How to Restore Permanently Deleted Items

When you delete items from your computer, they go into the Recycle Bin. When you empty the Recycle Bin, all of those items are permanently removed. But remnants of those files are still on your hard drive. Using data recovery software is one way to retrieve files you thought were gone for good. There are several free programs you can try.

• 1

  Download a data recovery software program such as Pandora Recovery, Virtual Lab or Boomerang (see Resources).

• 2

  Install the data recovery software following the on-screen prompts.

• 3

  Using the prompts, open the software program to scan your computer.

• 4

  Find the deleted item you want to recover, and right-click on it.

• 5

  Click the "Restore" or "Save" button, depending on the software.

• 6

  Close the data recovery program after the item is restored.