How can I retrieve lost files from my USB drive?

Data Recovery
1

My USB suddenly stopped showing any files after I transferred a bunch of documents. I didn’t have a backup and I need those files for an upcoming project. Any tips or tools for recovery?

2

If your USB drive suddenly stopped showing files after a transfer, it’s possible that the files are still there but have become hidden or the file system is corrupted. There are a few steps and tools you can try to retrieve your lost files. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the recovery process:

1. Check Visibility of Files

First things first, sometimes files might become hidden due to a system glitch:

  1. Connect your USB drive to your computer.
  2. Open File Explorer.
  3. Click on the View tab.
  4. Check the Hidden items box in the Show/hide section.

2. Try Another USB Port or Computer

Switch USB ports or try a different computer. Sometimes the issue might be with the specific port or system.

3. Run a Virus Scan

Malware or viruses can sometimes cause files to disappear:

  1. Plug in your USB drive.
  2. Run a full scan using your antivirus software.

4. Command Prompt Method

To recover hidden files using Command Prompt:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type cmd and press Enter.
  3. Enter the following command:
    attrib -h -r -s /s /d X:\*.*
    Replace X with the letter of your USB drive.
  4. Press Enter.

5. Use a Data Recovery Software

If the above steps don’t work, you might need to use dedicated data recovery software. One highly recommended tool is Disk Drill. Here’s how you can use it:

Disk Drill Screenshot
Disk Drill Soft1536×902 243 KB

  1. Download and Install Disk Drill
    Go to Disk Drill and download the software. Follow the installation instructions.

  2. Launch Disk Drill
    Open the program once it’s installed.

  3. Select Your USB Drive
    In the list of drives, find your USB drive and select it.

  4. Start Scanning
    Click on the Search for lost data button.

  5. Recover Files
    After the scan completes, you’ll see a list of recoverable files. Select the ones you need and click Recover. Make sure to save the recovered files to a different drive to avoid overwriting.

6. Using Free Versions of Data Recovery Software

If you’re looking for a free solution, there are free versions of data recovery tools with some limitations:

  • Recuva: Another good tool, though not as powerful as Disk Drill.
  • PhotoRec: A bit more technical, but it can recover a wide range of file formats without cost.

7. Check the Drive for Errors

Corrupt file systems can sometimes be fixed with built-in tools:

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Right-click on your USB drive and select Properties.
  3. Go to the Tools tab.
  4. Click Check under Error checking.

8. Using Linux to Access Files

If you’re technically inclined, booting from a Linux live USB can sometimes help access corrupted drives:

  1. Create a bootable Linux USB using a tool like Rufus.
  2. Boot your computer from the Linux USB.
  3. Open the file manager and locate your USB drive to check for files.

9. Professional Data Recovery Services

If nothing works and the data is critical, consider using a professional data recovery service. It’s an expensive option, but sometimes it’s the only way.

Final Thoughts

Always back up important files to more than one location to avoid this kind of trouble in the future. External hard drives, cloud storage, or even a second USB can be lifesavers. And if you ever face this issue again, having software like Disk Drill on standby is always a good idea.

3

You know, byteguru covered a lot of good ground there, but let me throw in a few extra tips and an alternative approach that might work for you.

1. Check for Hardware Issues

USB drives themselves can sometimes encounter physical issues. Before diving deep into software-based solutions, gently try bending the USB plug just a bit when connected. Sometimes a slightly bent connector can disrupt the data transfer.

2. Restart in Safe Mode

Booting your computer in Safe Mode can sometimes solve mysterious file disappearance issues. It loads Windows with minimal drivers and can help access files otherwise blocked by system processes.

3. Linux Live CD

A bit different from byteguru’s suggestion, try using a Linux Live CD or USB to boot your system:

  1. Create a bootable Linux USB/CD using a tool like UNetbootin.
  2. Boot up your machine using the Linux environment.
  3. Check your USB drive through Linux’s file manager. Often, Linux can read files that Windows cannot due to its robust file system support.

4. Using Different Recovery Software

Disk Drill is top-notch, but if you want to explore a free alternative that’s slightly different from Recuva or PhotoRec, check out EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free:

  1. Download from EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free.

5. Repair the File System Using CHKDSK

While byteguru mentioned a surface level file checking method, using CHKDSK is more thorough:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an admin.
  2. Type chkdsk X: /f (replace X with your USB drive letter).

This command checks the file system and fixes logical file system errors on your USB drive.

Be cautious with CHKDSK if it’s a hardware failure, though. It could further corrupt your data.

6. Using Mac Systems

If you have access to a Mac, sometimes macOS can read corrupted drives better than Windows:

  1. Plug your USB into the Mac.
  2. Open Finder and check for the USB drive. You might be able to see and copy files here that were inaccessible in Windows.

7. Manual File Recovery via Disk Drill

Even though byteguru highlighted Disk Drill, I’d emphasize its ease-of-use for a beginner. It’s super intuitive:

  1. Download Disk Drill from Download Disk Drill.
  2. Let it perform a deep scan. Results are often better if you allow for a full, thorough scan.

Don’t underestimate professional recovery services, especially if the data is crucial. However, software solutions like Disk Drill often save you the hefty cost.

In the end, regularly backing up your files is a no-brainer, but hindsight is always 20/20. Keeping a ready-to-use recovery tool like Disk Drill installed could save you from panic in the future. Good luck with your project!

4

Guys, I hate to burst the bubble, but unless you understand exactly what caused the issue, all these methods sound like shotgunning your USB drive. If you’re serious about getting those files back, wouldn’t hinging your hopes on just software seems risky?

Don’t get me wrong, Disk Drill is decent and user-friendly, but it’s not a magic wand. You might get half your files back, or end up with a bunch of corrupted ones. And let’s be real, the free versions of these tools aren’t gonna cut it for serious recovery. They often limit the amount of data you can recover. Plus, Disk Drill’s deep scan takes forever.

Running a virus scan or using command prompt tricks feel like putting a band-aid on a broken leg. If your drive’s file system is shot or there’s actual physical damage, these methods won’t help much. And trust me, just switching ports or computers invites the same problem in a different setting.

Trying Linux? Sure, but that’s assuming you have a clue about using a different OS. Most folks can’t handle that without a step-by-step YouTube tutorial. Good luck trying to boot from a Linux live USB for the average Joe.

Let’s address the elephant in the room - professional recovery services. Sure, they’re pricey, but they get the job done without giving you false hope or adding stress. The critical data’s worth it, isn’t it? If your project hangs in the balance, isn’t paying a few bucks better than gambling on free tools?

Bottom line: if you’re not tech-savvy and your data’s crucial, don’t waste time on half-baked solutions.