In this day and age, almost all of our information is saved either in our computer or on an external drive, allowing us to access and transfer many photos instantly. However, despite the improved availability and speed of access to our files, deleting them by mistake can also be easy. Imagine sending your computer to get repaired, and when you get it back, it’s without your precious photos from your kid’s wedding. All of those precious memories gone in an instant. Luckily for you, not all is lost – you can restore most (if not all) of your lost data by using a simple, free program called Recuva. |
Source |
How does this work? When a file on your computer is deleted, only the link to it has been removed, making the file invisible. What that means is that the data is still on your hard drive or external drive, and programs like Recuva can search and recover the data (unless it has been overwritten – then you need to take it to a lab). If you recently deleted a file by accident, Recuva will be able to find it and restore it. How do I use it? First, download the program HERE and install it. After the installation, the Recuva window will open, displaying the “Recuva Wizard”, meant to simplify your use of the program. Click on “Next” when you’re ready. |
The next window will ask you what type of file(s) you’re looking for, so select the appropriate kind. If you’re unsure, select “All Files” instead and hit “Next”. |
In the next window, you’ll be asked where the missing file was. If you don’t know, select “I’m not sure”, prompting the program to search the entire computer. If you know exactly where it is, click on “Browse” to find the directory it is in and then on “Next” to proceed. |
In the next window, click on “Start” – this will begin a scan of your computer for any recoverable files. |
Scan window |
At the end of the scan, a new window will open up with a list of all the recoverable files that the program found. The files will have a circle on the left-hand side in either green, yellow or red. Green indicates that the file can be recovered, yellow indicates that the file may or may not be recoverable, and red indicates unrecoverable files. |
Locate the files you want to recover and check the box next to it. When you’re done, click on the “Recover” button at the bottom right of the window. |
After clicking “Recover”, a new window will prompt you to select a folder you would like to recover the files into, and once selected, click “OK” to restore the file to that folder. |
Once the process is complete, you will see this notification, containing information on all the files that were successfully (or unsuccessfully) recovered. |
If you feel confident, you can use the advanced mode, which will allow you to search for specific file types, file name, or location. |
Search by file name or type |
Search by location |
Please note – as time passes and with regular use, the quality of deleted files deteriorates, eventually making them unrecoverable. The sooner you perform the scan – the more likely it will be that the file will be salvageable. |
The 9 Free Programs Your New PC Computer Must Have
The essential list of software every new computer needs to run smoothly and safely.
How to Easily Connect Your Laptop to Your TV!
Want to view your internet videos on your tv? No problem!
Read Our Comprehensive Guide to Using Google Translate
Of the many Google tricks out there, Google translate is by far one of the most useful. Read this free guide to learn exactly how to make use of it.
Your Computer Mouse Can Do Much More Than You Think...
Knowing how to use your mouse can make computing so much easier than you ever realized. Here are some great tips on how to maximize the use of your mouse, which will increase your overall productivity on the computer.
The Only Guide You Need to Clean Your Computer
Computers collect dust and dirt, causing them to slow down and heat up. Here's how to clean them:
Become a Windows Computer Wiz by Using These 11 Tricks
These simple tips and tricks for using a Windows PC will help you use your computer and turn you into a Windows PC master!
FYI: 7 Simple Ways to Avoid Hacking and Identity Theft
The internet is an amazing tool and a fun opportunity to add to your knowledge, it's important to remember to have fun while keeping yourself secure and safe from identity theft. These are the basic habits you need to have to keep your online identit
5 Underrated File Compression Software You Haven’t Tried
WinRAR isn’t the only compression tool out there. Here are some other great free alternatives you can try.
Declutter Your Phone's Home Screen with These Tips
Streamline your digital life with these expert tips on decluttering your iPhone and Android home screens.
These Gmail Shortcuts Will Save You Time & Frustration
If you use Gmail, but you don't know how to use a single keyboard shortcut, then you well and truly are missing out. Here are the most useful ones...
5 DIY Solutions to Better Organize Your Cords and Cables
Computer cables have an annoying tendency to tangle and create an unseemly mess. Here are some easy ways to prevent that.
Computer Tips: Clean Your Keyboard in Less Than 60 Mins
Is your computer keyboard an icky mess? Watch this guide to clean it at home with ease.
Don't Like the Standard Apps on Your Phone? Get These!
Here are 6 brilliant apps, that'll blow the free ones that come with your phone out of the water!
I Never Knew Repairing a Smartphone Was So Simple!
Having phone trouble? Here are 6 of the most common smartphone issues and exactly how you can fix them.
