How to recover deleted files from external hard drive

Losing important files from an external hard drive can be stressful, but there are several methods you can use to recover them. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you recover your deleted files.

Check the Recycle Bin

  • Connect your external hard drive to your computer.
  • Open the Recycle Bin on your desktop.
  • Look for the deleted files. If you find them, right-click and select Restore.

Use File History or Backup

  • If you have File History enabled or another backup solution in place, navigate to the folder where the files were originally stored.
  • Right-click on the folder and select Restore previous versions.
  • Choose the version that contains the deleted files and click Restore.

Use Data Recovery Software

  • Download and install reliable data recovery software like ReclaiMe File Recovery.
  • Run the software and select your external hard drive from the list of drives.
    • How to recover data from external drive
  • Start a scan to search for deleted files.
  • Once the scan is complete, preview the files and select the ones you want to recover.
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  • Buy the license key and save the files to a different location to avoid overwriting the lost data.

Check with the Drive Manufacturer's Software

  • Some external hard drive manufacturers provide their own recovery tools. Visit the manufacturer’s website to see if such a tool is available.
  • Download and install the software, then follow the instructions to scan and recover deleted files.

Seek Professional Help

  • If the above methods fail, consider contacting a professional data recovery service. They have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from damaged or corrupted drives. Look for reputable data recovery services like SalvageData.

Tips to Increase Recovery Success:

Act Quickly: The sooner you attempt recovery, the higher the chances of success, as new data can overwrite the deleted files.

Avoid Using the Drive: Limit the use of the external hard drive to prevent new data from overwriting the deleted files.

Regular Backups: To prevent future data loss, regularly back up your important files using cloud storage or other external storage solutions.

By following these steps, you can maximize your chances of successfully recovering deleted files from your external hard drive.

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