the Recycle Bin
This one might sound obvious, but sometimes, in the heat of the moment, you may forget to do the most basic things.
When you delete files on a Windows system, the data isn't immediately lost. Any files you delete will remain in the recycle bin folder until you choose to empty it. The same goes for Apple and the Trash Can.
Before you start panicking too much about data loss and downloading data recovery programs, make sure you check the recycle bin first. If the files you're looking for are indeed in this folder, then all you need to do is select the "restore" option and your files will be sent right back into their rightful place.
2. Try Restoring Files From a Previous Version
So you've checked the recycle bin and your files aren't there. Or maybe you've already emptied the recycle bin since deleting your data.
But all's not lost! You may still be able to recover your missing files by using features built into the Windows operating system.
To do this in Windows 10, you need to first open the folder that contained the files you've accidentally deleted. Click on the history button and you'll see all of the files that have been automatically backed up by Windows in that folder.
If you see your missing data in this folder, then you're in luck! All you need to do is click on the "restore" button and it'll be as if your files never were gone in the first place.
3. Re-Download the Files
In some cases, you might simply be able to re-download the files you've lost. If you've accidentally deleted your music collection, it might be easier to simply download it all again through your iTunes account, or whichever software you use for your music.
In other cases, it might've been years since you initially downloaded the files, so it's worth considering how you got them in the first place.
If you can't remember where you got certain files from, take a look at your email archives. You might've forgotten where your purchases were made, but your Gmail account probably hasn't.
Use the search function to determine whether or not you can re-download your missing files through something like iTunes.
4. Consider Any Other Drives the Files Might Be On
Another thing to consider before you start thinking about serious data recovery options is that the files might still exist on another one of your devices.
These days, you probably have at least a laptop and a phone, possibly even a tablet. On top of that, you probably also have many memory sticks or external hard drives.
If you've lost your files and you can't recover them through any of the methods described above, then you should think about whether or not the files have been stored on any other drive(s).
Perhaps you once put the files on an external USB drive so you could take them to the print shop. Or you may have fortunately stored your data in the cloud. In this case, you can simply transfer the data back onto your computer.
5. Use File Recovery Software
If none of these more straightforward methods work out for you, then you'll need to consider a more drastic option.
In some situations, using file recovery software can help you to recover your lost data. File recovery tools can help you to recover specific files, or they can even help you recover an entire drive.
There are various types of file recovery programs that can help you to get the job done. A quick search on your favorite search engine will reveal numerous options. Beware, however, as unless you are fairly technical, you may not be able to use the software you'll find, and in some cases, can even cause further problems or render your files unrecoverable if you make mistakes.
If you are thinking of going this route, proceed with caution!
6. Go to a Pro
While these file recovery programs can work well, they're nowhere near as effective as a seasoned data recovery specialist.
If the file recovery software is unable to recover your files, there's still hope. Take your computer to a computer shop that offers a file recovery service, such as Data Doctors. For a modest fee, they just might be able to recover your files.
While recovering your data yourself is certainly a possibility, it can be a frustrating and time-consuming process. If you want to save some time and energy, and if you don't mind paying, it's well worth bringing your computer to a professional.
Let Us Help With Data Recovery
The above are some great tips for data recovery. But unfortunately, in some cases, the first few steps may not be enough.
When this happens, you'll need the touch of a professional. By choosing Data Doctors, you're choosing more than 3 decades of experience in helping people with their devices.
In fact, we have a policy where if we can't get your data, there's no charge!
So if you've lost your data and don't know what to do, you need to turn to Data Doctors. Our professionals will do all they can to help you recover and restore your valuable information.
Need some professional help quick? Then find a location near you now!
