Hey, totally get your frustration. Deleting important video files can be a real nightmare. I see where @techchizkid is coming from - these recovery programs can be hit and miss.
But let’s break it down a bit more. First off, yes, Disk Drill (https://cleverfiles.com/lp/data-recovery-software.html) is one of the more popular choices out there. It does have a user-friendly interface and supports a ton of file types. That said, don’t go in expecting it to be a magic bullet.
One key thing to remember with any recovery software is to stop using the drive where the deleted files were. This reduces the risk of overwriting the data, which can make recovery impossible.
Now, if you’re looking to give Disk Drill a go, here’s what to expect:
- Ease of Use: It’s straightforward for most users, so even if you’re not super tech-savvy, you should be able to navigate through it.
- Scan Options: It offers quick scan and deep scan. Quick scan is for recently deleted files, while deep scan dives a bit deeper. The latter takes more time but is often more effective.
- Preview Before Recovery: You get to see which files can be recovered before committing to the process - handy to avoid wasting time on a lost cause.
But yeah, as @techchizkid said, the free version is limited. The premium version unlocks more features and definitely boosts your recovery potential. Annoying, but it is what it is.
Moving on from Disk Drill, let’s talk about some other options:
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Recuva: Also mentioned, Recuva is from the makers of CCleaner. It’s free but can occasionally be frustrating. It’s simple and good for a first try. The deep scan can sometimes take forever and the interface isn’t as polished as Disk Drill.
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EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: This one’s pretty robust but kinda pricey for what it offers. It’s got a clean UI and decent success rate, but like Disk Drill, don’t expect all files to come back perfectly intact. The deep scan here is also very time-consuming.
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PhotoRec: If you’re up for a challenge, this is an open-source tool. It doesn’t have a graphical interface (yeah, it’s all command-line). It supports a wide variety of file formats but is not user-friendly. Great for geeks, though.
From experience, the success of recovery often depends on:
- The time elapsed since deletion.
- Whether you used the drive heavily since the file deletion.
- The physical health of your drive.
Top Tips:
- Once the files are deleted, keep the drive as still as possible.
- Try more than one tool if the first doesn’t work; different algorithms can yield different results.
- Keep realistic expectations. Even the best tools can struggle with severely corrupted or fragmented files.
DIY pro tip: If the files are super critical and nothing works, consider contacting a professional data recovery service. This is usually pricey but has the best chance of recovering your data.
In the end, Disk Drill might be a good starting point given its balance between ease of use and function. If nothing, @techchizkid’s experience doesn’t seem too far off the mark - some files may come back, some may not. Just don’t put all your eggs in one basket and keep a backup solution handy for the future.