How to Recover Deleted Files

Accidental data loss as a result of users’ mistakes is quite common issue. Thanks to OS X Time Machine mechanism they should not worry about this. Chances to recover deleted files are still high. If you have time machine configured you can easily retreive your lost files even if the trash was already emptied. All necessary steps and instructions for Time Machine are in this support article:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201250

Time machine is your very first choice. Make sure you know the exact location and the approximate time when the lost file was created. In order to restore it enter Time Machine from the application folder or click on the icon on the menu bar at the top.

In Time Machine window choose the place where deleted file was located. In my case I have removed it from the Desktop. You can easily navigate to other locations the same way as you usually do in Finder window. Using the time scale on the right sight see the files as they were on that folder on certain date. Find the file you need and click “Restore”. Moreover you may preview the file to make sure it is the one you need. To do this just click on the file and press space bar.

Once you click on “Restore” the file lands in the place it was originally located in. Open it to make sure important info is safe.

In my case the content of this file is completely restored. Many thanks to Time Machine for a great job. This application is perfect but what about users without external drive used for a backup? Is there any chance to recover deleted files and important info? In this case users may try third party recovery tools. They are not perfect and you do not have 100% guarantee to get your info back but it still worth to try if you need it. New files created on your Mac overwrite the old ones. That is why chances to restore your lost data depends on when the accidental removal has happened.

There is vast choice of recovery tools on the market. I have tested some of them on random basis on my own risk.

Disk Drill Media Recovery

With the help of this application you can restore your lost files. When you launch the application for the first time welcome screen of Disk Drill utility presents user guideline. It allows you to learn basics of this application and data recovery process. There are two scanning options: Quick scan and Deep scan. Quick scan allows to recover recently deleted files. Deep scan increases the chances to recover data deleted months ago. This scan is pretty slow and usually takes a while. Unfortunately even this deep scan option it does not give you 100% guarantee that file you are looking for will be recovered correctly. I am the lucky one because I managed to recover my lost document. Unfortunately it did not have the original name. Application available on the AppStore or manufacturer’s website::

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/disk-drill-media-recovery/id431224317?mt=12

http://www.cleverfiles.com/

Data Recovery Druid

Easy to use application with free demo trial. Select the volume you have removed the file from. Click on scan and be patient. Usually recovery scan takes some time. It depends on the amount of deleted data. After the scan it shows the list of files that can be recovered. They are all sorted by formats. Recovering procedure is always time consuming. Original file name is not always saved that is why users should browse, scroll down the list to find the one you they are looking for. Fortunately, preview option is available and you may estimate your chance to recover the file with all its content. Finally click on “Recover” and check the result. Though this application has free trial it requires the registration to retrieve your lost file. This app is available on the AppStore and on developer’s website:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/data-recovery-druid/id511515484?mt=12

http://macosxfilerecovery.com/datarecoveryproducts/data-recovery-guru/

Softtote Data Recovery Free

This small application gives users a chance to retrieve their lost files. Unfortunately free version has limited functionality(you may only recover files with bmp, jpg,png, tif and mp3 extension). I was not able to retrieve my lost document however I have removed one of the screenshots recently and successfully recovered it. When you launch this application for the first time the window with all volumes appears. Select the volume where lost file was located. Run a scan and be patient. If you see the file you’ve been looking for on the list click “Recover” button. This Application is available on the App Store and manufacturer’s website:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/data-recovery-free/id509071310?mt=12

http://www.softtote.com/data-recovery-free-for-mac.html

You never know when data loss may happen. It is up to you to decide whether to be assured your important info is safe with Time Machine backup or use third party recovery tools post factum. I would like to point out that I have used all aforementioned applications at my own risk. Even though recovery process is time consuming it never gives you 100% guarantee to get your files back.