Deleted documents, photographs and folders may still be recoverable, but what you do next matters. Even routine computer use can overwrite space previously occupied by deleted files.
Check the simplest locations first
Look in the Recycle Bin on Windows or Trash on macOS, and check the original folder for accidental moves or renamed files. If you use OneDrive or another cloud service, check its web-based recycle bin and version history from a trusted device. These checks are often less risky than scanning the affected drive.
Understand overwriting and SSD TRIM
On traditional hard drives, deletion may remove the file's directory entry before the actual data is overwritten. SSDs frequently use TRIM, which can make deleted data unavailable much sooner. There is no guaranteed recovery window for either type of device.
What if you formatted the drive?
A quick format, a full format and a new operating-system installation can affect recoverability differently. Tell the technician exactly what happened, whether the drive is an HDD or SSD, and what changes were made afterward. Don't run additional repairs just to see whether files reappear.
What information should you bring?
Write down the file types and approximate folders, when the deletion occurred, whether backups exist, and whether the device has any physical problems. Recovery work may require a separate healthy destination drive for recovered files.
Computer Hospital data recovery
We can discuss recovery options and assess whether the device should be imaged before further work. Results depend on the media condition and what has been overwritten. Learn about our Data Recovery service.
Computer Hospital · Houston since 1986
Need help with this issue?
Bring us the symptoms and the steps already tried. We can discuss an appropriate evaluation and explain your service options before any paid work begins.