Oh no! Did you accidentally delete data from your USB drive? Did the drive malfunction and cause all your data to be lost? Don't worry, I'm here to help.
It's happened to me more than once, and chances are it'll happen to you again.
But, if you're prepared and you act quickly, there is a great chance you'll get all of your lost USB data back.
Most people that lose USB data do it in similar ways - they accidentally delete something, have a software malfunction by removing the device without stopping it, or have a general hardware malfunction.
You're not alone.
And please, please don't feel foolish for making this mistake - it happens to best of us, myself included! As long as your USB drive isn't physically damage, you are good shape.
If it was burned, dropped or doused in liquid, you may have to take it in to a professional data recovery service, in which case you'll be spending a lot more than the following method.
USB Data Recovery Software Using software to recover your deleted USB data is the best way to go if you accidentally deleted something or lost it due to software/hardware malfunction.
Most of the software I've come across has done the trick for me, and hasn't cost a whole lot.
Prices for this type of software typically range from $20 to $50, depending on which company you go with and the overall popularity of the product.
More expensive doesn't necessarily mean better - I've used free trials with several programs that have worked just fine.
In the unlikely event that the data recovery software is unable to get your data back, you may have to turn to a professional.
A professional data recovery services firm is going to cost you at least 5 times more than using software and will likely take longer.
So, of course, in the interest of saving both time and money, I would highly recommend going down the software route first.