[mcgillra]

Hi a friend has lost a number of folders on network system. At this stage don't know what OS, but assuming about Windows XP or slightly earlier. What options are there for finding these folders and recovering them. She's tried search. I see free data recovery tools on googling. Are these safe?

Thanks in advance.

[TheOutcaste]

Depends on what is meant by Network System
If these files are stored on another PC that is accessed over a network by mapping a drive, or through a UNC path, the Recovery software has to be run on that other PC.

The best chance of recovery will be to stop using the system that the files were on, or the files may be overwritten, as the OS and any other running program thinks that space is available and can use it at any time.
Remove the hard drive and connect it to another system to run the Recovery Software from.
The simple act of installing the Recovery Software onto the same hard drive could overwrite the files. Even if installed to a different drive, some programs still write to the main system drive, so if the files were on the same drive as the Windows folder, best to use a different PC entirely.

Check Elvandil's list of recovery software here

The only one I have experience with is GetDataBack. Recuva is mentioned on the forum a lot.
One not in the list that I've heard recommended is PhotoRec, mainly for recovering photographs

[mcgillra]

Thanks for your response but to do those things herself as it is a school system, so if the files were important will have to get IT in. I just wondered if there was anything simple she could try herself.

Thanks again.

[joy10]

Yes, she can do it by herself. Please pay special attention to this point: don't do anything (format, create, write new data) to your hard drive which you want to recover data from.

[TheOutcaste]

I'm still not clear as to where these files were, on her computer, or on a network share that is on a different computer.

If they were on her computer, they should be in the Recycle bin unless it was emptied, or the files were too big.
If they were on a network share, any recovery has to be done on that system, not hers.
If on a network share on one of the schools servers, they may well have a backup of the files.

[joy10]

Your analysis is right, I think the lost files were in network share.

[Ed999]

Nothing can be done by the user unless she is sitting in front of the computer that contains the hard disk which the lost files were on.

When she is, there are many easy-to-use programs for recovering deleted files in DOS or Windows 9x. For example, look here:

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/bridip/recovery.htm#11

(scroll down the page to the section headed "UNDELETE").


Other straightforward recovery tools for Windows 98/ME include -

1. ADRC Data Recovery Software Tools @ http://www.adrc.com/software/data_recovery_tools/

2. Handy Recovery v1.0 @ http://www.winmxworld.com/goodies/tools.html

3. Undelete Plus @ http://www.dirfile.com/undelete_plus.htm

Note: Undelete Plus is even said to work on network drives, but I've never tried that option.


This software should be safe if used properly, in accordance with its help and documentation files. You are likely to do more damage to your chances (of recovering the files in question) simply by using the hard disk they were on, than by using these recovery tools.

Do not download these tools onto the affected drive: doing so may over-write the lost files you are looking for.

[CaptainTennil]

mcgillra......You could try free software but there is no possible assurance that you will recover your selected files or data as free software have limited features.I suggest you try Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery software trial version which is free that will show you the recoverable files on preview but you can't save untill you have to download the full version...I hope it will help you alot thanks

Note: Dont overwrite your drive

http://www.partitionrecovery-software.com/

[Ed999]

Note, however, that Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery software trial version is not safe to use if the computer is running Windows 95 / 98 / 98SE / ME.

It is a program which only works on Windows XP or later.

[CaptainTennil]

Ed999.....Yes

• Operating Systems: Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2003 and 2000
• File Systems supported: FAT16, FAT32, VFAT, NTFS and NTFS5
• File Types: 185 file types supported
• Supported Storage Devices: Hard drives and USB Flash drives

[joy10]

PC INSPECTOR File Recovery can work Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP. This data recovery software is free, please try it.

[rancelucifinil]

It's hard to recover system files, but you may try some data recovery software, like Diskgetor

[nancy0123]

Free software can show your lost file or folder but can not recover it, you will have to buy it. Moreover you can get help from data recovery services company because they recover the data upto 100% guarantee and security. like http://www.stellarinfo.co.in/

[Ed999]

Free software can show your lost files or folders and can recover them. For example:-

(a) Handy Recovery v1.0 from http://www.handyrecovery.com/handyrecovery-fw.exe

Handy Recovery is a program that helps you recover files accidentally deleted from your hard disk or a diskette. The program works under Windows 95/98/Me and Windows NT/2000/XP/2003.

- Supports FAT12/16/32, NTFS and NTFS 5 file systems.
- Recovers data lost due to a virus attack or software faults.
- Recovers files deleted without using the Recycle Bin.
- Restores the structure of deleted folders.
- Explorer-style disk content browser.


(b) Undelete Plus v2.8.2.0 from http://www.dirfile.com/freeware/undelete.htm

Undelete Plus works under Win 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003 operating systems. The program supports all Windows file systems for hard and floppy drives including FAT12/16/32,NTFS/NTFS5 and image recovery from CompactFlash, SmartMedia, MultiMedia and Secure Digital cards.


(c) Restoration v2.5.14 from http://www.snapfiles.com/get/restoration.html

Restoration runs on Win 98/ME/2000/XP.

Restoration is a tool to undelete files that were removed from the recycle bin or directly deleted from within Windows, and to recover photos from a Flash card that has been formatted. Upon start, you can scan for all files that may be recovered and also limit the results by entering a search term or extension. The program is small and standalone, does not require installation, and can run from a Floppy disk. Restoration works with FAT and NTFS, as well as digital cameras cards.