Archive for February 2011
Recover files from a damaged Blu-Ray, DVD or CD
If you have files, movies or data damaged on a Blu-Ray, DVD or CD, try CD Recovery ToolBox. CD Recovery ToolBox can recover files over 4 GB in size thus reducing loss of your files.
Can’t copy a file because your hard drive is damaged?
Over a period of time your hard drive may begin developing bad sectors or bad blocks. Roadkil has a possible solution for you if you are afraid you are going to lose the data. Unstoppable Copier copies your files to an alternate drive.
Recover Lost Files
Power Data Recovery is free for home users. Recover deleted files or even if the hard drive has been formatted. Very simple to use, this software is installed and files can be undeleted within minutes.
Recover deleted files with Undelete 360
Have you ever emptied the recycle bin and thought “Why did I just do that?” Undelete 360 is another recovery tool to help you manage your lost files. (see our article on other great freeware that undeletes files) This little 2 mb download is powerful enough to help you retrieve files you’ve deleted. Remember if you delete a file – stop – don’t use other programs or defrag or clean your computer. Run your recovery software.
Got a Mac? Use Disk Drill to undelete files.
Data Recovery Freeware Roundup
It will happen. As a home user, you will probably accidentally delete a file or picture and empty the recycle bin. With several applications available for a home user, you may be able to retrieve the file.
- Do NOT defrag your computer
- Do NOT install any additional software
- Do NOT use the internet
- Do NOT recover to the same drive where lost files are
- Avoid using your computer until you can run one of the software applications below-
DiskDigger – An excellent application that has a high recovery rate, DiskDigger does not require an installation. DiskDigger can be carried on your jump drive for data recovery.
Pandora – Another excellent program that allows for the recovery of all forms of data on your computer. Pandora has an excellent recovery rate and can find almost any lost file. Be careful during the installation not to accept the homepage change and search engine change. Pandora’s wizard makes it a snap for the novice user. During this test Pandora found 43 deleted files (Several were marked as not recoverable) – 3 Recoverable
Recuva – A good program that also allows for the recovery of data. Made by the same people who offer CCleaner, Recuva is freeware . Watch for a toolbar installer. During this test Recuva found 15 deleted files – 1 Recoverable
EASEUS – EASEUS requiring a little more skill, is a good recovery program. EASEUS found 14 deleted files – 3 Recoverable
PC SmartRecovery – This software is one of the best utilities to scan memory cards and cameras for lost pictures. Absolutely one of the best software applications for this recovery type.
While each of these programs have primarily the same features, I found that each could recover the same files and each application found different files than its competitor.
So which should you use? All of them. They are all good tools to have readily available in the event you delete something you shouldn’t have.
Undelete files with NTFS Undelete and other tools
Have you deleted a file on your computer and you really need it back? NTFS Undelete is a powerful software that allows you to restore many if not all of the files you deleted. Freeware, NTFS Undelete is one of many software packages that are free and one of the best to find your missing files.
Another one of the best undelete programs is DiskDigger. Other good tools to use. PCinspector, Pandora, Avira and smartrecovery for flashdrives. Remember, if you think you deleted something, STOP. Don’t run your computer anymore than you have to and recover on another drive or flash/thumbdrive to avoid writing over deleted files. Also remember that some of these applications have to be installed on your computer. This alone can destroy the erased data. DiskDigger can be ran from a flashdrive thus increasing your chances.
