Asked By
Jessica
110 points
N/A
Posted on - 05/07/2011
I have accidently deleted a file! I want to recover it! I do not know how to do it! Please help!
How to recover a deleted file in Windows Vista
Jessica,
Do not panic. There is still a chance that you can recover your deleted file. Commencing from Windows 95 onwards, Microsoft introduced the concept of a recycle bin. Instead of actually deleting the file, the windows operating system moves the file to a special folder called the "Recycle Bin".
Each drive has its own recycle bin. The size of the recycle bin is a percentage of the total size of the hard disk in each drive. This folder remains hidden in the root folder of the drive. In order to access it, you need to double click on the "Recycle Bin" icon which is sitting on your desk top. The icon looks like a waste paper basket with a green colored recycle icon on it. The icon usually sits right below the My Computer icon. See the given image.
Answered By
Jessica
110 points
N/A
#90982
How to recover a deleted file in Windows Vista
Thank you Electrica. For your time in helping me. But I can’t find the recycle bin. My desktop is empty except for the my computer icon and my word files! I even took the liberty of moving the desktop icons one by one but I could not find an icon similar to what you have posted! Does this mean that I am doomed? Please help!
How to recover a deleted file in Windows Vista
You need to explicitly tell Windows Vista to show the Recycle Bin on your desktop. By default Windows Vista does not show all "system" icons on the desktop. If you need it you need to personalize your desktop and enable the respective icons.
System icons are mostly "My Computer", "Recycle Bin", "My Network Places" etc. System icons are noticeable in respect they do not have the usual "shortcut arrow" on the bottom left hand corner. The following steps will bring the Recycle Bin icon to the desktop.
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You need to right click a blank area on your desktop and select "Personalize".
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Then there is a link on the left that states "Change Desktop Icons".
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Click on it an a new window will open.
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Ensure you put a tick mark against the "Recycle Bin".
The given screenshot will help you as well.
Answered By
Jessica
110 points
N/A
#90984
How to recover a deleted file in Windows Vista
I followed your instructions and got the icon on my desktop. The icon looks similar to what you posted. It looks like it has some paper stuffed inside! Now what do I do?
How to recover a deleted file in Windows Vista
Good. Now double click on the Recycle Bin to open it up. You will see a list of files.
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Carefully go through the files and pick the filename you want to restore.
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You can sort it by the date to find the latest file that was deleted.
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Upon finding your file, you can either drag it out of the recycle bin or right click and select "restore" to restore it to the original location.
I would recommend the "drag out" method as the original location may not exist by now.
Answered By
Jessica
110 points
N/A
#90986
How to recover a deleted file in Windows Vista
Thank you! You saved my file! And you saved my day! I was feeling so miserable and close to tears! Thank you Electrica for helping me out! Your stepwise approach was very helpful and I highly appreciate it! Thank you!
How to recover a deleted file in Windows Vista
You are most welcome. I am glad that I was able to help you! Have a great day!
