It's a popular misconception with novice Windows users that once one deletes a file from the recycle bin, it's unrecoverable, gone forever; if you haven't let a significant amount of time elapse since deleting the file from the recycle bin, you may still be in luck.

The process of deleting files from your computer does not work exactly like throwing things into a trash compactor from where they cannot be ever mended back. Actually, the main thing you need to know is that Windows assigns a particular amount of memory and a physical space on your hard drives for your data. If the system has not yet written something else over that particular space, after you commanded the deletion, then there is a chance to take it back. The only question that remains is: how?

Where's my File?

This is far too common. Renaming files, misplacing them, or deleting them by accident happen to every computer user and it can be very disturbing news when important documents are involved. Before purchasing specific data recovery software, we will give you some easy tips on how to find your lost files using the tools that you already have.

We explained earlier that Windows assigns memory from every bit and piece of data on your computer memory. Even if a file is deleted, the allocated memory space remains occupied by that data until it is required for other information. So, when you discover the disaster, stop any program that needs Windows to write data on hard drive.

Then, make use of the Search tool from Windows. If you remember the name of the file, or at least part of it, there is a chance that Windows will track your document down and return it to you safe and sound. Once found, do not let it there, make a backup and store it on an USB drive or a DVD for more safety.

Out of Luck? Don't Despair

So, you've scoured your hard drive with Windows Search and have come up empty. It may be time to bring in the big guns. If you query Google, you'll find scads of file recovery utilities, alongside the supposedly more reputable pay-before-you-own programs. One example, FreeUndelete, may be just what you need to get your file back; it's interface is clean, simple, easy to use, and it's clean from the nasty, groping tendrils of spyware and adware!

Bring Back Your Data From The Grave - Accidental Hard Drive Formatting

It happens. Just after you have formatted your hard drive, you remember that you have forgotten to get some important data from it. This is not as easy; this problem is more complex than the one presented earlier and, therefore, requires a power tool capable of getting your data back from the grave. File Scavenger, for only $49USD, is the software you need. It has the powers of its most expensive challengers, but it does not cause you to break the bank.

Code Red Alert: Crashing Down Hard Drive

Is scan disk showing you bad clusters? Do you get any strange errors when you try to save data on your hard drive? Is Windows behaving erratically? Those are the signs of a hard drive living its last moments. Don't waste time! Backup! Backup everything you think you may need from it! Make copies on another hard drive or write down important data on USB pen drives or even CD-R's or DVD's. This will save you, and your precious data, as well.