We have all lost files we wish we had kept. Whether they were on your computer or on another device, such as a USB flash drive or a camera, it is often possible to get them back. One tool that can help is Recuva. If you have never used it, read on!
If the data cannot be lost, talk to people who do this every day: see how Bot’s lab data recovery works.
What is Recuva and what is it used for?
As the name suggests, Recuva is a file recovery program. In short, it scans your computer’s drives looking for deleted data that can still be restored and used again.
One of its big advantages is that it is not limited to your computer’s internal drive: you can also use it to recover files from other devices connected to it.
So if you have lost an important file on a flash drive, or a photo on a camera’s memory card, Recuva may be able to recover it. Keep in mind, however, that it cannot recover files deleted from a mobile phone’s internal storage.
If your drive was formatted recently, the files may still be recoverable: a quick format usually does not erase the data straight away, so Recuva can often find it. A full format, however, overwrites the data, and on an SSD the TRIM command usually wipes deleted blocks within seconds or minutes. In any case, stop using the drive immediately, because every new file you save can overwrite what you want to recover.
How do I recover deleted files with Recuva?
With the introductions out of the way, let’s get down to business. Here is how to recover your files with Recuva, step by step.
Getting started
To start using Recuva, follow these steps:
- Download and install Recuva, ideally on a drive other than the one you want to recover from, so you don’t overwrite the lost files. Then run the program;
- When the program offers to run the wizard, click “Next”;
- In the first window, choose which types of files you want to recover. If you are not sure, select “All files”;
- On the next screen, choose where the scan should take place. To scan a particular drive or folder, select “In a specific location”;
- On the last screen, click “Start”.
Searching for deleted files
You can run a standard scan, which is quick and looks for the most easily recoverable files. You can also tick “Enable Deep Scan”, which takes much longer but searches the drive more thoroughly.
The program also offers filters to make the process easier. If you are looking for a specific file, you can narrow the search by type (pictures, documents, and so on).
Recovering deleted files
Recovering files is simple. To make sure a file is the one you are looking for, use the “Switch to advanced mode” option, which lets you preview files and see how likely each one is to be recovered.
To recover files, select them, click “Recover” and choose where to save them. Always save them to a different drive from the one you are recovering from.
Other Recuva features
Besides recovering files, Recuva can also delete them permanently.
This lets you remove data from your computer securely and completely. Be careful, though: files that Recuva wipes this way cannot be recovered, not even by Recuva itself.
A simple, easy-to-understand interface
Recovering files can seem a little daunting if you don’t have much technical knowledge.
Recuva makes the process easier. Its interface is simple and intuitive, so almost anyone can use it without running into difficulties.
Remember, though, that there are files even Recuva cannot recover. If you can’t find what you are looking for, or if the drive is making noises or is not detected, contact a company that specializes in data recovery, such as Bot.
Recuva’s limitations
Now that you know how Recuva works, here are its main pros and cons:
Pros
- Intuitive interface;
Easy to use;
Free download.
Cons
- Few recovery options;
- No explanation for the user when a file cannot be found;
- Not available for macOS, Linux, Android or iOS.
Bot can help you recover your files
At Bot, we also help you get back important files that have been lost.
We have specialized programs and equipment for each situation and handle file recovery from hard drives and other devices. When you contact us, we quickly assess your case and give you a diagnosis that identifies the fault and whether recovery is technically feasible.
That way, you have a chance of getting back music, photos and files you thought were gone for good.
Did you find Recuva useful, or do you have questions about recovering your lost files? Get in touch with us – we will be happy to help.
