Accidentally deleting important files from a USB drive can be a distressing experience that many of us have faced. Whether you hit “Delete” by mistake, encountered a formatting error, or experienced physical damage, losing files can be both frustrating and frightening. However, there are effective methods to recover your lost data. Start by checking the Recycle Bin on your computer, as deleted files are sometimes temporarily stored there. You are allowed to transfer photos from your android phone to a USB flash drive.
If they’re not found, various file recovery tools—both free and paid—can scan your USB drive and help restore your files. Windows users might also use Command Prompt or File History, while macOS users can turn to Disk Utility or Time Machine backups. For severe cases, such as physical damage or formatted drives, consulting professional data recovery services may be necessary.
Acting quickly and avoiding new data writes to the USB drive are crucial for maximizing recovery chances. This article will guide you through these methods step-by-step, helping you recover your lost files and prevent future data loss.
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What are the Reasons for USB Data Loss?
In addition to unplugging a USB drive while it’s still in use, data can disappear from USB drives due to several reasons. Accidental deletion, formatting, viruses, and malware can lead to data loss. Physical damage, power surges, or abrupt disconnections during use can corrupt or erase files. File system corruption and overwriting existing data with new files are also common causes. Understanding these issues can help prevent unexpected data loss.
- Accidental File Deletion: Files may be unintentionally removed by mistake.
- Malware Infection: Viruses or malware can corrupt or delete data.
- Formatted USB Drive: Formatting erases all files on the drive.
- Physically Damaged: Damage to the drive can lead to data loss.
- Hardware Failure: Issues with the USB drive’s internal components can cause data loss.
- Software Bug: Glitches or bugs in software can corrupt data.
- Power Supply Problems: Inconsistent or interrupted power supply to USB ports can affect data integrity.
How to Undo Deleted Files on USB ?
Accidentally deleting files from a USB drive can be distressing, but there are several steps you can take to recover them. First, stop using the USB drive immediately to prevent overwriting any data. Safely disconnect the drive from your computer and store it in a secure place until you’re ready to begin the recovery process.
Do not attempt to copy or alter data on the drive, as any read/write operations might complicate recovery efforts. Next, check if the deleted files are in the Recycle Bin on your computer, as they might have been temporarily stored there. If they’re not found, use file recovery software such as Recuva, PhotoRec, or Disk Drill to scan the USB drive and attempt to restore the deleted files.
For Windows users, the Command Prompt or File History may also offer solutions, while macOS users can use Disk Utility or Time Machine backups. In cases of severe damage or formatting, consider professional data recovery services. Acting quickly and carefully can significantly enhance the chances of successful file recovery.
Method 1. Use the Restore Previous Versions Feature
In all recent versions of Windows operating systems, including Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11, the “Restore previous versions” feature allows you to recover deleted files without needing third-party tools. However, this feature only works if it was enabled prior to the deletion of your files. If enabled, it can restore previous versions of files or folders, making it a useful built-in option for data recovery.
To recover deleted data from a USB flash drive using Windows’ built-in features:
- Connect the USB flash drive to your computer.
- Open the Start menu, type “This PC”, and press Enter on your keyboard.
- Right-click on your USB flash drive and select “Properties.”
- Navigate to the “Previous Versions” tab to view available recovery options.
- Select a previous version from the list and click “Restore.”
If no previous versions are available, this method won’t work for your situation. In such cases, it’s best to proceed with alternative recovery methods, which are more reliable for retrieving deleted files.
Method 2. Recover Deleted Files from a USB Drive Using CMD
We are opting to begin with this method not because it is necessarily the easiest or most effective, but because it does not require the installation of any third-party tools or the activation of specific data protection features. Command Prompt (CMD) is a standard utility included in all Windows operating systems, allowing you to use built-in commands for file recovery. This makes it a convenient choice for those who need to recover deleted files without additional software.
To recover deleted files from a USB flash drive using Command Prompt:
- Connect the USB flash drive to your computer.
