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