We’ve all done it. We’ve all accidentally deleted a file that we didn’t want to delete. Or, we’ve deleted a file that we DID want to delete, but later we had second thoughts. I’ll show you how you might still be able to recover it.

Photo: Contributed

If you realize the mistake right away:

If you delete a file and you realize right away that it was a mistake, press the CTRL and the Z key at the same time.  The key combination of CTRL+Z tells Windows to “Undo” the last thing it did. If deleting the file was the last thing you did, you will probably get it back.

If you haven’t emptied your Recycle Bin, double-click on the Recycle Bin to open it and see if you can locate the file.  If so, you can either right-click on it and then click Restore, or just click once on it and then click Restore this item at the top of the window. The file will go back to its last location.

If you’ve deleted an email, look in the Deleted Items folder in your email program. Email doesn’t go to the Recycle Bin.

If you’ve already emptied the recycle bin:

Now is the time to restore the file from the recent backup you have on hand. If you don’t have a backup, or if you don’t have a backup that includes this file, you might still be able to get it. Keep reading.

If you are using Windows 7, you can try the “Restore Previous Versions” command. For a deleted file, you will need to know which folder it was in. Go to that folder, right-click on it, and then click on Restore Previous Versions. Find the file you want, and click on it to open it. Make sure you get the version you want, and then select Restore. Learn how to use Previous Versions here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Recover-lost-or-deleted-files, and  here:  http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Previous-versions-of-files-frequently-asked-questions.

Restore Previous Versions is available in all editions of Windows 7, and in the Business, Enterprise and Ultimate editions of Windows Vista. If you are using Vista Home Premium, the previous versions are in there, but not readily available to you. A free utility called Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/) can save the day.

Windows XP does not use Shadow Copy, which is what creates the previous versions. So the Shadow Explorer tool will not work on XP. 

If none of that works:

Try a file recovery tool. I’ve had success with Recuva (http://www.piriform.com/recuva). The program is free, and although the author encourages you to donate, you are under no obligation to do so. You are also under no obligation to install the toolbars or scanners that might be offered to you when you install the program. Simply clear the check box(es) and continue with the install.

When you run the program, Recuva will ask you what kind of file you want to recover. Choose from Pictures, Music, Documents, Video, Compressed files, Email (yes, it will recover email!) or “Other” which will look for … other  files. 

Next choose a location from which to recover. If you deleted something from a USB drive, just tell Recuva to search for it on that drive; don’t search your whole computer.

Recuva will search and present you with a list of files it’s found. You can continue to refine the search results from here, or you can restore now if you see the file you’re looking for. Not every file can be restored, even if Recuva can find it. You’ll see a green light if chances are good, red if not. Recuva can’t find or restore everything. You still need to back up your files. But Recuva has helped me get some of my customers out of a jam, and it’s a worthwhile tool to have installed.

Do you need help with your computer? I'm here to help you and your home or business computer get along!

Cate Eales runs Computer Care Kelowna (http://computercarekelowna.com/) a mobile service helping home users and businesses get along with their computers. To arrange an appointment phone her at 250-764-7043. Cate also welcomes your comments and suggestions. Send email to help@computercarekelowna.com.

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