How to Retrieve Lost Data
- 1). Check the Recycle Bin for the lost data before considering any other way to retrieve files. Open the Recycle Bin folder, click the file that you want to retrieve, and select "Restore this item." The file will automatically be moved back to its original location.
- 2). Restore files in your folders. Click "Start," "Computer," and then navigate to the folder where the deleted files were located. Right-click the name of the folder, and select "Restore previous versions." You will then be presented with a list of files stored in a "backup" or a "restore point" if you have saved backups or restore points in your computer. Click the "backup" or "restore point" of your choice; click "Open" to view the previous version of the folder. If you are sure that it is the version that you want to restore, click "Restore." Note that this change cannot be undone, so do not click "Restore" unless you are very sure.
- 3). Download and install a third-party file recovery software to recover your files (see Recources). This is ideal if you do not have saved backup copies of your system or the "System Restore" feature is not enabled in your computer.