Data Recovery Programs: Top 5 Solutions for Retrieving Lost Files
Data loss can happen unexpectedly due to accidental deletion, hardware failure, or system crashes. Fortunately, data recovery programs have evolved to provide users with the tools they need to retrieve lost files. These programs are designed to scan your storage devices (like hard drives, SSDs, or USB drives) and recover files that were previously deleted or lost. Below is a guide on the top 5 data recovery programs, how to set them up, and how to remove unwanted data securely.
1. Recuva
Overview: Recuva is one of the most popular and user-friendly data recovery tools available. Developed by Piriform, it supports a wide range of file types and can recover data from hard drives, memory cards, USB sticks, and more. Recuva also provides deep scanning capabilities for more difficult recovery tasks.
How to Set Up:
- Download and Install: Go to the official website and download Recuva (available for both free and premium versions). Run the installer to complete the setup.
- Run the Program: Open Recuva, and you’ll be prompted to choose the type of file you’re trying to recover (e.g., pictures, documents, videos). You can also select a custom file type.
- Scan for Lost Files: After selecting the drive or folder to scan, click the “Scan” button. Recuva will search for recoverable files.
Removing Unwanted Data:
- Recuva also includes a secure file deletion tool. To delete unwanted files permanently, simply select them, right-click, and choose “Secure Delete.” This will ensure that the data is completely wiped and cannot be recovered.
2. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
Overview: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is a comprehensive tool for recovering lost data from almost any kind of storage device, including hard drives, USB drives, and SD cards. The software offers a free version with a limited recovery capacity, while the premium version allows unlimited data recovery.
How to Set Up:
- Download and Install: Download the software from the EaseUS website and install it.
- Launch the Program: Open the app, and select the drive or partition you want to scan for lost files.
- Scan and Recover Files: The program will start by performing a quick scan. After that, it will run a deep scan to find more files. You can preview recoverable files and choose what to restore.
Removing Unwanted Data:
- EaseUS offers a “File Shredder” tool to permanently erase unwanted files. After selecting the files to delete, click “Shred” to securely remove them, ensuring they can’t be recovered.
3. Disk Drill
Overview: Disk Drill is a versatile data recovery tool that supports recovery from a variety of file systems, including NTFS, FAT32, and exFAT. It also offers advanced scanning algorithms, which helps in recovering files from formatted or corrupted disks.
How to Set Up:
- Download and Install: Visit the Disk Drill website to download the software and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
- Select Your Drive: After launching the app, choose the storage device you want to scan.
- Scan for Files: Click the “Search for lost data” button. Disk Drill will run a quick scan and then an in-depth scan to find deleted or lost files.
Removing Unwanted Data:
- Disk Drill includes a “Permanent Deletion” feature that lets you securely delete files and folders. Once deleted, the data cannot be recovered by any means.
4. Wondershare Recoverit
Overview: Wondershare Recoverit is a data recovery software that supports a wide range of file types and devices. Its simple interface and powerful scanning abilities make it a great option for users with little technical knowledge. The software supports recovery from formatted drives, accidental deletions, and even crash scenarios.
How to Set Up:
- Download and Install: Go to the Wondershare website and download the Recoverit tool. Install the program on your system.
- Run the Program: After installation, launch Recoverit. Select the drive or location where your lost data was stored.
- Scan and Recover: Recoverit will perform a quick scan and display the found files. You can preview and select the files to recover.
Removing Unwanted Data:
- For secure deletion, Wondershare offers a “File Shredder” feature, which ensures that the files are gone permanently. Select the unwanted files and click “Shred” to erase them.
5. Stellar Data Recovery
Overview: Stellar Data Recovery is a powerful tool that offers both free and premium versions. It can recover data from various types of storage devices, including internal and external hard drives, SSDs, and optical media. Stellar is known for its ability to recover data from severely damaged or formatted drives.
How to Set Up:
- Download and Install: Download Stellar from its official website and install it.
- Select the Drive: After launching the program, choose the device or partition from which you want to recover data.
- Scan and Recover: Run a scan. Once complete, Stellar will list all the recoverable files. You can preview them and select which ones to recover.
Removing Unwanted Data:
- Stellar includes a feature for securely erasing files called “Shredder.” Simply choose the files you want to remove permanently and select the “Shred” option.
How to Set Up and Remove Unwanted Data Securely
- Setting Up Data Recovery Software:
- Download the software from the official website to avoid malicious versions.
- Install the program by following the setup wizard. Ensure that you install it on a different drive from where the lost files were located to prevent overwriting.
- Launch the program and choose the drive or location to scan for lost files.
- Recovering Files:
- Initiate a scan by selecting the drive and clicking the scan button.
- After scanning, the program will list recoverable files. Preview them if the option is available, and select which files to restore.
- Save the recovered files to a different drive to avoid overwriting other lost data.
- Removing Unwanted Data Securely:
- After recovering your important files, it’s important to securely delete any unnecessary or sensitive data you no longer need. Using the “Secure Delete” or “Shred” features available in these tools ensures that the data is permanently erased.
- For files that need to be removed permanently, use these tools’ file deletion features. This will overwrite the data multiple times, making it irrecoverable.
Conclusion
Data recovery software is a lifesaver when dealing with lost or deleted files. By choosing the right program, such as Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Disk Drill, Wondershare Recoverit, or Stellar Data Recovery, users can quickly recover their valuable data from various devices. Additionally, once recovery is complete, it’s just as important to securely remove unwanted or sensitive data to ensure privacy and prevent unauthorized recovery. Make sure to back up important files regularly to avoid data loss in the future.
