Recovery of Word docx files

[Marz]

Hello

I am not sure if this belongs here or in the MS Discussion Groups under
Windows.
But, since I am talking about a specific file type, and MS pros monitor
these forums, I thought I would try this one first.

I had three MS Word 2007 docx files on my hard drive.
I deleted them and emptied the trash.
I immediately used some File Recovery programs to try to recover them.
The programs were unable to find them.
That seems very strange to me.
Is it possibly because they are docx files?
(Please - I am not trying lay blame. I am trying to understand what is
happening.)

The programs were (supposedly) Vista compatible.
I tried Pandora Recovery, RecoverFiles and DataRecovery_EN from CNET
download.com.


On a side note:
I also have a suggestion for people like me who occasionally delete things
too quickly. I have created a "Pre-Recycle Bin" or "HOLD" folder.
I put things in there for a day or so before deleting them.

 

[Graham Mayor]

It is hard to say why the file recovery software didn't recover the files,
such software is not always as good as the hype, but for those who delete in
haste, the recycle bin replacement Undelete 2009 Professional is invaluable.
It will even recover the sequential auto-recovery files that Word creates.
You do however need to install it *before* you delete the files.

 

[Marz]

Hello

I am not sure if this belongs here or in the MS Discussion Groups under
Windows.
But, since I am talking about a specific file type, and MS pros monitor
these forums, I thought I would try this one first.

I had three MS Word 2007 docx files on my hard drive.
I deleted them and emptied the trash.
I immediately used some File Recovery programs to try to recover them.
The programs were unable to find them.
That seems very strange to me.
Is it possibly because they are docx files?
I should probably add that the programs cannot find files with the names of the files I deleted. Are the names changed when they are deleted and the Recycle Bin emptied? I have heard that files are not wiped clean from your drive. Only the directories are changes, but the data is still there.

 

[Marz]

Graham:

Thank you for the reply. Now, if I can find my time traveling
software...Where did I put that DVD?
(LOL)

I will look into this program that you mentioned. Thanks!