Since USB drives are compact devices compatible with various operating systems, it becomes easy for the user to store and transfer data. But unfortunately, USB sticks are equally prone to data loss as other storage devices. Let us have a look at some similar scenarios that came up during the search.
Important : Stop Using your USB drive as soon as you lose your data
If you continue using the USB drive after deleting files, there is a higher chance that the deleted data will be overwritten and permanently unrecoverable. Therefore, it is essential to stop using the USB drive as soon as possible and proceed with the data recovery process to recover the deleted files.
Table of Contents:
- What are the Common Scenarios Causing Data Loss On A USB?
- Recover Deleted Files From the USB
- Ways to Prevent Accidental Data Loss from Flash Drives
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to Recover Deleted Files From USB?
There are two main solutions for recovering deleted files from a USB drive: one is using software tools, and the other one is without using the software.
How to Recover Deleted Files From USB Flash Drive Without Software?
Method 1: Recover Deleted Files From USB Using Restore Previous Version Feature
“Restore Previous Version Feature” refers to an earlier state or copy of a file or folder saved or backed up at a specific time. For example, this allows you to access and restore an older version of the files or folders that may have been deleted or modified.
Follow the steps mentioned below to recover deleted files from a flash drive using the Previous version feature:
Step 1: Connect your USB drive to the computer.
Step 2: Move to the location where your files were located before they were deleted.
Step 3: To restore previous versions of the selected folder, right-click on it and choose Restore previous versions from the options provided.
Step 4: Navigate to the Previous Versions and view the list of available recovery options.
Step 5: Select the previous version and click the Restore button.
Please “Remember” that this method may not be supported on all systems, and its success depends on the availability of previous versions for restoration.
Method 2: Recover Deleted Files From Pendrive Using Windows Backups
Windows Backup is a feature in Windows that lets you make copies of important files and settings. You can save these copies on external drives or network locations.
Then, if something goes wrong or you lose your files, you can use the backups to get them back and restore your system.
Follow the below-mentioned steps to recover files deleted from the pen drive using Windows Backups:
Step 1: First go to the “Control Panel“> “System and Security” and then, select “Backup and Restore”
Step 2: Select “Restore my files.”
Step 3: Choose the backup location or device containing the USB drive backup, then Browse and select the files or folder you need to restore.
Step 4: Select the location where you need the restored files to be saved.
Step 5: Click on the “Restore” option and wait for the process to complete.
Step 6: Check the destination location for the restored files.
How to Recover Deleted Files From Pen Drive Using Software?
Suppose if you were unable to recover files from USB drive even after using the above DIY methods. In that case, your ultimate savior will be USB data recovery software like Yodot File Recovery Software.
Method 4: Recover Files Deleted From USB Drive Using Yodot File Recovery
Yodot File Recovery can help you with USB file recovery to restore deleted or lost files from your USB sticks. As it is easy to use and effective in recovering files from USB drives.
Download the Yodot File Recovery Software and give it a try.
Follow the below-mentioned procedure to recover deleted files using Yodot File Recovery:
Step 1: Download and install the Yodot File Recovery application on your computer.
Step 2: Launch the tool and click on the Deleted File Recovery option to restore deleted files from the USB drive.
Step 3: The file recovery program will scan your computer’s hard drive and show you a list of all the drives that can be recovered.
Step 4: Select the drive from where your files got deleted.
Step 5: The software will scan the selected drive and display a list of all the recovered files from your USB drive.
Step 6: You can choose specific file types to recover by selecting them or select all files by default using the “Skip” option.
Step 7: The software displays restored files in two views: “Data Type” and “File Type.”
Step 8: Now, select all the files you want to restore from the list of rescued files.
Step 9: Finally, choose the desired location on your hard drive to save the recovered files.
Ways to Prevent Accidental Data Loss from Flash Drives:
To prevent accidental data loss from flash drives, here are some ways you can follow:
Backup Your Files: Regularly create backups of your essential files and store them in a separate location or cloud storage.
Safely Eject the Flash Drive: Always use the “Safely Remove Hardware” option or eject the flash drive properly before unplugging it from the computer.
Keep Your Flash Drive Secure: Store your flash drive in a secure place when not in use. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or physical damage.
Use Reliable Antivirus Software: Protect your computer and flash drive by using antivirus software to prevent malware or viruses that can cause data loss.
Be Cautious With File Deletion: Always double-check before deleting them to avoid accidentally losing your data permanently.
Following these steps to prevent data loss, you can reduce the chances of accidentally losing your files and keep your data safe on your flash drives.
Also Read: How to recover data from an unrecognized USB drive?
Conclusion:
We hope the straightforward ways in this article, helped you recover USB drive data, We hope you found the solutions helpful.
In case Your flash drive is physically damaged try recovering the USB data using professional recovery services that fall under your budget and have a proven track record to get your USB file back.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1: Why Should I Stop Using the USB Flash Drive After File Deletion?
It is recommended to stop using the USB flash drive immediately after file deletion to prevent further data overwriting and increase the chances of successful recovery.
2: Can USB Flash Drives be Erased and Reused?
Yes, USB flash drives can be erased and reused. Formatting the drive removes all data and prepares it for storing new files. Back up important data before formatting, as it cannot be recovered once erased.
3: Is It Safe to Leave a USB Flash Drive Plugged in All the Time?
It is generally safe to always leave a USB flash drive plugged in. However, it is recommended to safely eject or remove the drive when not in use to prevent accidental data loss or damage to the drive.
