Do Window Views Aid Recovery?
In this digital age, where data is as vital as oxygen, the loss of valuable files or folders can feel akin to a catastrophe. Whether it’s due to a system crash, accidental deletion, or malware attack, the loss of your window data files can be devastating. However, just as the calming sight of nature through a window can aid in physical recovery, so can a different type of ‘window’ aid in data recovery. This window isn’t made of glass, but of lines of code. We’re talking about the Windows Operating System, and its hidden treasures – file recovery options. In the following sections, we will explore how to harness these options to restore your deleted data and get your digital world back on track.
Utilizing the Restore Option in Windows
The Restore option in Windows is a built-in feature that can help you recover your lost files. It’s akin to a time machine, allowing you to go back to a point where your files were safe and intact. Here we will discuss in detail how to use this feature.
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To begin with, access the system restore settings by typing ‘restore’ into the search bar. This will lead you to the ‘Recovery’ option under System Settings. Once you click on it, the system restore window will open on your screen.
From here, select ‘Open System Restore’ and a wizard will guide you through the process. The system will display a list of available restore points. These are the points at which your system was working fine without any lost files. Choose the latest one, click ‘Next’ and then ‘Finish’.
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Keep in mind that using system restore will not affect personal files, but it will remove apps, drivers, and updates installed after the restore point was created.
Recovering Deleted Files from the Recycle Bin
Just as people often find discarded items of value in real-world trash bins, the Recycle Bin in Windows can often be a treasure trove of accidentally deleted files. Let’s dive into the simple process of recovering these files.
Firstly, double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop. This will open the bin and reveal any files or folders that have been deleted. Once you’ve located the file you wish to recover, right-click on it, then select ‘Restore’.
The file will then magically reappear in its original location before deletion. However, if you can’t find your deleted file in the Recycle Bin, don’t lose hope. It simply means it’s time to engage a more advanced recovery method.
Employing a Data Recovery App
When all else fails, a third-party data recovery app can often be your saviour. These apps are designed to scour your drive deeply, hunting for any remnant of files that can be restored.
To use one, download a reliable data recovery app from the internet. Once installed, open the app and select the type of data you wish to recover such as images, documents, or videos. Next, select the location or drive where the lost files were originally stored. Hit ‘Scan’ and allow the app to work its magic.
After scanning, the app will present a list of recoverable files. Select the files you wish to restore and click ‘Recover’. The files will then be restored to your chosen location. Remember to save them to a different location from the original to prevent data overwriting.
Using File History to Restore Files
File History is a nifty feature in Windows that keeps a record of all changes made to files and allows you to revert back to a previous version if needed. We’ll guide you on how to tap into this feature for file recovery.
First, type ‘Control Panel’ into the search bar and open the application. In the Control Panel window, select ‘Save backup copies of your files with File History’ under System and Security. Choose the ‘Restore personal files’ option on the next screen.
Here, you’ll see all the files in your most recent backup. Use the arrows at the bottom to browse through different versions of your files. Once you find the version you wish to restore, select it and click the ‘Restore’ button.
Using Windows Backup for Recovery
Last but not least, if you’ve been proactive and created backups of your data using the Windows Backup feature, you’re in luck. We’ll walk you through how to retrieve your precious data from these backups.
Open the ‘Control Panel’, choose ‘System and Settings’, then ‘Backup and Restore (Windows 7)’. On the next screen, click ‘Restore my files’.
The ‘Browse for Files’ or ‘Browse for Folders’ option will let you choose the files or folders you want to recover from your backup. Once you’ve made your selection, click ‘Next’, choose a location for the restored files, and then click ‘Restore’ to bring your files back from digital oblivion. Remember to save them in a different location than the original to prevent data overwriting.
Harnessing the Recovery Drive Option in Windows
In cases where your PC won’t start or function correctly, the Recovery Drive option comes to your rescue. This feature allows you to boot from a recovery drive to access troubleshooting and system recovery tools. Let’s talk about how to create and use this recovery drive.
First things first, plug a USB flash drive into your computer. Make sure it has enough space for a recovery drive. To begin creating the recovery drive, type ‘create recovery drive’ into the search box and select the matching option. In the window that opens, make sure ‘Back up system files to the recovery drive’ is checked and click ‘Next’.
Select your USB drive from the list of available drives and then click ‘Next’ again. Follow the prompts to create your recovery drive. Once you have the recovery drive, you can use it to fix your PC.
To use a recovery drive when your PC can’t start, plug it into your PC and turn your PC on. Use the Boot Menu to select the recovery drive as your boot device. This will start the Windows Recovery Environment, where you can access Advanced options for system recovery.
Reverting to a Previous Version of a File
Sometimes, you may lose data not because a file was deleted, but because it was modified or overwritten. In such situations, the ‘Previous Versions’ feature in Windows can be a lifesaver. It allows you to revert to an older version of the file. Here is how you can utilize this feature.
Find and right-click on the file or folder in question in File Explorer. Select ‘Restore previous versions’. In the new window that opens, you will see a list of available previous versions of the file. These versions are either backup copies made by Windows Backup or previous versions saved by File History.
Select the version you want from the list and click ‘Open’ to view it and make sure it’s the version you want. If it is, close the file and, in the ‘Previous Versions’ window, click ‘Restore’.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the loss of personal files can be a distressing experience. However, the Windows operating system provides various built-in features to aid in data recovery, such as the System Restore, Recycle Bin, Recovery Drive, and previous versions feature. By understanding how to effectively utilize these features, you can greatly reduce the risk of permanent data loss and keep your digital world intact.
Moreover, the use of third-party data recovery apps and regular backups of your data, either through the File History feature or the Windows Backup feature, can further secure your data. With these tools and features at your disposal, you can confidently navigate the digital realm knowing that your valuable data files are protected.