| The average user may panic on finding that a file has | | | | business as the operating system sometimes has a |
| been accidently deleted and even the recycle bin has | | | | mind of its own. The first thing to do when one |
| been deleted. It helps to know what happens to | | | | realises that one has deleted a file is to stop using |
| these deleted files, so we are aware that they | | | | the computer. This is because we do not want the |
| reside, in an unspecified place and can be retrieved. | | | | operating system to overwrite any of the deleted |
| What Happens to Deleted Files | | | | files. |
| Ironically, though the most common occurrence is | | | | It would be ideal if the hard disk can be detached |
| data loss, it is the most difficult task to erase data | | | | from the computer and attached to a secondary |
| completely. When data needs to be erased | | | | drive of a different computer. This is a more secure |
| permanently for security reasons, every sector on a | | | | way of recovering the deleted files. There are many |
| disk has to be rewritten. Therefore, one might | | | | recovery tools that one can use to recover the data. |
| wonder what happens to these deleted files that we | | | | Handy Recovery is a utility that has received good |
| don't seem to be able to re-access. | | | | reviews as a dependable data recovery tool. |
| The operating system does not actually erase the | | | | A well-known software, ARAX Disk Doctor, is a data |
| contents of the deleted files, even though it might | | | | recovery software but is usually used to restore |
| appear so. What actually happens is, only the file's | | | | partitions. Get Data Back is a highly advanced |
| index in the Master File Table is erased. The essential | | | | software, that can be used to recover data when a |
| information is still on the disk and can be retrieved. | | | | root directory is corrupt, there has been a virus |
| When a file or folder is stored on a computer, the | | | | attack or files have been accidently deleted. |
| contents therein are stored in two places. The index | | | | Choosing DIY Recovery Software |
| details like file name, size and date of creation are | | | | Running DIY Recovery software should be able to |
| stored in the Master File Table. The contents on the | | | | get the deleted data back. There are several |
| other hand are stored in the free space area of the | | | | products available in the market to suit every budget |
| disk or file clusters. When we think we are deleting a | | | | and every need. Searching the internet will throw up |
| file, we only remove it from the file table which | | | | several options for one to choose from. If the choice |
| shows the space as free. | | | | makes one confused, it is best to check out the |
| Emptying the Recycle Bin | | | | companies who seem to offer the best step-by-step |
| A common user might assume that having emptied a | | | | guide. Also, one should check for guarantees |
| recycle bin, files have been permanently lost. The files | | | | attached to the software that is sold. |
| do exist though and can be recovered. The hard disk | | | | If one is not entirely sure, instead of downloading the |
| is comprised of platters that are divided into sectors. | | | | software, one can visit a store. The sales person |
| The data we create is stored on the disk | | | | might be able to guide a person to select the best |
| magnetically. A read/ write head writes the | | | | recovery software for a particular need. Also, this is |
| information on these platters. Whenever data is | | | | a better way to get a guarantee and a detailed |
| written, a record is maintained about which sector it | | | | explanation of how the software works. |
| exists in. | | | | Conclusion |
| When the Recycle Bin has been emptied, the | | | | As mentioned earlier in the article, losing data |
| operating system discards the record of where it is | | | | permanently is actually a tough task. However, having |
| stored and not the contents itself. Not having the | | | | said that, a badly done recovery job leads to a |
| record might make it difficult to find the data but if | | | | permanent data loss. Therefore, for a user who is a |
| we search the data will be there. | | | | complete novice, it might be a good idea to call in a |
| Retrieving the Data | | | | professional to recover the data. If a user is fairly |
| Now that we know that data doesn't get erased | | | | adept, then recovering the data is just a matter of |
| even if we empty the Recycle bin by mistake, we | | | | using DIY software and carefully following the |
| can look at how it can be retrieved. However, a user | | | | instructions. |
| must understand that retrieving a file is a tricky | | | | |