Whoops! Didn’t mean to delete that, did you? We’ve all found ourselves having accidentally deleted something important. Below, we’ll review how – with any luck – you might be able to restore this data.
We’ll go over a few practices that you should follow if you ever find yourself suspecting that a crucial file may have been deleted.
Step One to Restoring Data
Stop Creating More Data
When a file is deleted, it usually isn’t deleted immediately. Instead, it’s only hidden. However, as you create and download more files and data, these deleted files are the ones that are overwritten by these new files. Therefore, you will want to avoid installing any software, streaming media, or downloading anything. Your files might not be overwritten if you do, but they could be, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and avoid the situation entirely.
Step Two
Check the Recycle Bin/Deleted Items
Unless you’ve deleted the contents of the Recycle Bin after deleting your file, there’s a decent chance that you’ll be able to find it there. This is simplified by the Search Recycle Bin option, as well as your ability to take its contents and Sort by Date Deleted.
If your file was stored in a cloud storage service, you can check your cloud’s deleted files and potentially restore your file from there.
Step Three to Restoring Data
Check That the File Wasn’t Just Misplaced
Chances may be slim, but you may have just misfiled whatever it is you’re trying to find. This is where the File Explorer’s Search function really shines. Before you do anything else, check to see that the file wasn’t just moved by searching for it. You may just luck out and find it.
Step Four to Restoring Data
Turn to Your Backup Solution
Of course, if you’ve committed to maintaining a backup solution that subscribes to best practices, you should be able to restore your deleted file from there. While backup solutions are commonly associated with disaster-level data restoration needs, they are just as invaluable in less-cataclysmic situations. Such as when a file is deleted accidentally.
If your business needs a backup solution, reach out to the professionals at WheelHouse IT.
Call (877) 771-2384 to learn more.
