Click: How to Recover Deleted Files in Windows 7

This updated guide examines Click: How to Recover Deleted Files in Windows 7 and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Part 1of 4:

Recovering from the Recycle Bin

1. Double-click "Recycle Bin". This program should be on your desktop.
2. Right-click your deleted file.
3. ClickRestore.
4. Exit Recycle Bin. Your deleted file should now be on your desktop!

Part 2of 4:

Restoring Files Using a Backup

1. Click?Win. Windows 7 automatically saves versions of your files from previous backups; if you recently deleted your files, you may be able to restore them using a backup.
2. ClickControl Panel.
3. ClickSystem and Maintenance.
4. ClickBackup and Restore.
5. ClickRestore my files.
6. Click the file(s) you wish to restore. You can search through your backed up files in three ways:^[1]
   • ClickSearchto type in a file's name.
   • ClickBrowse for Filesto manually click through destination folders.
   • ClickBrowse for Foldersto manually search for folders specifically.
7. ClickNext.
8. Click a restore destination. You can restore to the original destination (default) or you can click the radio button next to "In the following location" and then browse for a restoration point.
9. ClickView Restored Files.
10. ClickFinish. Your files should now be restored!

Part 3of 4:

Restoring Files from a Previous Version

1. Double-click "My Computer". If this app isn't on your desktop, click?Winand then click "My Computer" on the right side of the menu.
2. Double-click the file's old location. For example, if it was in the "Music" folder, double-click that.
3. Right-click the file's specific location. For example, if the file lived in the "iTunes" subfolder, you would right-click "iTunes".
4. ClickRestore previous versions.
5. Click a restore point.
6. ClickOK. If you have File History enabled, your file should restore to your desktop!^[2]

Part 4of 4:

Using the Recuva App

1. Open theRecuva website. Recuva is a free app that scans your hard drive for deleted files; since files don't actually disappear completely from your drive when you delete them, there's a chance you'll be able to recover the file.
2. ClickFree Download.
3. Click a download link.
4. Wait for your download to finish. In the meantime, make sure you have the file's download destination folder (e.g., your desktop) open.
5. Double-click the Recuva setup. If prompted, you will have to confirm that you want to allow Recuva to access your computer.
6. Click "No thanks, I don't need CCleaner".
7. ClickInstall.
8. ClickRun Recuva. If you don't want to view the release notes, you can click the checkbox next to "View Release Notes" below theInstallbutton.
9. ClickNext.
10. Select a file type. If you aren't sure which type of document you need, click the radio button next to "All Files".
    • An All Files scan will take a long time to complete.
11. ClickNext.
12. Select a file location. If you don't know where to start, click the radio button next to "I'm not sure".
13. ClickNext.
14. Click "Start". If this is your second scan with Recuva, also click the box next to "Enable Deep Scan".
15. Click the boxes next to files you wish to recover.
16. ClickRecover.
17. Click a restore point. For example, you might click "Desktop".
18. ClickOK. Your file(s) will begin restoring!