The computer hard disk is usually the first place we think to store our personal files, this files could be some family photos, Mp3 collections, office documents etc. Although some people usually have an external hard drive to store these sort of things separately. Somethings we just get too lazy to bring out such storage devices if they are way too far away. Although your files might be significantly safe inside our hard drives there might be a situation where our files end up getting deleted.
But what exactly happens to lost files
In cases of computer hard disk files usually go to to the recycle bin when deleted normally. But external hard disks, memory cards or flash disk don’t exactly go to the recycle bin and stay there when deleted. In situation where it’s a memory card or flash disk, the files disappear directly when deleted. But even if the files are permanently deleted and does not exists in the recycle bin, it does not mean the files are gone forever, there is still have a chance to recover them if you act fast.
The main caused of file deletion might be due to one of the following
Human error: we all make mistakes sometimes. There are situations when we end up mistakenly deleting important files that we actually need instead of that unrequired junk.
Malware Attack: We usually meet things like this online in the process of visiting unsecured sites, downloading executable contents from untrusted sources. Malware attack simply has to do with viruses, Trojan horse and worms. Some of these malicious program infects the computers and end up deleting several important files without our knowledge.
Carelessness: Poor handling of our storage devices and computers might end up causing serious data loses.
Forceful ejection of storage devices: External drives, memory cards, or flash disk forcefully without following the proper procedures for safe removal. A file might be open or in the process of being copied to and fro the said storage device. Removing the devices without waiting for the process to be completed may lead to data loss.
Dropping the storage device: Storage devices aren’t exactly very sturdy especially external hard drive. So when they hit the ground from a high location, they might get damaged which might lead to data loss. Although expensive ones like Transcend hard drives are designed to absorbed shock, not everybody can afford them.
Sudden power surge, power failure, Hardware malfunction or accidentally dropping the storage device.
How do I recover my lost files?
On personal computer the first thing you should do is
- Right click on the folder which the missing files are situated in prior to their disappearance
- Navigate to properties
- Select the previous versions tab
- Select an earlier version of the folder to roll back to a date when the files were still in existence
Note: This will only work if your system automatically creates restore points at certain intervals of its operation.
On external hard drive, Memory cards and flash disk
These storage devices are not usually connected to the computer so when your files disappear you kind of seem at lost because they don’t even go to the recycle bin except for external hard drive. The best way to recover deleted files from these kind of storage devices is to use file recovery programs. This programs are very good at bringing back deleted files like photos, videos, Songs, documents etc. as long as they used to be on that same storage device. Some of these programs include
They are all free and easy to use, efficient and fast in data recovery. However best way to keep your data form being lost is to handle your computer and storage devices with care,.
