Free | How to Recover Deleted TOD Files on Windows/Mac?

Learn how to recover deleted TOD files on Windows/Mac with the corresponding solutions in this article. Besides, there’s a practical data loss prevention measure for your reference.

By @Penny Last Updated November 29, 2024

What is a TOD video file?

TOD is a file format designed for storing information on random-access media. Each file is given a sequential name, ending with three hexadecimal characters. This system limits the number of files that can be stored, capping it at 4096.

TOD files use MPEG-2 video compression, which helps to reduce file size while maintaining good quality. This compression format supports both the traditional 4:3 aspect ratio and the widescreen 16:9 format for video.

The MPEG-2 standard, defined by ISO/IEC 13818, is key to the TOD format. It combines audio and video compression to create efficient files while making the most of available storage space. TOD files are primarily used in tapeless video camcorders and are similar to another format called MOD, which also stores video in standard definition.

In some cases, TOD videos are essential to partial users. TOD videos may lost due to various reasons. So, those users without backups might be eager to recover deleted TOD files. Read this guide to get 3 reliable ways to recover deleted TOD videos.

🤞 For a higher data recovery rate, please these simple tips:

Recover Data Quickly: Start the recovery process as soon as possible to avoid the file being overwritten, which can make TOD file recovery harder.

Don’t Add New Data: Don’t save new files on the same device or file you want to recover from, as it could overwrite the deleted file.

Use Reliable Recovery Methods: Always try the safest recovery method first to avoid damaging the file and increase your chances of getting it back.

How to recover permanently deleted TOD files effortlessly?

So are you bothered by how to recover permanently TOD files without file backups? If it happens to be your case, using powerful video recovery software can be the most efficient approach.

Designed to recover deleted and missing videos (TOD, Mp3, Mp4, MOV, AVI, RMVB, MKV, WMV, ASF, 3G2/3GP, TS, etc.) from computer hard drives and other local drives, leading MyRecover saves users from necessary backups and offers them a better video recovery rate.   

Video Recovery Software for Windows:  
High-efficiency: Recover 1000+ types of files such as videos, audio, photos, MS Office files, WPS files, folders, compressed files, songs, and websites from HDD, SSD, USB, SD cards, etc.
Advanced scanning method: MyRecover runs Quick Scan & Deep Scan automatically to search all the recoverable files. Specify the filename, saved path, date, or size to filter your needed files.
Convenience: Retain the original filename, path, and format for the deleted files.
Excellent compatibility: Support NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS file systems and be compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, or Sever PC.
Recover a total of 500MB of files for free.
Download Software Windows 11/10/8/7/Server
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Step 1. Install and run MyRecover on your Windows > hover the mouse over the local disk C drive > click Scan.

Step 2. MyRecover will automatically run Quick and Deep Scan to scan your selected C drive and display all the recoverable files.

🌟Tip: You can preview or filter your wanted TOD videos according to Document Type, Name, Path, Size, Date, etc.
  • Name: Type the filenames of your desired files to narrow the search area.
  • Date modified: Set the date (today, yesterday, last 7/30 days, etc.)
  • Size: Filter the file size (<128KB, 128KB~1MB, 1MB~ 512MB, etc.)

Step 3. Under the Recycle Bin folder, locate the TOD files you intend to retrieve > click Recover x files.

🌟Tips:

After video recovery, please save your retrieved TOD videos in another path.

To recover large or more deleted/missing videos from local hard drives, upgrading MyRecover is a better and more cost-effective choice.

Another 2 options to recover deleted TOD files on Windows/Mac

Besides, you can also refer to the following two options to recover accidentally, recently, or permanently deleted TOD videos according to the computer OS and deletion method.

1. Recover deleted TOD files from Windows Recycle Bin and Mac Trash 

As the title suggests, this way aims to restore accidentally or recently deleted TOD files.

For Windows:

» Open your desktop Recycle Bin > type “tod” in the search bar to quickly locate your deleted TOD videos > right-click on one TOD file > Restore it to its original location.

For Mac:

» Open your Mac Trash > right-click on one deleted TOD video you intend to restore> choose Put Back.

2. Restore permanently deleted TOD files from backups

But how to retrieve permanently deleted videos from computers? Apart from third-party tools, partial users who’ve taken the foresighted step of creating backups can seamlessly reinstate their needed TOD videos from these prepared backups.

Recover TOD Files using Windows File History:

Windows offers several backup features to prevent unexpected data loss.

Let’s show how to restore permanently deleted TOD videos from backups made by File History because this backup feature enables you to restore deleted, missing, or damaged files after turning on File History.   

Notes:✎...   
File History can back up files in Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos, Desktop folders, and offline OneDrive files saved on your Windows.
Win8 and above users are allowed to store backups created by File History on external hard drives or cloud drives as you prefer.
It’s possible for you to recover overwritten Word, Excel, or TOD files with an activated File History.

Step 1. Enter “System and Security” in the search bar to open Control Panel > select System and Security.

Step 2. Under the File History tab, select the “Restore your files with File History” option.

Step 3. Click the “Restore personal files” button.

Step 4. Restore” your chosen TOD file to its previously saved path.

If you want to save your recovered TOD video in another path, right-click on Restore > select Restore to.

Recover TOD Files using Mac Time Machine:

Apple also introduces safeguarding measures like Time Machine, a feature designed to mitigate the risk of data loss at its very origin. After enabling this feature, Time Machine can create hourly, daily, or weekly backups according to your situation.

Step 1. Open the window where you lost TOD videos.

Step 2. Click the Launchpad icon in the Dock, find Time Machine, and click Enter Time Machine.

Step 3. Use the up and down arrows to locate the TOD file you want to restore.

Step 4. Restore” your desired TOD videos to their previous location.

Further reading: How do I open a TOD file?

When it comes to opening TOD files, Windows users can employ Windows Movies & TV, Media Player, CyberLink PowerDirector 365, CyberLink PowerDVD 21, MAGIX VEGAS Pro 18, Nero 2022, VideoLAN VLC media player, etc. to open TOD videos.

Please refer to the following clicks to open TOD videos on Windows 10 if needed.

» Press Win + E to open File Explorer > click Downloads > right-click on your downloaded TOD video > select Open with > Movies & TV.

For Mac OS, Apple iMovie 10, Squared 5 MPEG Streamclip, and VideoLAN VLC media player also can help you.

Related tips: How to backup TOD files

What is a TOD video file? How to recover deleted TOD files? Please find the respective answers from the above content. Moreover, there’s a most practical data loss prevention measure for you: making regular backups.

If you prefer more flexible features and simpler operating steps during the backup and restoration process, this freeware AOMEI Backupper Standard is a pretty good choice.

Key features of AOMEI Backupper:
  • This free Windows backup software is good at backing up files, folders, partitions, disks, or systems and provides daily incremental backups and scheduling backups.
  • You can save your backups to your internal/external hard drives, USB drives, networks, or cloud drives.
Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
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Step 1. Install and run AOMEI Backupper Standard on your Windows > select Backup > File Backup.

Step 2. Add “Add Folder/Add File” to select the folder or TOD files you want to back up.

Step 3. Set “Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Event triggers or USB plug in” backup options under the Schedule Backups option.