Retreiving Deleted Files

[mongrelpunt]

I deleted some files off my computer then I cleared the Recycle bin. Now I realise I needed the files all along, and I am desperate to get them back.

I have heard that once a file is deleted, it really isn't deleted.

How can I retreive these files?

If it helps, I deleted them on Monday, so I hope there is no time limit on this sort of thing.

 

[El Scorcho]

What Operating System are you running?

If it's Windows 2000/Me/XP then the easiest thing to do is go to system restore and tell it to go back to the date you need.

 

[rfctigerarmy]

To get to system restore on XP:

Start ---> Programs ---> Accessories ---> System Tools ---> System Resore.

 

[sebastien]

otherwise you can also use software like Norton Systemworks

 

[jim boy]

System Restore is for restoring the system, ie drivers, applications etc. For example, it won't restore data files in My Documents, use Norton Sytemworks instead.

It's true that deleting doesn't necessarily mean permanent deleting, the Operating system merely deletes the reference to the hard disk space where the data is actually stored. But the system will see that space as being free and may replace the data with fresh data if it needs the space. You just have to see how your luck holds out.

 

[mongrelpunt]

Thanks for the advice, but I think I'll have to retreive the files the old fashioned way - by re-doing them.