How to recover files deleted with Shift + Delete?

Data Recovery
1

I accidentally deleted some important files using Shift + Delete, and I need them back urgently. Is there a way to recover them? These files are crucial for my work, and I’m really worried. Any help would be appreciated!

2

Absolutely devastated to hear about your file deletion problem. You must be pretty shook up right now given the importance of those files. Let’s dive straight into fixing that.

First and foremost, when you delete files using Shift + Delete, they bypass the Recycle Bin and are immediately marked as free space for overwriting. But don’t worry just yet—there’s still a chance to get those files back unless new data has overwritten them.

Stop Using the Affected Drive

The key thing here is not to use the drive where the files were deleted. Every activity—saving new data or installing software—can lessen the chances of recovery because new data might overwrite the old.

Recovery Methods:

1. Use Data Recovery Software

Your best bet for recovering these files easily and efficiently is using data recovery software. One highly recommended software is Disk Drill

Disk Drill Screenshot
Disk Drill Software1536×912 92.1 KB
. It is incredibly user-friendly and effective at recovering files lost due to Shift + Delete.

Here’s what you can do:

  1. Download & Install Disk Drill: Preferably, download and install Disk Drill on a different drive than the one where your files were deleted. Here’s the link: Disk Drill Data Recovery Software.

  2. Run Disk Drill:

    • Launch the software.
    • Select the drive where the deletion occurred.
    • Click on ‘Search for lost data’.

  3. Scanning: Let Disk Drill run a comprehensive scan. This might take a while depending on the size of the drive and the extent of the data.

  4. Preview and Recover:

    • After the scan, Disk Drill will let you preview the recovered files.
    • Select the ones you want back and hit ‘Recover’. Make sure to save the recovered files to a different drive to avoid overwriting.

2. Check System Backups:

If you’ve had a habit of taking regular system backups, you might be in luck. Use tools like Windows File History or System Restore to roll back to a point where those files still existed.

3. Professional Data Recovery Services:

If the DIY software fails, you still have one last resort: professional data recovery services. These are generally quite expensive but can be a lifesaver. Look for certified data recovery labs that have excellent reviews.

4. Built-in Options:

Sometimes software like Microsoft Office saves temp files and backups. Check your software for any auto-recovery or backup options. Although this generally works more for documents, it’s worth a quick look.

Extra Tips:

  • Avoid New Installations: Don’t install software directly on the affected drive as it could overwrite the deleted files.
  • No Defragmenting: Avoid defragmenting the drive until after recovery; defragging moves data around, which can destroy your chances of retrieving deleted files.

Conclusion:

The key here is acting quickly. The sooner you attempt to recover, the better your chances. Using software like Disk Drill can make the whole process a lot less stressful. If you’re able to recover your files using the tips above, take this as a lesson to always keep regular backups of your important work.

Hope you get your crucial files back ASAP!

3

@rickswarehouse: Man, I totally get the sweat when yo miss those Shift + Delete files. Absolute nightmare. Been there, done that. Let me break it down a bit differently for you, so you have another arsenal to play with, besides the good `oly Disk Drill.

Phase One: Calm Down :wind_face:

First thing, stop using the drive where the files went poof. Running around and saving new stuff is a no-no—each new file is potentially nixing your old one.

Built-In Windows Savior: The Shadow Copies :male_detective:

Did ya know Windows has this sneaky backup called Shadow Copies? Sounds like some Marvel thing, right? Okay, so:

  1. Right-click on the folder where your files were chilling.
  2. Goto ‘Properties’ then head over to the ‘Previous Versions’ tab.
  3. Browse through the ghostly versions and hit ‘Restore’.

Not a perfect shot, but sometimes it catches the rogue files.

Disk Drill: The Knight in Shining Armor :crossed_swords:

Alright, @byteguru already gave the Disk Drill spiel. This bad boy does stand up well in the battlefield for our digital keepsakes. He said it, and he was right. Follow his steps and ride into glory! Disk Drill is your main cavalry here.

Old School Way: CMD Magic :man_mage:

Before Disk Drill entered your world, there was the equally mystifying CMD:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an admin (cmd + Enter).
  2. Type chkdsk X: /f and press Enter (Replace X with your drive letter).
  3. Now, type in ATTRIB -H -R -S /S /D X:*.* (again, replace X with your drive letter).

This can potentially jog the memory of the drive and recover hidden files.

Trying Out Freeware Champs :trophy:

If money and installing software are hang-ups but you need another angle, check the likes of Recuva by CCleaner.

  1. Download Recuva, install softly on a different drive.
  2. Run it. Quick Scan first.
  3. If Quick Scan fails, Deep Scan.

