There is a good chance you are reading this because you or someone with access to your computer has deleted a file that you would like to recover. This is very possible to do based on how long and how much the computer was used since the file was deleted. This article will also provide some information on what to do if data recovery software cannot solve your issue.

Hard drives do not actually delete information when the user decides to delete a file by default. When a user decides to delete a file and empty their recycling bin it tells the computer that it is ok to rewrite over the portion of space the initial file took up and the files are simply hidden from your operating system making them appear as if they were deleted. There is a likely chance that the file can be recovered or undeleted if the space on the drive has not been overwritten.

Software is required and available on the internet that can be downloaded and installed onto a computer that will easily allow you to recover any files that have not been overwritten. Someone using this software needs to clearly understand that although it is likely to recover recently deleted files it is not guaranteed if the computer has installed or added files after the deletion. Generally, this software will provide a trial to ensure that the software will work properly for your issue prior to your purchase. These trials normally show you what files can be recovered without allowing them to actually be recovered unless the software is registered. File recovery software is normally priced anywhere from 30 to 60 dollars. Variations between applications are normally insignificant but if one is unable to properly recover your files it can't hurt to try another.

In the unfortunate situation the drive is physically damaged or defective there is still hope. Many services which can also be found online can provide diagnostics to physically recover data from your drive. These services generally cost hundreds to thousands of dollars based on your specific situation or needs but commonly provide a free diagnostic to determine if it is worth your time and money. Companies do this by extracting the hard disk from the drive and seeing if it is possible to read different sectors to see if any data can be saved. The success rate of physical inspections varies but if your data is worth the costly process it is recommended as a last resort.