Recover Deleted Recycling Bin Files
Before attempting recovery, take a moment to fully search the Recycle Bin. You can search the Recycle Bin by entering file names in the box at the top-right corner of the window. To search recently deleted files:
- Right-click in the Recycle Bin window
- Select ‘Sort By’
- Choose ‘Date Deleted’ to see a list of files that have been deleted
If you don’t see your file listed among the deleted files, take a few moments to use your system’s other Search features. It’s possible that the file was never actually sent to the Recycle Bin and may be misplaced in another folder.
If you could recover with these steps, count yourself among the lucky ones! If not, you’ll need to consider slightly more complicated recovery tactics.
Restore your Data from a Recent Backup
There are so many benefits to routinely backing up your data. From recovery after a natural disaster to bouncing back from a cyber security attack, backups are often invaluable. There are also more basic reasons to backup. One of these includes the option to recover a file that may have been deleted in error.
Whether you use a cloud backup system or another approach, restore a recent backup to recover a file after its creation and before its accidental or erroneous deletion. Windows and Mac also often basic Recovery tools if you haven’t already subscribed to a paid service. Be careful with some programs that claim to “clean” your system regularly. This software often empties your Recycle Bin on a schedule and without warning. This could lead to increased incidences of accidentally deleting files.
Contact a Hard Drive Recovery Service
There are multiple DIY options that claim to recover files from the recycling bin. Unfortunately, as we discussed in a recent post on data recovery myths, this software is often ineffective and may damage your file structures in the process. Professionals can help you untangle the finer details of file recovery without doing further damage. When you delete a file from your computer, the file itself isn’t automatically deleted. Instead, the reference to that file is removed. Our recovery technicians have access to advanced recovery tools and software.
Whether your hard drive is damaged or you simply emptied your Recycle Bin and accidentally deleted an important file, we’re here to help. Submit an online help form to get started
