So many data recovery tools claim they can help you when you accidentally delete a file. However, not all data recovery tools serve the same purpose. Some are curated to target a certain file type, while others cannot handle a user’s request.
When we talk about data recovery tools, there are a lot of misconceptions that users have. One of the most common questions that every individual has is what type of files can be recovered using a data recovery tool.
To answer this question and bring the truth to light, we decided to dive into the world of data recovery. We can give you an appropriate answer to questions like Are all deleted files recoverable? What type of files can be recovered? And more importantly, do these data recovery tools work?
So without further ado, let’s take up all three questions one-by-one and finish and debunk the misconceptions.
Are all Deleted Files Recoverable?
Yes, all the files you deleted accidentally or on purpose but now want back can be recovered. However, there are certain conditions to it.
You see, the process of recovering a deleted file depends on three factors –
1. When was the file deleted?
It is really important to understand that a complete file structure is being followed in your storage. When a file is deleted, it leaves a residue that can be revived using a recovery algorithm. However, this residue keeps fading over time.
It means the more time you have lost, the fewer chances the file can be revived.
2. Has there been overwriting of the storage after the file was deleted?
The disk drive you use has a certain array of blocks to store data. When you remove something from that block, it is vacant, but the residue (as mentioned above) is still there. Now, when new files are copied on the drive, there are chances that the block that belonged to the removed file might get overwritten.
Once the block is overwritten, the residue of the file that could be used for recovery is gone, so you might be able to recover a file, but it might be broken.
3. What type of tool/algorithm is being used to retrieve the data?
Last but not least, the tool you use to recover a file plays a crucial role. You can run set algorithms on your devices to recover deleted files. However, manually an average user can’t run. Hence, the best way is to use a tool that does your job.
The best example of one such application is Advanced File Recovery which we have talked more about in the upcoming sections!
If these 3 factors entice you to learn more about how data recovery works and whether all files are recoverable, check out our detailed research paper on the technology.
All deleted files can be recovered if all three factors fit you!
What Type of Files Can Be Recovered?
Now that we have established whether files can be recovered, the next question that arises in the minds of the user is what type of files can be recovered.
Well, that depends on the tool that you are going to use. Some allow you to recover deleted files just then, while others go a level beyond and provide data recovery support for older files as well. Some might allow you to recover dedicated format files, while others allow you to recover all sorts of files.
For instance, let’s take an example of an Advanced File Recovery tool. The tool allows you to recover 1000+ file formats and supports all 6 types of files, including –
- Documents
- Image Files
- Video Files
- Audio Files
- Archive Files
- Application Files
More importantly, the tool can recover files you might have deleted under any circumstance from any device. The tool supports –
1. Deleted Files Recovery: The files that you have manually deleted, irrespective of knowingly or unknowingly, can be recovered using the Advanced File Recovery tool.
2. Formatted Drive Recovery: When you format a drive but then remember that there were some files you did not want to remove, you can use Advanced File Recovery to recover those files.
3. External Drive Recovery: If you have deleted a file from an external drive such as an external SSD, USB flash drive, or any other storage device, the tool allows you to recover files.
4. Lost Data Recovery: By chance, if your PC crashed and you had to format all of it due to an emergency, you can utilize the application and recover the same as long as the drive you are using remains the same.
Do All Data Recovery Tools Work? Which One Should You Go For?
There have been incidents reported by users where a tool was doing nothing but showing fake processing of recovering files. So clearly, it can not be said that all the tools work. However, there are so many tools in the market that work just as they boast to.
If you are looking for a data recovery tool, remember that not everything that shines is gold. You have to analyze your use case and what type of files you might have to recover. Not all the tools are the same, and neither have proof of concept.
To help all our readers find the perfect tool, we recommend using Advanced File Recovery as a go-to tool for file recovery.
Here’s how the tool works –
Step 1 – Download the setup file and install Advanced File Recovery from the link below –
Step 2 – Launch the tool, and you will find the home screen asking you to select the source of the file you want to recover. You can select either the hard drive you want to scan for a deleted file or connect a USB storage device for the same.
Step 3 – After selecting the source, you can select the file you want to recover. It can be of any format out of the listed ones. You can mark the types of files you want in your results.
Step 4 – After selecting the file source and typing, click Start Scan to initiate the process.
Step 5 – Let the scan run and finish. This scan will help the tool find all the deleted files from the source as per the formats you have selected.
Step 6 – After the scan, you get a complete view of all the files found. You can click on the file to preview it as well!
Step 7 – Once you have chosen the files to recover, click the Recover Now button. When you press the recovery button, you can find the file explorer to select the source where the file should be saved after recovery. Select the folder, and the process will begin.
Step 8 – The recovery process will begin. Hold on, as the process might take some time.
Step 9 – Once the process ends, you can find a summary of all the recovered files in tabular format.
Voila! All your files were automatically recovered by the tool. You can open the folder and find all the recovered files quickly.
With that, we have reached the end of this post! I hope this clarifies all your doubts about how recovery tools work and, more importantly, helps you choose a tool that works and does it all.
Let us know your experience with file recovery tools in our comments section below! Thanks for reading, Good luck!
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