How do I lock my recently deleted files? This is a common concern for many users who accidentally delete important documents or photos and want to prevent them from being permanently erased. Whether you’re using a Windows, macOS, or Linux operating system, there are several methods you can employ to lock recently deleted files and ensure they remain safe until you can recover them.
In this article, we will explore various techniques to lock recently deleted files, including using file recovery software, command-line tools, and built-in system features. By following these steps, you can protect your deleted files and increase your chances of recovering them before they are lost forever.
1. Using File Recovery Software
The first method to lock your recently deleted files is by utilizing file recovery software. These programs are designed to scan your computer’s storage and restore deleted files. Here are some popular file recovery tools you can try:
– Recuva: A user-friendly file recovery tool that supports various file formats and operating systems.
– EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: An all-in-one data recovery solution with a high success rate in retrieving deleted files.
– Disk Drill: A powerful data recovery tool that offers both free and paid versions, with additional features like disk health monitoring.
To use file recovery software, follow these steps:
1. Download and install the chosen file recovery tool.
2. Launch the program and select the drive where your deleted files were located.
3. Start the scanning process and wait for the program to identify deleted files.
4. Once the scan is complete, select the recently deleted files you want to recover and click the “Recover” button.
5. Choose a safe location to save the recovered files, and wait for the process to finish.
2. Using Command-Line Tools
If you’re comfortable using the command line, you can also employ certain tools to lock recently deleted files. One such tool is the “undelete” command in Windows. Here’s how to use it:
1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: `chkdsk /f /r`
3. Wait for the disk scanning process to complete.
4. Once the scan is finished, try to recover your deleted files using file recovery software or by navigating to the Recycle Bin.
For Linux users, you can use the “undelete” command in the `extundelete` tool. Here’s how to do it:
1. Install the `extundelete` tool using your package manager (e.g., `sudo apt-get install extundelete`).
2. Open the terminal and navigate to the directory containing the deleted files.
3. Run the following command: `extundelete /path/to/directory`
4. Select the files you want to recover and use the “recover” option.
5. Save the recovered files to a safe location.
3. Using Built-in System Features
Some operating systems offer built-in features to lock recently deleted files. For example, Windows users can use the “Previous Versions” feature to restore files from a previous restore point. Here’s how to do it:
1. Right-click on the file or folder you want to recover and select “Restore previous versions.”
2. A window will appear, displaying available restore points.
3. Select the desired restore point and click “Restore” to recover the file.
On macOS, you can use the “Time Machine” feature to restore deleted files. Here’s how:
1. Open the Time Machine application from the dock or menu bar.
2. Navigate to the date when the file was still available.
3. Click on the file and drag it to your desktop or a desired location to restore it.
In conclusion, locking recently deleted files is essential to prevent permanent data loss. By using file recovery software, command-line tools, and built-in system features, you can increase your chances of recovering your deleted files before they are lost forever. Remember to act quickly, as the more you use your computer, the higher the risk of overwriting the deleted files.
