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