I accidentally deleted important files from my Mac and emptied the Trash. I need reliable disk recovery software to get them back. What are the best options out there? Any recommendations or personal experiences would be highly appreciated!
I’m skeptical about any software that claims it can fully recover your deleted files, especially after emptying the Trash. Most of them over-promise and under-deliver.
I’ve used Disk Drill before, it’s supposed to be one of the better options out there for Mac, but my experience was mixed. It has a user-friendly interface and it does recover some files, but not always the ones you actually need. Often it retrieves a bunch of corrupted files that are useless. And let’s not forget it’s kind of pricey for what it offers.
Pro:
- Simple UI
- Can recover multiple file types
- Includes extra features like data protection
Con:
- High cost
- Might not recover everything
- Some recovered files might be corrupted
There are other options like EaseUS or Data Rescue, but don’t get your hopes up too high with any of these. Always keep important files backed up to avoid this headache in the first place.
If you want to get your files back after emptying the Trash, another option that hasn’t been mentioned yet is Stellar Data Recovery. It’s pretty reliable and does a thorough job scanning the whole disk for any remnants of your deleted files. It even has the ability to create disk images and clone your hard drive, which is handy if your main concern is preserving data integrity while recovering files.
Pros:
- Deep scan feature that covers almost everything
- Can recover from unmounted drives
- Offers both a free version and a more robust paid version
Cons:
- The deep scan can take quite a while
- A bit on the expensive side for the Pro version
- The interface isn’t the most intuitive compared to others, like Disk Drill
Speaking of Disk Drill, I’d agree with @techchizkid’s mixed feelings about it. While it’s got a pretty slick interface and some cool features (that data protection thing is neat), I did find that some files come back corrupted which is a pain. Plus, it’s not cheap. But for those who want to give it a shot, you can check it out here: Download Disk Drill.
As for your other options, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is pretty user-friendly and has a high recovery rate for different file types. It has a free version, but it’s limited to recovering only 2GB of data before you have to buy it.
From my experience, the most critical thing is to stop using your Mac as soon as you realize you’ve deleted important files. Keep it powered down as much as possible to avoid overwriting the data, then run the recovery software. You’ve got a decent chance of getting your files back if you act quickly.
Backups are definitely the smartest way to avoid going through this stress. Going forward, consider using Time Machine or another backup solution, so you don’t find yourself in this headache-inducing situation again. Good luck!
Considering the back-and-forth on this topic, I’d say we have a decent range of opinions.
Regarding Disk Drill, yeah, it’s common to hear both praises and complaints. The software does have some impressive recovery capabilities but isn’t foolproof. You can find more about it here: The Ultimate Data Recovery Software for Mac & Windows.
Disk Drill’s UI is indeed user-friendly and the data protection features are definitely worth noting. However, the price can be steep, especially when the recovered files turn out to be corrupted or incomplete. Agree with @techchizkid there.
On the other hand, I’ve had positive experiences with Stellar Data Recovery. It’s extensive in its recovery approach but the interface can be a bit clunky. The deep scan might take longer, but patience pays off. It’s particularly useful if you’re looking to recover from unmounted drives.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, while also reliable and easy to use, does have that annoying 2GB limit on the free version. If you’ve got a substantial amount of data to recover, you’ll need to shell out some cash.
An often overlooked tool I’d recommend is PhotoRec. It might not have the flashiest interface and is primarily text-based, but it’s incredibly powerful and effective. It’s part of the TestDisk suite and works across multiple platforms, not to mention it’s free. The learning curve is a bit steeper compared to something like Disk Drill, but it’s worth it if you’re technically inclined.
Another software not heavily mentioned here is Prosoft Data Rescue. It’s another robust option, though it’s on the pricier side. This software is known for its thorough scans and ability to recover a variety of file types. Prosoft Data Rescue includes a cloning feature that creates a byte-for-byte backup of your drive, which ensures you don’t lose any more data in the recovery process.
Pros of Prosoft Data Rescue:
- Thorough scans covering various file types
- Includes cloning feature for extra data security
- Reliable customer support
Cons:
- Expensive compared to competitors
- Slower scan times
- Interface might not be the most intuitive
Definitely, stopping usage of your Mac immediately after realizing you’ve deleted important files is critical to maximizing recovery potential. Every operation on your disk - even browsing the web or downloading and installing recovery software - risks overwriting the deleted files, making them unrecoverable.
In terms of preventive measures, nothing beats the efficacy of keeping regular backups. Time Machine is a native macOS tool that’s easy to set up and provides scheduled backups. Pair this with a redundant external drive, and you’re golden.
It’s crucial to remember that no recovery software can guarantee 100% data recovery success, especially after emptying the Trash. The effectiveness depends on how long the files have been deleted and what activities were performed on the disk post-deletion.
Lastly, if you’re really stuck and the files are absolutely essential, it may be worth consulting a professional data recovery service. These services are more expensive, but they possess specialized equipment and expertise that go beyond what consumer software can achieve.
In sum, while tools like Disk Drill (The Ultimate Data Recovery Software for Mac & Windows), Stellar Data Recovery, and EaseUS provide valuable solutions, managing expectations is key. There will always be a trade-off between cost, recovery success, and ease of use. Always practice good digital hygiene and keep those backups current!