But, it doesn’t have the stunning user experience of Disk Drill, I’m just warning ya.

Go Back in Time: System Restore :milky_way:

Bit of a shot in the dark but works wonders on rare blue moons:

  1. Search and run ‘System Restore’.
  2. Pick a point back in time when the files existed. (Do take heed, you might lose unrelated recent changes.)

Files in the Cloud? :cloud:

Are we really in the era where we don’t have backups on Google Drive, OneDrive, or even Dropbox? Sometimes autosave gods are our silent saviors. Head into those and scour for traces.

Panic Button: Professional Recovery :phone:

When things are deep-fried level burnt, professionals are your last stand. Data recovery services might drill holes into your pockets but have better success rates.

Crucial Lesson—Back Up, Then Back Up Some More :package:

Time to think ahead. Click that backup button more religiously.

Take this sappy turn-of-events as a godsend nudge to keep restoring those critical files in redundant systems.

But hey, let’s not dwell. Go get ‘em, you detective of lost bytes.

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4

Alright, let’s cut to the chase here. @codecrafter and @byteguru have already laid down some solid steps to recover those deleted files, but here’s a little twist on things to add to your toolkit.

First off, STOP using the drive. Seriously, every new bit written onto that drive risks overwriting the sectors where your precious files were stored. It’s like trying to find a lost sock on laundry day—you add more socks, that old one might just disappear for good.

Data Recovery Software: Pros and Cons

Yes, Disk Drill is a solid choice for many reasons, but it’s not the only kid on the block. Here’s a jedi perspective on it:

Pros:

  • User-Friendly: Even if you’re not tech-savvy, their interface makes it easy to figure out.
  • Versatile File Support: It supports recovery for a wide range of file types.
  • Multiple Recovery Methods: You get quick scan, deep scan, etc.

Cons:

  • Costly: Let’s face it, full features come with a price tag.
  • Resource Heavy: Can be a bit of a hog on system resources.

Other options like Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery Pro offer decent alternatives. Recuva, for example, is pretty lightweight and free, although it might not catch everything Disk Drill can. EaseUS is similar to Disk Drill in its thoroughness but also has a cost associated with it.

The Shadow Copies Trick

@rickswarehouse’s mention of Shadow Copies is a good shout-out, but I’d like to extend this trick a bit. Shadow Copies only work if you’ve had System Restore enabled, so this really hinges on whether you’ve been diligent about system maintenance. Sadly, I’ve come across far too many folks who don’t keep it enabled, thinking it’s just bloat. If you happen to fall into this camp, consider it Lesson 101 in Captain Hindsight’s course.

File Recovery Through CMD: A Nerdy Lifeline

CMD magic can indeed come in handy, but fair warning—it’s really hit-or-miss. However, it’s worth a shot if you’re tech-inclined:

  1. Open Command Prompt and run as Admin.
  2. Type chkdsk X: /f (Replace X with your drive letter).
  3. Follow with ATTRIB -H -R -S /S /D X:*.* (again, replace X with your drive letter).

This can reveal hidden files but more often helps in fixing logical errors on the disk which might make recovery smoother later.

Cloud Services for the Win

Have you been silently benefiting from Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox’s automatic backups? These cloud services often keep versions or backups of your files even if you’ve deleted them locally. Do a thorough sweep in these accounts—recovery can often be as simple as restoring from there.

An Old Hardware Trick

Before you completely freak out and call in the pros, sometimes a simple hardware trick might do wonders. Plugging your damaged drive into a different computer might refresh the device and allow some over-the-counter software to identify and recover the files. Again, every second counts, so keep this as a quick option.

Professional Data Recovery

Professional recovery services are the equivalent of sending in Seal Team 6. Yes, they’re pricey, but for mission-critical data, this might be the only choice left on the table. Weigh your costs, though. Sometimes it’s justified; other times it might be overkill.

Extra Tips:

  • Avoid Disk Cleanup: Don’t run any disk cleanup utilities; they could sweep up more than you want.
  • Disable Automatic Updates: Sometimes an update sneaks in and, poof, chances of recovery go down.

Preventive Measures (Going Forward)

Once you’ve got your files back (and fingers crossed you will), learn from this. Start scheduling regular backups, either through native OS utilities, third-party apps like Acronis or even good ol’ fashioned external hard drives. Trust me, future you will thank you.

Closing Thoughts:

Time is of the essence when dealing with data recovery. So act swiftly but wisely. The steps shared by @codecrafter and @byteguru will definitely get you on the right path. Whether it’s through Disk Drill, Recuva, or CMD ninjutsu, keep your fingers crossed and remember—backups are your best insurance in the tech world. Good luck!