The act of deleting a file results in that file being removed from the index and the storage location becoming “available” for reuse, but the original file remains in place, and therefore recoverable. This fact explains how deleted files are recovered. It also explains why when you leave a running computer idle long enough, it will eventually overwrite deleted files. And, finally, this fact explains why you get very different amounts of time on mechanical versus solid-state drives.
At least when it comes to a mechanical hard disk drive. In contrast, for SSDs (solid-state drives), the answer is completely different. This is what determines whether you can recover your deleted files or not.
When a file is deleted from a mechanical disk the operating system removes the reference to that file's location in the disk's directory table and marks the location as available for reuse. However, nothing has yet reused that location. Therefore, the file is still intact and located exactly where it was originally stored. How long you have until it is overwritten depends upon how much unused space you have on the drive, and with plenty of it, that may be months.
Thus, recovery of deleted files is based solely on the existence of that file until it is overwritten. What has been lost is simply the map to that file.
For this reason, the one single most valuable thing you can do is simply to stop writing to the drive. We don't just mean stop deleting things. Stop writing to it altogether. Installing new programs, accessing websites, saving documents and even leaving the machine on while Windows updates in the background all use up unused space (i.e., free space) on the drive, and your deleted file resides in this empty space.
This is where you lose a file you could have got back for nothing.
If you delete a file from your C drive and then install recovery software to the C drive, the installer will write to the exact area of unused space (the “free space”) containing your wanted file. People do this all the time and essentially convert their recoverable file into an overwritten file before running the program.
If you want to attempt this yourself, then install the tool to a completely separate drive (a USB stick, a second disk, or another machine with the affected drive attached externally). Use a read-only tool from someone you trust. Both Recuva and PhotoRec have good reputations as they've been around for years.
And if that data is actually important to you, consider not trying at all. One wrong move here will be irreparable in a way that most of what we do is not.
If the drive is also making noise, do not run software at all. When scanning for deleted files, you're keeping a failing disk powered and seeking for hours, which is the exact type of load that converts a failing mechanical component into a complete loss. Files deleted off a healthy drive can wait. But a failing hard drive can't.
Our logical recovery prices start at £250 +VAT for memory cards and USB sticks and £300 +VAT for physical drives. This is the lowest price point within our classes of service because there's zero bench time or donor components involved.
You only pay if we recover your data, throughout. If the media is solid-state and clearly has been zeroed out by TRIM, then we'll let you know after diagnostics, and there's no cost involved for you.
Not on a mechanical drive. Removing the contents of the bin removes the pointers, leaving all the data in place. Stop using the drive immediately and the chances are good.
It depends entirely on how much new data has been written since. Light usage over weeks on a drive with plenty of free space often results in retaining an intact copy. Heavy usage over weeks may not.
Typically no. We will state this prior to accepting payment. TRIM deletes the blocks within minutes. If the drive was unhooked immediately or is behind a RAID controller, then there is a real possibility.
This depends on the server. First try checking Previous Versions or shadow copies: on Windows servers they frequently contain what you are looking for, and you can check them at no charge.
Often, but not always. When the directory entries survive, you retain the original names and structure. When only the actual data survives, you receive files identified by type and content rather than by their original name.
Yes, provided the drive is otherwise healthy and the tool is installed elsewhere. It could potentially save you the expense. If the drive is making any noise, no. Ring us first and we'll inform you for nothing whether you fit into one category or the other.
A complimentary diagnostic, in most cases you only pay if we recover your data, and deleted-file recovery from any drive, memory stick or card. The sooner you stop, the more comes back. Start today.