5 Things You Can Try to Recover Lost Data

There’s nothing like that sinking feeling you get when you realize that you deleted a file or folder that you still need. Data, for many of us, is like a baby that must be protected at all costs. And with so much work being done remotely, losing data is more common than ever. Whether you’re feeling a fresh loss right now or you just want to be prepared for the possibility, keep reading to discover what options you have for recovery.

1. Backups

According to IT support Sydney, following best practices, including enabling backups is one of the simplest lines of defense against data loss. The backup media makes backups of files you create shortly after you create them. When backups are done regularly all you need to do is go to the Control Panel, click ‘Backup and Restore,’ then click ‘Restore my files.’

2. Recovery Software

There are both free and paid file recovery software options like DiskDrill or Recuva that you can install on your device to save you from the data loss grave. Because all software is different, you’ll need to follow the recovery steps specified by the software.

3. Previous Version

Sometimes you can restore deleted files from a previous version. If you’ve enabled the backup protocol, Windows is saving copies of files and folders for you as previous versions. To restore data, access the folder you’ve designated for deleted files, click on a previous version of the deleted data and click ‘Restore’ to get your data back where you want it.

4. Check the Recycle Bin/Trash

On a Mac there is a Trash folder that stores deleted files before actually removing them from the computer. On a Windows system the Recycle Bin is where you want to look. You should be able to access files in Recycle or Trash until you empty it or until your system deletes it due to capacity limits or a specified time period. Simply open the folder, choose the file to recover, right-click and select ‘Restore’ in Windows or ‘Put Back’ on a Mac.

5. Hire a Professional

When all else fails, go with a professional data recovery specialist. These people are trained in getting your files back safely. This isn’t a free option, in fact, it can be quite costly in both time and money. In addition to the cost of the service, you’ll also be without your device for however long the recovery takes. If a professional recovery service is unsuccessful, you may be out of options. Be sure to thoroughly vet any professional service before handing over your computer.

If you ever lose data, stop using your computer immediately. This can keep files from being permanently overwritten by your operating system. Keep updated anti-virus software on your laptop or device, as cyberattacks are a big cause of data loss. There are plenty of preemptive measures you can take to safeguard your data, so consider your options and always have a Plan B.

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