This One Computer Key Is Used for a Myriad of Shortcuts!
The 'Win' key is usally thought to only bring up the start menu. It actually does a whole lot more. Get a load of these dozens of shortcuts!
THREADS: Everything to Know About Instagram's New App
Instagram’s new app, ‘Threads’, has taken the world by storm? But what is this app all about? And should you use it?
Computer Guide: Windows 11 Shortcut Keys!
Learn the best shortcuts for Windows 11 using your keyboard. From taskbar to screenshots, learn it all.
9 Facebook Marketplace Scams You Should be Wary Of
Facebook Marketplace scams have become more common than you perhaps realize. Here’s how you can avoid them.
Learn All About the Different File Types on Your Computer
Computer extensions can have such confusing names and functions. If you're like me, you will appreciate this guide to 12 different file types!
9 Underrated Free Websites That Will Make Your Life Easier
Yes, there are still many more useful websites you don’t know about!
New to Spotify? These Easy Tips Will Help You Get Started
New to Spotify? Here’s everything you need to know about the music streaming service.
What's the Healthiest Way to Sit at Your Computer?
Learn how to minimise the health risks of using your computer with this positioning guide.
6 Ways You're Killing Your PC Without Realizing It
Want your PC to last longer? Stop making these mistakes now!
The Best Media Player Alternatives for Your Computer
Looking for a solid alternative to VLC media player? Here are some replacements that might help.
The Only Guide You Need to Clean Your Computer
Computers collect dust and dirt, causing them to slow down and heat up. Here's how to clean them:
There's a keyboard Shortcut for Nearly Everything Here!
These shortcuts will cut down the time you waste fiddling about on the computer, and make you into something of an expert.
How to Identify the Owner of a Phone Number: 5 Methods
Received a call from an unknown number? Use these sites to identify the caller.
5 Ways to Make Your Wi-Fi Safe From Attacks & Hacks
Make sure you protect your Wi-Fi network against these common attacks.
Android 14: Learn All the New Features in the Newest Update
Sit back and learn what's new in your android phone in this informative video.
The New Wi-Fi is Here! This is Why You Should Try It…
Wi-Fi 7 is here, and it can change the way you use the internet!
Is This Monitor Best for You? A Screen Buying Guide
Looking to buy a new computer monitor? This buying guide will help make that decision easier.
This Smartphone Hack Will Be Handy in an Emergency
Now you can add your emergency information to your phone’s lock screen easily.
Want Your PC to Run Longer? Then Avoid These Mistakes
Avoiding these silly mistakes will help you prevent damage to your computer and also extend its life.
Overwhelmed by Your iPhone Update? Here's Our Guide
New iPhone update isn't your cup of tea? Here's how to make your iPhone feel more familiar.
5 Ways to Get the Most Out Of Your Security Systems
Learn some useful tips in this article that will let you know if your security system is working efficiently or not.
Get the Most From Your Smartphone With These Tips & Tricks
These best tips, tricks and hacks for iPhone, Android, and Samsung users.
What Do Those 12 Mysterious 'F' Keys on Your Keyboard Mean?
Find out what those 12 curious F keys on your keyboard mean.
These 10 Keyboard Shortcuts Will Make Life Easy!
These keyboard shortcuts will help you learn the easiest ways to use your computer when your mouse is being less than cooperative!
Beyond Chrome: 5 Private Browsers for Better Security
For those who prioritize their online privacy, there are some alternatives to Chrome available that could be explored.
Are Your Cables a Mess? 9 Easy Tips to Easily Organize
Organize your messy computer cables with these simple and easy tricks.
7 Reasons Why Your Computer is Running Abnormally Slow
There are many things that could be slowing your computer down and you'll find 7 of them in this article. Take a look!
6 Unnecessary Windows Programs You Should Uninstall
Your Windows PC could be filled with unwanted and outdated apps and programs... Delete them today.
BEWARE! These File Types Could Contain Viruses
Be careful before you click any file these days. Hackers may have used them to hide viruses.
Learn to Avoid the Most Common Scams on the Internet
As we navigate the internet, there's a minefield of scams that we have to avoid that could potentially explode in our faces. Here are the 25 most common.
ISPs Know Everything about You. Here’s How to Stop Them
What VPNs are, and who offers the best VPN service
These Free Tools Will Help You Download Any Video Online
These free tools will help you download any video online.
Your iPhone's Volume Buttons Have Tons of Hidden Features!
There is more to your iPhone's volume buttons than you knew about!