Losing important files on your Windows PC can be stressful, but making mistakes with file recovery methods can make things worse. Many users, whether beginners or experts, fall into common traps when attempting to restore deleted or lost files. Understanding these pitfalls and using the right recovery techniques can make a significant difference. In this article, you’ll learn the best practices for file recovery, real-world scenarios, and actionable steps suitable for all experience levels.
Why Is File Recovery Mistakenly Handled?
Windows users often underestimate how complex file recovery can be. Whether files are lost due to accidental deletion, drive formatting, corruption, or malware, the urgency to recover them can lead to hasty decisions. Unfortunately, some of these actions can permanently overwrite data, making recovery impossible. Let’s explore how to avoid these common mistakes.
Beginner Section: What Are the Basic Mistakes and How Can You Avoid Them?
Mistake 1: Immediately Installing Recovery Software on the Same Drive
Example: You deleted a folder from the Documents directory, then downloaded recovery software and saved it to the C: drive. Doing this risks overwriting the very files you hope to rescue.
Actionable Advice: Download and install recovery tools such as Glary Utilities on a different drive or, ideally, use a USB stick. Glary Utilities includes a File Recovery feature that lets you scan specific drives without jeopardizing lost data.
Mistake 2: Not Checking the Recycle Bin or File History
Example: A file is missing from your desktop, and you jump straight to third-party recovery tools without checking the obvious places.
Actionable Advice:
1. Open the Recycle Bin and look for your file. Right-click and select Restore if you find it.
2. If your files are stored in Documents, right-click the folder, select Properties, then the Previous Versions tab. Windows File History might have a backup.
Mistake 3: Continuing to Use the Computer Normally
Every time you write new files to your drive, Windows might overwrite the space where deleted files reside. This drastically lowers the chances of successful recovery.
Actionable Advice: As soon as you notice data loss, minimize computer use until you’ve attempted recovery.
Advanced Section: Are You Overlooking These Pro Techniques?
Mistake 4: Using Quick Scans Only
Many recovery tools offer both quick and deep scans. Quick scans are faster but may miss files, especially after formatting or partition changes.
Pro Tip: With Glary Utilities’ File Recovery module, always run a Deep Scan for more thorough results. Deep Scan takes longer but can locate files that regular scans overlook.
Mistake 5: Ignoring File System Type and Drive Health
Certain file systems (NTFS, FAT32, exFAT) handle deletion differently. Additionally, if your drive is failing (bad sectors, clicking noises), simple software solutions may not help.
Actionable Advice:
– Check your drive’s file system by right-clicking it in File Explorer > Properties.
– For physically failing drives, stop using the drive immediately and consider professional data recovery services.
Mistake 6: Recovering Files to the Same Partition
Recovering files to the same drive/partition can cause overwrites.
Pro Tip: Always recover files to a different drive or external storage to maximize recovery success.
Real-World Example
Imagine you accidentally formatted the D: drive containing family photos. You panic and start downloading recovery tools onto D:, reducing your chances. Instead, you should:
1. Stop using the D: drive immediately.
2. Install Glary Utilities on the C: drive or a USB stick.
3. Launch its File Recovery tool, select D: for scanning, and use Deep Scan.
4. Save any recovered photos to C: or an external drive.
Advanced Recovery: Shadow Copies and Previous Versions
Windows Professional editions sometimes keep shadow copies—hidden backups of files.
How to Access:
1. Right-click the folder where files were lost, choose Properties, and go to Previous Versions.
2. Browse through available versions and restore necessary files.
If this option is unavailable, it means no shadow copies exist, or System Protection was disabled.
Bonus: Prevent Future Data Loss with Glary Utilities
Glary Utilities isn’t just for file recovery. Use its Disk Cleanup and Backup features to regularly clear junk and create backups. This proactive approach reduces the risk of permanent loss in the future.
Conclusion
File recovery in Windows is a nuanced process. Avoiding common mistakes—like writing to the same drive, skipping deep scans, or overlooking built-in tools—can dramatically improve your chances of restoring lost files. For both beginners and advanced users, tools like Glary Utilities provide a comprehensive, user-friendly solution for file recovery and ongoing system maintenance. Remember: act quickly, minimize drive activity, and always recover files to a safe location. Preventative habits today can save your data tomorrow.