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Windows Undelete: How to Recover Deleted Files on Windows XP
This article offers 5 best Windows undelete solutions. Follow this page so you can easily and quickly recover deleted files on Windows XP. Please keep reading to get it！
By Lori / Updated on September 13, 2024
Today, the Windows XP system is still used by many people. Since Microsoft no longer offers Microsoft Security Essentials for download on Windows XP, some users are choosing to upgrade their Windows operating system.
In addition, Windows XP users are more likely to lose data due to accidental deletion, virus attacks, computer crashes, etc. "So how do I recover permanently deleted files in Windows XP? "
If you are troubled by this problem, have no fear, permanently deleted files in Windows XP can still be recovered. This article will provide 5 effective methods to recover deleted files and show hidden files/folders from Windows XP hard drives. Let’s read on!
5 Common Reasons for File Deletion on Windows XP Computer
Before performing the deleted file recovery, we could learn why users often seek ways to recover deleted files from Windows XP is important. Let's delve into the primary causes of file deletion:
1️⃣ Human Errors: Mistakes such as accidental deletion and disk formatting can result in data loss.
2️⃣ Virus and Malware Attacks: There are many dangerous malware designed to delete important files or make them unavailable to the user. They can make Windows automatically delete files or render them inaccessible.
3️⃣ Corrupted Devices: File loss can occur if the storage device is damaged or corrupted.
4️⃣ System Upgrade: During system upgrades, files might be deleted, particularly in the presence of errors.
5️⃣ Data Corruption: Sometimes, malware can even cause important data to become corrupted and unreadable. If not addressed promptly, data corruption may lead to permanent data loss.
How to Recover Deleted Files on Windows XP (5 Ways)
After knowing the reasons for file deletion, let’s show how to recover deleted files from desktop Windows XP. Here are 5 efficient ways for you.
1. Show Hidden Files, and Folders via Attrib
Occasionally, data in Windows XP may appear hidden or read-only, leading to the mistaken think that it has been deleted. However, it might still be present.
The Attrib command proves practical in altering a file's read/write attribute or setting the archive attribute. So you can try to use the Attrib command to modify the hidden attribute of a file and display hidden files. How’s do:
If the attrib command doesn’t work, it may suggest that the files you are searching for have been deleted from your Windows. In such a scenario, refer to the next section.
Step 1. Type "Command Prompt" in the search bar. Select the Run as administrator to open the command prompt window.
Step 2. Type “attrib -H -R -S /S /D G:\*.*and pressEnterto show hidden files on the G: drive (Replace G to your drive on which folders and files are hidden).
2. Recover Deleted Files from Recycle Bin Windows XP
How can I recover accidentally deleted files? If you find that files have been deleted, checking the Recycle Bin is the first thing you can do.
Recovering deleted files from the Recycle Bin is a simple process. However, the storage size of the Recycle Bin only takes up 5% of the storage space.
If you face the error message this folder is too big to recycle, you can adjust the setting to suit your requirements and prevent potential data loss. If not, you may need to seek help from a third-party tool to recover large permanently deleted files or folders.
Follow these simple steps to recover deleted files from the desktop in Windows XP:
▶ Double-click the Recycle Bin icon. Locate the file you wish to recover, right-click on it, and select Restore.
3. Recover Deleted Data from Windows XP via Backup and Restore
How to recover deleted data from Windows XP hard drive free? If you have backups, you can restore files from backups on Windows XP directly.
Windows operating system has a useful recovery tool called Backup and Restore. This built-in backup feature becomes a lifesaver when data is permanently deleted. So, you can easily recover deleted data using this utility.
Step 1. Click Start on the taskbar > Go to All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Backup.
Step 2. In the Backup and Restore Wizard window, click Next > choose Restore files and settings and click Next.
Step 3. Choose the files or folders you want to restore, and click Next > Finish.
4. Recover Deleted Files on Windows XP via System Restore
System Restore is a valuable Windows feature that allows users to restore their computer to earlier date. To be more precise, this process restores the system files, installed apps, Windows Registry, and system settings to a previous point that contains deleted data.
After restoration, it does not affect your data files like Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos on the computer.
To recover deleted data from Windows XP hard drives with System Restore, Please make sure your Windows XP hard drive has System Restore enabled and your selected System Point that includes your desired files.
Step 1. Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.
Step 2. Select Restore my computer to an earlier time > click Next.
Step 3. Choose a date > select a restore point containing your deleted data > click Next. The System Restore will begin.
Step 4. After it completes, your Windows computer will restart. Click OK. Your deleted data will appear on your Windows XP hard drive again.
5. Recover Deleted Files from Windows via MyRecover
“How do I recover permanently deleted files in Windows XP?” Sometimes, unfortunately, if these deleted files are not in the Recycle Bin, they may have been permanently deleted. In this case, you could turn to backups you made in advance or seek help for powerful and effective file recovery software like MyRecover to recover deleted files on Windows effortlessly.
MyRecover- Recover 200+ formats: It can recover deleted Microsoft Word, Excel, PPT, PDF, PPTX, JPG, PNG, MP4, MOV, MP3, CDA, 7Z, ZIP, MSG, EML, and more.
- Recover files from multiple local devices such as HDD, SSD, USB flash drive, SD card, etc.
- Advanced scanning method: MyRecover runs Quick Scan & Deep Scan automatically to search/find all the recoverable files on your selected drive.
- Excellent compatibility: Support Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, or Windows Server.
How to recover deleted files on Windows without backups? Please follow the simple steps below.
Step 1.Download, install, and run MyRecover on your Windows. Hover the mouse over the drive saved deleted files before, and click Scan.
Step 2.MyRecover will scan your drive automatically and thoroughly to locate all deleted and missing files on the selected drive. You can use the Search Box or the Filter feature to quickly locate the files you want.
- Type: Select the file type (Documents, Images, Videos, Audios, Mails, Webpages, Compressed files, etc.)
- Date modified: Set the date (today, yesterday, last 7/30 days, etc.)
- Size: Filter the file size (<128KB, 128KB~1MB, 1MB~ 512MB, 512MB above, etc.)
Step 3. You will see a list of recoverable files that MyRecover found on your drive. Choose your desired files to recover and click Recover x files.
Step 4. Please select a new location to save the recovered files and click Select Folder to confirm it.
Alternative: Ask for Help from Data Recovery Services
If you are unable to recover deleted files on Windows XP through the above methods, it is recommended that you seek help from data recovery services such as Geek Squad.
They have well-trained experts and advanced equipment to handle the most difficult data recovery cases. Data recovery services are especially suitable for older operating systems like Windows XP.
FAQs
How do I show the Recycle Bin on my desktop Windows XP?
What happens to a deleted file in Windows XP?
Can I clone a larger hard drive to a smaller one?
What is the recovery key for Windows XP?
In Summary
Data accidental deletion or loss is a common occurrence in Windows operating systems. This article offers 5 feasible ways to perform Windows undelete to recover deleted files on Windows XP and show hidden files and folders.
Also, it's advisable to maintain regular backups of crucial files from your Windows XP hard drive. In the absence of a backup, consider utilizing this free backup software for Windows like AOMEI Backupper Standard. It proves invaluable in successfully recovering deleted data from Windows XP hard drives.
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