Accidentally deleted a video from my device that I really need back. It was a personal video with a lot of memories attached, and I’m desperate to recover it. Does anyone know any reliable methods or tools for video recovery?
Sorry to hear about the lost video! One reliable method to recover deleted videos is to use a tool like Disk Drill
. It’s user-friendly and has a high success rate for recovering different file types, including videos. Just download and install it, then run a scan on your device. It’ll show you a list of recoverable files. However, Disk Drill’s free version has a recovery limit, which can be a downside. If you need to recover a lot of data, you might have to go for the paid version.
Another thing to check is your device’s recycle bin or trash folder. Sometimes deleted files stay there for a while before being permanently removed. Of course, this only works if the deletion was recent.
There are other tools like Recuva and EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard that you might consider as well. They also have free and paid versions, with varying degrees of success and different UI experiences. Always make sure to stop using the device immediately after you’ve realized the file is deleted to prevent overwriting the data.
Hope this helps and best of luck with getting your video back!
If Disk Drill doesn’t tick all the boxes for you due to its limited recovery capabilities in the free version, it’s worth trying PhotoRec, another powerful and reliable open-source tool. Unlike Disk Drill, PhotoRec doesn’t have a fancy GUI, but it’s super effective in recovering lost files from various types of storage. PhotoRec works by ignoring the file system and looking for underlying data, which can be a real lifesaver if your device’s filesystem is damaged.
Also, one important thing to note: if your video was stored on an SD card or external drive, try immediately stopping any further writes to that drive. Removing the card or drive from the device can help ensure no new data overwrites the deleted files, which can render them unrecoverable.
Another tool to consider is TestDisk, which is often bundled with PhotoRec. TestDisk can fix partition tables and recover deleted partitions, which might be useful depending on how you lost the video. These tools are available at the same source that offers Disk Drill.
For Mac users, you might want to check if your video is in a Time Machine backup. Roll back to a version of your drive from before the deletion occurred if you have Time Machine configured.
One last suggestion – data recovery services. If the lost video is absolutely irreplaceable, a professional data recovery service might be worth the cost. It’s pricier and you’d need to send your device in, but their sophisticated equipment and expertise can retrieve data in more severe cases of loss.
Give those solutions a shot and fingers crossed you’ll get your precious video back.
Oh man, losing a personal video really stinks. You’ve got some solid recommendations from @codecrafter and @techchizkid already. They hit the nail on the head with the stopping device use to avoid overwriting and suggesting tools like Disk Drill and PhotoRec. Both of them are solid choices.
While they mention Disk Drill’s limitations on free recovery, it’s worth mentioning that the layout is super intuitive, making it easier for less tech-savvy folks to use. You can check out Disk Drill Data Recovery Software here: Disk Drill Data Recovery Software. Their step-by-step process should get you back on track pretty quickly.
However, let’s shake things up a bit.
If you’ve got an older Android device, sometimes DELETING FILES ACTUALLY JUST MOVES THEM. Try connecting the device to a computer via USB and use software like Dr.Fone. It’s excellent for Android devices and offers a more specific focus compared to the broader tools mentioned. You might find this easier than dealing with the whole disk, as it narrows down your search to just multimedia.
For Apple users, the macOS option should absolutely include Time Machine, but if you don’t have that set up (and let’s be honest, a lot of people don’t), you might want to consider iCloud. The hidden part here is that iCloud can sometimes auto-back up your files. Check if your settings had it enabled - there might be a copy hanging there.
Now, let’s pivot slightly:
Physical Inspections and DIY Checks
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Use A Secondary Device: If you have a laptop or another PC, install the recovery software there to avoid any further risk of overwriting your data.
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Look through all Trash: Beyond just the system’s Recycle Bin, check specific application-level trash bins if applicable. Programs like Android File Transfer have their caches and undeleted files sometimes.
Specialist Data Recovery Services
Professional data recovery services really might be your last resort, especially if the data is worth it. Look for local specialist firms for a quicker turnaround. They use advanced tools that are just not available to the average user.
Practical Usability Insights
Having dealt with dozens of cases like this, a hands-on tip: TestDisk works wonders, especially if you’re tech-savvy, however, be really cautious. UI can be tricky, and it’s less forgiving than others like Recuva. Time and patience are your allies here.
Important to share a scenario- I once had a corrupted partition situation, and TestDisk brought back my Linux install from the brink. The caveat? It required two hours of tinkering and reading online forums. So, if you go this route, block out a chunk of time.
The Human Factor
Sometimes, simple tricks get overlooked when we’re stressed. After checking dumpsters and exploring software:
- Check all accounts: Sometimes sharing apps or cloud storage could auto-save copies. Google Photos auto-syncs if the setting was turned on. Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.
- Ask for help: If your device is shared or used by others, ask them if they moved or stored the video somewhere.
DO NOT let embarrassment over asking for help prevent you from recovering memories. People are generally understanding, and this community can assist or sometimes offer a magically simpler solution you didn’t consider.
Totally agree on not excessively using your device after deletion. Common pitfall everyone falls into - desperately searching and trying different methods, which actually risks more loss. Patience and tactical planning are crucial.
Cleanup
Post-recovery, make backups a habit. Set reminders. Use automation tools to take regular backups on cloud services or external drives. A stitch in time saves nine, they say.
Hope you juggle the options well and fingers crossed you get your video back!