Undelete Those Files

A Backup Article Contributed by Melissa Larose

Undelete Those Files

Undelete is similar to Undo and if it was an intuitive command would work something like a Back button. Oh well, wishful thinking at this point in software development but it was worth a try, right? Undelete refers to retrieving a file you have just deleted. It is one of those basic computer user concepts that is apparent to anyone having lost an important file. We have all been at that same spot at some point or another and that is how the recycle bin came into being.

Undelete Everything

The recycle bin is a desktop item that can relieve panic and depression because it allows you to undelete. It is akin to reaching into the trash basket to retrieve the second of five revisions of your document that are swimming together in rejection. Your recycle bin is loaded with files just begging to make a return appearance in your word processing program. Here is the glitch, what if you are a great housekeeper and you empty your recycle bin once a week? What if you need to undelete a document that you emptied? Can you still retrieve it?

The answer, fortunately for you, is yes. And if you are using a PC at home, you do not even have to call a technician to help you undelete. As long as you have your own personal data recovery plan in place you should have no problem locating that file.

Undelete Utilities

Your personal data recovery plan should include the purchase of an undelete utility software package. Take time to search the web or head up to the local computer store and take a look at what type of undelete software is offered. Undelete software packages are priced in the same range as virus software and they can save you from a good cry.

This is how they work. When you think you have truly deleted an important file and you cannot find it any where within your own means, the file is still there. The operating system marks all the files you designate as deleted and stores them somewhere on the hard drive. It references those marked files and the space they take up and when the operating system needs to install software or save new files it might reference marked files and override them with the new files.

Until that time arrives those files are there on your hard drive waiting for their curtain call. Sounds good doesn't it. You can undelete files you thought were gone forever.

Undelete utilities find those marked files, show them to you and give you the option to retrieve a file and where to retrieve it to.

Undelete Does Have a Glitch

Remember the deleted files are marked and located for the future override option your operating system insists on. But here is the glitch; you never really know when that override will happen. Once it does the file is gone, really, it can't be undeleted at this point. So here is an important rule to remember. When you realize that you have deleted a file that you truly need to undelete, stop using your computer until you retrieve it back. This is a safety precaution against the override.

Do not start installing software, do not create and save new files. You have told the system to delete and you really can't take that part back without help.