Can you retreive files after they leave the Recycle Bin?

[Scarlett]

I"m using Windows XP and have accidentally thrown out files. Is it possible
to retrieve them?

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I"m using Windows XP and have accidentally thrown out files. Is it
possible to retrieve them?

Maybe.

Google for "Recuva". Use the computer in question *as little as possible* -
for the more you use it - the lower your chance of retrieval may become.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I"m using Windows XP and have accidentally thrown out files. Is it possible
to retrieve them?

"Deleting" a file doesn't actually delete it; it just marks the space
as available to be used. There are third-party programs that can
sometimes recover deleted files. The problem is that the space used by
the file is likely to become overwritten very quickly, and this makes
the file unrecoverable.

So your chances of successfully recovering this file are decent if you
try recovering it immediately after deleting it, and rapidly go
downhill from there. If you've been using the computer since then (for
example to write this question and read this answer), your chances may
be very poor by now.

But if the file is important enough, it's worth a try anyway. Stop
using the computer in question immediately, if you haven't done so
already. Download an undelete program (here's one:
http://www3.telus.net/mikebike/RESTORATION.html but there are several
others to choose from; do a Google search) on a friend's computer and
bring it to yours on a floppy or CD to try.

If this fails, your only other recourse is to take or send the drive
to a professional file recovery company. This kind of service is very
expensive and may or may not work in your case.

 

[ksreek]

Try following Shenan's suggestion .Eventually refer Discussion titled
"Deleted Photos" under same discussion group for a couple of more effective
third party tools/.


ksreek
Research Engineer
Microsoft Product Support Services

 

[W****n S***********g]

I"m using Windows XP and have accidentally thrown out files. Is it
possible
to retrieve them?

Glary Utilities has an undo feature. Not sure if it needs to be installed
prior to files being deleted though.

 

[ju.c]

Recuva is the best un-delete utility, paid or free. Anyone
that says otherwise is a salesman.

"Recuva is a free utility to restore files that have been deleted."

Recuva 870 KB (Freeware)
Home page: http://www.recuva.com/
Download page: http://www.recuva.com/download/builds
Get the slim - no toolbar.


ju.c

 

[Anthony Buckland]

Glary Utilities has an undo feature. Not sure if it needs to be installed
prior to files being deleted though.

The OP didn't mention whether or not (s)he has a backup from
before throwing the files out. Acronis True Image, for example,
will let one restore individual files easily.

 

[Mike Torello]

The OP didn't mention whether or not (s)he has a backup from
before throwing the files out. Acronis True Image, for example,
will let one restore individual files easily.

One would imagine that if a backup existed, the question would not
have been asked... hmm?

 

[Olórin]

Recuva is the best un-delete utility, paid or free. Anyone
that says otherwise is a salesman.

"Recuva is a free utility to restore files that have been deleted."

Recuva 870 KB (Freeware)
Home page: http://www.recuva.com/
Download page: http://www.recuva.com/download/builds
Get the slim - no toolbar.


ju.c

First the *definitive*, brooking-no-dissension word on the best bulk renamer
utility; now "the best" undeleter. You're extremely dogmatic about these
things, aren't you?

If the files aren't found with one tool, I'd always try another. Perhaps
Restoration, as Ken mentions. That's freeware too. Does that make me a
salesman?

 

[ju.c]

RE: "You're extremely dogmatic about these things, aren't you?"

Yes, very. After 34 years of software testing I know my stuff.