- Open the Start menu, type “cmd“, and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
- In the Command Prompt window, type chkdsk X: /f and press Enter. Replace “X” with the letter assigned to your USB flash drive.
- Next, type ATTRIB -H -R -S /S /D X:*.* and press Enter. Again, replace “X” with the letter of your USB drive.
- Wait for the process to complete, and then check your USB drive for recovered files.
If the method worked, you should find all the deleted files in a newly created folder on your USB drive.
How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files from a USB Drive?
Permanently deleted files from a USB drive can sometimes be recovered using specialized data recovery software. Begin by stopping any further use of the USB drive to prevent overwriting the deleted data. Download and install a reliable data recovery tool, such as Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or Disk Drill. Connect the USB drive to your computer and launch the software.
Choose the USB drive from the list of available drives and select the option to scan for deleted files. The software will search for recoverable data. Once the scan is complete, preview the found files and select those you wish to restore. Follow the prompts to recover the files, saving them to a different location to avoid overwriting other data on the USB drive. If software recovery methods fail, consider consulting a professional data recovery service for further assistance.
Method 3. Recover Data from USB Drive with Third-Party Software
Losing important files can be highly stressful, especially when they are permanently deleted from a USB drive. Fortunately, there is hope with specialized software designed to recover these files. These programs employ advanced algorithms to thoroughly scan your USB drive and effectively restore lost data.
Disk Drill Data Recovery is a comprehensive, professional-grade tool that is surprisingly user-friendly, making it accessible even to those who might be intimidated by technology. It can recover files from flash drives that have been corrupted, formatted, or damaged, providing a valuable solution for data recovery challenges.
To recover deleted files from a USB flash drive:
Step 1: Download and install Disk Drill for Windows or Mac OS X.
Step 2: Connect your USB drive and open Disk Drill.
Step 3: Click the “Search for lost data” button next to your USB drive.
Step 4: Preview the files you wish to restore.
Step 5: Select the files you want Disk Drill to recover and click the “Recover” button.
Disk Drill utilizes advanced file recognition algorithms to scan your USB drive—or any other storage device—allowing it to detect even damaged files and restore them. The software offers a free trial, enabling you to recover up to 500MB of data without cost. As illustrated, using Disk Drill for file recovery is straightforward, and its reliability makes it a top choice for data recovery needs.
Method 4. Use Windows File Recovery Build-in Tool to Get Back Deleted Files
In response to the growing need for third-party data recovery software like Disk Drill, Microsoft introduced its own solution called Windows File Recovery. This tool is available for Windows 10 version 2004 and later, and it can recover deleted files from USB drives. However, unlike Disk Drill, Windows File Recovery lacks a graphical user interface, making it less user-friendly and more challenging to operate.
To recover deleted data from a USB flash drive using Windows File Recovery:
- Download Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store.
- Connect your USB flash drive to your computer and note the drive letter assigned to it.
- Open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt (CMD) as an administrator.
- Enter the following command: Winfr E: C: /extensive (replace E: with the drive letter of your USB flash drive and C: with the drive letter of the storage device where you want to save the recovered files).
- Wait for Windows File Recovery to complete the process.
After testing both Disk Drill and Windows File Recovery for recovering permanently deleted files from a USB drive, I’ve compiled a practical comparison of these tools. This overview highlights key factors such as user-friendliness, compatibility, and overall performance. The goal is to assist you in selecting the most suitable tool for retrieving your lost data from a USB drive.
Conclusion
Choosing between Disk Drill and Windows File Recovery depends on your specific needs and preferences. Disk Drill offers a user-friendly interface and advanced recovery features, making it accessible and efficient for most users. It also supports a wide range of storage devices and file types, with a generous free trial for initial use.
On the other hand, Windows File Recovery, while effective, lacks a graphical user interface and may be more challenging to use, but it is a good option for those who prefer a built-in solution and are comfortable with command-line tools. Evaluating factors like ease of use, compatibility, and functionality will help you decide which tool best suits your data recovery needs.
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