How to Use Recuva: A Complete Guide to File Recovery Software

Have you ever lost a file accidentally? Whether it’s a crucial document, important photo, or cherished video, losing a file can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, there’s a solution to this problem: file recovery software like Recuva. Recuva is a powerful tool that can help you retrieve deleted or lost files from your computer, external hard drive, USB drive, or memory card. With its user-friendly interface and powerful scanning capabilities, Recuva can recover a wide range of file types, including documents, photos, videos, and more. So, if you’ve ever accidentally deleted a file, Recuva can be a lifesaver.

Here is a complete guide to using Recuva:

1. Download and Install Recuva

The first step is to download and install Recuva on your computer. You can download it from the official website of the software.

2. Launch Recuva

After installing Recuva, launch the software by double-clicking on the desktop icon.

3. Select the File Type

The next step is to select the type of file you want to recover. Click on the “File Type” button and choose the type of file you want to recover.

4. Choose the Location

Now, select the location where the file was stored before it was deleted or lost. You can choose from different options, such as Recycle Bin, specific folder, external drive, or memory card.

5. Scan for Deleted Files

Click on the “Scan” button to start the scanning process. Recuva will scan the selected location and display a list of all the deleted files that can be recovered.

6. Preview and Recover Deleted Files

After the scanning process is complete, you can preview the files and select the ones you want to recover. Click on the “Recover” button and choose the location where you want to save the recovered files.

Tips for Using Recuva:

1. Stop Using the Device

If you have accidentally deleted a file or lost data, it is essential to stop using the device immediately. This is because, when you delete a file, the space occupied by the file is marked as free, and the file is no longer visible to the operating system. However, the data is still there until it is overwritten by new data. Therefore, the longer you use the device, the more likely it is that the deleted data will be overwritten, making it impossible to recover.

2. Use Deep Scan

If you cannot find the deleted file using the quick scan, try using the deep scan option. The deep scan option scans the selected location thoroughly and can recover files that were not found during the quick scan.

3. Recover Files to a Different Location

When recovering deleted files, make sure you save them to a different location from where they were originally stored. This will prevent overwriting any other files that may still be recoverable.

Conclusion:

Recuva is an excellent tool for recovering deleted or lost files. However, it is essential to use the software carefully to ensure the highest chances of recovering your data. Always stop using the device as soon as you realize data has been lost, use deep scan option when necessary, and save recovered files to a different location.