Effective Strategies to Retrieve Deleted Files from an External Hard Drive- A Comprehensive Guide
How to recover external hard drive deleted files
Losing important data from an external hard drive can be a frustrating experience. Whether it’s due to accidental deletion, formatting, or a system crash, the thought of permanently losing your cherished files can be daunting. However, with the right approach and tools, it’s possible to recover deleted files from an external hard drive. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of how to recover external hard drive deleted files and help you restore your precious data.
1. Check the Recycle Bin or Trash
The first step in recovering deleted files from an external hard drive is to check the Recycle Bin (on Windows) or Trash (on Mac). When you delete a file, it often gets moved to these temporary storage locations before being permanently deleted. To recover a file from the Recycle Bin or Trash:
– On Windows: Open the Recycle Bin, locate the deleted file, right-click on it, and select “Restore.”
– On Mac: Open the Trash, find the deleted file, right-click on it, and select “Put Back.”
If the file is not in the Recycle Bin or Trash, proceed to the next step.
2. Use File Recovery Software
File recovery software is a powerful tool that can help you recover deleted files from an external hard drive. There are many free and paid options available, but we recommend using a reputable and reliable program like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Recuva, or Disk Drill. Here’s how to use file recovery software:
1. Download and install the chosen file recovery software on your computer.
2. Connect the external hard drive to your computer.
3. Open the software and select the external hard drive as the target drive.
4. Start the scanning process. The software will search for deleted files on the external hard drive.
5. Once the scan is complete, browse through the recovered files and select the ones you want to restore.
6. Choose a location on your computer to save the recovered files and click “Recover.”
3. Restore from a Backup
If you have a backup of your external hard drive, restoring deleted files from the backup is the simplest and most straightforward method. Follow these steps:
– On Windows: Open File Explorer, navigate to the backup location, and restore the deleted files to their original location or a new folder.
– On Mac: Open the Time Machine app, select the backup you want to restore from, and locate the deleted files. Drag and drop the files back to their original location or a new folder.
4. Consult a Professional Data Recovery Service
If the above methods fail to recover your deleted files, it’s advisable to consult a professional data recovery service. These experts have advanced tools and techniques to recover data from damaged or physically corrupted external hard drives. However, this option can be expensive, so it’s best to try the other methods first.
In conclusion, recovering deleted files from an external hard drive is possible with the right approach and tools. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to restore your precious data and avoid the heartache of permanent loss.
