I accidentally deleted important files and need to recover them. Can anyone recommend reliable free data recovery software that they’ve used with success? Thanks!
I’ve tried a few different free data recovery tools, and I have to say, Disk Drill has been a lifesaver. It’s user-friendly, supports a wide range of file types, and most importantly, it’s effective. I managed to recover almost all my lost files with it. Just make sure to stop using the drive where you lost your files to avoid overwriting them. Good luck!
By the way, if you’re looking for more options, check out this list of Top 5 Data Recovery Software for Mac.
Agreed, @viajantedoceu, Disk Drill is pretty solid for data recovery. I’ve used it before and had similar positive results. However, for a bit of variety, I’d throw Recuva into the mix. It’s completely free and can recover files from damaged or newly formatted drives. Some find its interface a bit dated, but it often does the trick, especially if your needs are basic.
One thing to remember, like you said, is to avoid using the drive in question until you attempt the recovery—this is crucial to prevent overwriting data.
For those exploring more options, I’d also suggest taking a look at PhotoRec. Despite its name, it recovers more than just photos and supports a myriad of file formats. It’s not as user-friendly, but it’s powerful under the hood.
And for anyone seeking additional recommendations or tips, definitely check out the Data Recovery Subreddit. It’s an excellent resource for getting various user experiences and insights on the best tools and practices.
Happy recovering!
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Funny enough, while both @caminantenocturno and @viajantedoceu make excellent points about Disk Drill and Recuva, I’d throw EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard into the mix. It’s another solid option that’s quite user-friendly and effective. The free version lets you recover up to 2GB of data, which can be a lifesaver, especially if you haven’t lost too much data.
Now, talking about Disk Drill specifically, it certainly shines in a lot of areas. One of its biggest pros is its intuitive interface; you don’t have to be a tech genius to navigate it. Plus, it supports a huge array of file types and storage devices. So, whether you lost a video, document, or even a song, Disk Drill has you covered. However, on the downside, the free version only offers 500MB of data recovery, which might be a bit limiting depending on your needs.
Recuva, like @viajantedoceu pointed out, can be great for basic recovery tasks. While its interface might seem a bit vintage, it’s straightforward and gets the job done. Plus, it’s completely free, which we all love!
If you’re willing to dive a bit deeper and don’t mind a bit more complexity, PhotoRec is also a compelling choice. It’s not as visually appealing as the other options, but it’s powerful, especially for more technically inclined users.
Altogether, your best bet depends on the specifics of your situation: how much data you need to recover, how tech-savvy you are, and how important a user-friendly interface is to you. Best of luck with your data recovery efforts!