How to check recoverability of deleted file or folder?

Problem:

I need to recover particular file that has been accidentally deleted. I downloaded Active@ UNERASER for DOS Demo version and found this file in the list of deleted files. I've saved some information to the drive where deleted file is located, so I'm not sure if this file could be recovered or not, do I need to purchase commercial version of Active@ UNERASER for DOS to recover it or it's no use because file becomes not recoverable.

Solution:

  • Boot in DOS mode and run Active@ UNERASER
  • Select drive containing deleted file

    Undelete files by UNERSER for DOS

    and scan it by pressing [ENTER]
  • (Optionally) You can switch to long filenames view by pressing [SHIFT]+[TAB] key br />
    Undelete files by UNERSER for DOS
  • Find and position the cursor on your deleted file/folder. Deleted files/folders are marked grey

    Undelete files by UNERSER for DOS
  • Check file's recoverability by previewing deleted file content - press [ENTER]

    Undelete files by UNERSER for DOS
  • If file is recoverable - you can see its content in Disk Viewer and evaluate its safety. If file is not recoverable - an error message will appear
  • You can check folder's recoverability the same way - if you try to open the folder by pressing [ENTER]. If folder is not recoverable - error message appears, if recoverable - you'll see files and subfolders inside

All recoverable files located in the deleted folder will be recovered to the new location and subfolders will be recovered recursively.

free uneraser

Folder becomes not recoverable in case when its header is overwritten or damaged. Usually it happens when you write something onto the drive where deleted file is located.

free undelete files

Recovery tips:

DO NOT WRITE ANYTHING ONTO THE DRIVE CONTAINING YOUR IMPORTANT DATA THAT YOU HAVE JUST DELETED ACCIDENTALLY! Even data recovery software installation to the same drive could spoil your sensitive data. Download and save Active@ UNERASER for DOS onto the bootable floppy and boot from it!

DO NOT SAVE ONTO THE SAME DRIVE DATA THAT YOU FOUND AND TRYING TO RECOVER! While saving recovered file or folder onto the same drive where they are located, you can intrude in process of recovering by overwriting table records for this and other deleted entries. It's better to save data onto another logical, removable, network or floppy drive.