Tech tips -
So you deleted a file and it went to your recycle bin. You emptied your recycle bin and low and behold, you suddenly realize you needed that file.
Oh well, you think to yourself, that file is gone for ever, right? Not necessarily.
The guys at Piriform have written some pretty cool software called Recuva that can recover deleted files even after they have been emptied form the recycle bin. This software can also recover deleted files from usb sticks, mp3 players, iPods and digital camera cards. It may also work to restore files from failed hard drives and even those that have been formatted.
Recuva may not be able to recover every file. It cannot recover files if Windows has written something else in that same space on the drive. Because of the way it works, using the Master File Table (MFT), files that have been on your computer for a long time are more likely recoverable than those freshly created.
So, now that I have you interested. You can get this software (totally free) at www.recuva.com . Click the download link to go to filehippo.com and then click the "Download the Latest Version" link on the right side of the web page. The executable is just a little over 3 MB. Installation is a breeze, just remember to uncheck the Yahoo toolbar option if you don't want it on your computer.
Using this software is really straightforward. The first time you run Recuva, the wizard will start. If you wish, you can click cancel here to move to the advanced features.
Choose the type of files you want it to search for such as pictures or documents. Choose "other" to search for all file types. The next screen will give you the option of limiting what area of your computer to search. Choose "I'm not sure" to search everywhere.
A quick scan of my C:\ drive found 6,547 deleted files in 26 seconds. Recoverable files are easily recognized by a green dot. Orange dots mean that the file may or may not be recoverable and the state like "poor chance" will be listed. Red dots mean the file can't be recovered by the software. Previews are also available for some file types.
Look, even if you don't have a file you need recovering, you should download this software and scan you hard drive. Call it an educational exercise. You will be shocked to see just how much stuff you wanted to delete, like your temporary internet files and surfing history, is still hanging out on your drive. It might give you a security wake-up call.
If nothing else, this software is another way the wife can find out what you have really been up to on the internet.
toddmusseau@gmail.com
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