How to Undelete: That All Important File

The how to undelete process: Whether you are true expert at using the computer, or a person who is not a computer wizard, file deletion happens to the best of us. But knowing that isn't helping you recover your data. You need to know how to undelete data so that you can get to the task, right? Let's get to the point.

Time is Not on Your Side

Reread that several times, because how to undelete is one thing, but if you wait to long to do it, your file will not exist any longer. As time passes deleted files are purged, known in computerland as overwritten with new data. Let's not get too technical here. Just know you need to get started immediately after you learn how to undelete a file, or else...

How to Undelete Options

You have 4 ways to do the job. Each of these how to undelete possibilities are presented in detail below the list:

  1. The installed undelete tools loaded onto your computer
  2. "Gratis" undelete software
  3. Undelete software for sale
  4. The costly, but sometimes necessary way

Installed Undelete Tools

Operating System manufacturers have considered how to undelete data, because they built a couple of operations right into your computer. Provided a minimal amount of time has passed from the moment of accidental deletion to now - the time at which you are going to attempt an undelete - these tools that may be adequate for the task.

I get phoned consistently by people who don't know what FAT undelete is much less how to recover deleted files. So, stay with me if you think this is an absurd explanation of how to undelete: file undelete can be done by simply removing a file from the recycle bin.

If that how to undelete step didn't work, you need to use the search capabilties through the start menu. Perhaps you will get lucky to find the most recent version of your deleted file, but even if you can only recover an older version, you can edit it without having ot start all over, right?

If both of these party tricks have left you in frustration, the installed tools still may be able to accomplish the undelete task provided that the directory and sectors have not been overwritten and provided the file itself has not been fragmented. This requires...

"Gratis" Undelete Software

Yes, there are some decent, free undelete software products available on the market today. Generally, they are worth the money, but maybe not the time-cost. You decide: If you are in the learning how to undelete phase and do not mind using several of these tools over a good chunk of time, go for it. But, if time means something to you, go directly to the software menu for the most effective undelete tools.

Undelete Software Products for Sale

Dealing with how to undelete a deleted file may require that you move beyond free undelete software applications to those that require a fee to use. In the end, if the deleted file is important enough -- and it must be or you would'nt be reading this page -- the investment that you make in undelete software, and the ladder you have to climb to learn how to undelete a file is a valuable one.

Hiring a Professional

Finally, how to undelete a deleted file can include calling in a data recovery professional, especially if you are not sure about what to do, and losing your data means major financial consequences. While the pros cannot guarantee results, they know what to do and how to undelete in the owrse case scenarios.