Restoring lost or deleted files from an external storage device can be a challenge, but the process is not impossible. It is important to remember that restoring lost files is never a guarantee, and the success of the process will depend on various factors, including the type of storage device being used and whether the lost data was damaged in any way.
First, it is essential to ensure the external storage device is connected to the computer correctly and is properly recognized by the system. If the device is not being detected, try connecting it to a different port or checking the device’s power connection.
Once the device is active, there are several ways to restore lost files from an external storage device. One of the quickest and easiest methods is to use a specialized data recovery software program. These programs are designed to scan the external device for any lost or deleted files, then attempt to recover them.
WinUtilities Undelete is one such data recovery software program and it is available for free. This software can typically recover files from all types of external storage devices, including USB drives, memory cards, MP3 players and more. It can even restore files that have been deleted after being emptied from the Recycle Bin. To use WinUtilities Undelete to recover your data, simply launch the program, select the external device you wish to scan, then click “Start Scan”.
Once the scan is complete, the software will display a list of all of the files it has managed to recover. It will also indicate what sort of recovery is possible for each file, such as complete recovery or partial recovery. You can then select which files you would like to restore and save them to a safe location on your computer.
Another method for restoring data from an external storage device involves using the Windows File Recovery tool. This program comes with Windows 10, but earlier versions of Windows may require the user to manually download it. With the File Recovery tool, users can select which types of files to look for and where to search for them. The recovery process may take some time, depending on the size of the hard drive being scanned. However, it may be able to recover files that other recovery software is unable to.
Finally, if the two above methods do not work, users could attempt to manually restore their files from the command line. This process is more advanced and requires users to have knowledge of the Command Prompt utility. It involves using the CHKDSK command to check and repair any damaged file structures on the external storage device, as well as the attrib command to attempt to show any hidden or lost files.
While manually recovering data from external storage devices is possible, the process is often quite technical and complicated. Therefore, it is recommended to use a specialized data recovery software such as WinUtilities Undelete for best results. This type of software can not only restore lost or accidentally deleted files, but it can also do so in a much shorter amount of time. Plus, the recovery process is usually much simpler and easier to understand, making it ideal for both novice and experienced users alike.