Free Data Recovery
Getting back those deleted files is not that difficult! Follow the steps below to recover any deleted data including deleted photos, formatted hard drives, previous file versions, and missing documents.
Step One: Media Type |
If you are trying to recover files from a computer, you will be searching the computer's hard drive. You will need a device to connect the hard drive to so that you can search the device. The USB > SATA / IDE Connector pictured to the right is recommended. If you are trying to recover files from a memory card or camera card, you will need a device to connect the card to so that you can search the device. The USB > Flash Media Connector pictured to the right is recommended. |
Step Two:
Media Removal  |
If you have a USB device or memory card, you have already removed the device and are ready for Step Three. If you are searching the hard drive, you need to remove the hard drive from the computer or laptop. If you need assistance with that, fill out the info below for guidance. |
Step Three:
Connect Media  |
Now that you have your hard drive removed, connect it to the computer using any hard drive to USB connector (Like pictured to the upper right). For memory cards, insert them into any flash card reader |
Step Four:
Download Software  |
Your first attempt at data recovery should be with a program called Recuva. You can download it here. This version is "portable" and does not need to be installed. Unzip the contents to your working system and execute the program. |
Step Five: Run Software & Search |
The program will have a drop-down list that lets you choose the item to be scanned. Select the hard drive or device to search and click "Scan". The deleted files will appear below with an indication of whether they can be recovered. Highlight the files you want to recover and click the "recover" button in the lower right portion. |
Step Six: Extract |
The software will prompt you to identify where you want to recover the files. Do NOT choose the same media as where they came from. This could cause you to lose the data. Instead, choose another hard drive or memory card. |
Step Seven: Other Options |
If Recuva did not work for you, try PhotoRec, which you can download here. Step by step instructions are here. |
