How to Recover Lost or Deleted Data from a Pen Drive

Pen drives, also known as USB flash drives, offer a portable and convenient way to store and transfer data. However, accidental deletion or formatting can lead to the loss of important files. Fortunately, there are several effective methods you can use to recover lost or deleted data from your pen drive. To ensure your success, it's crucial to understand both the software and command line options available.

Recovering Deleted Files with Command Prompt (CMD)

If you're comfortable with command-line interfaces, using Command Prompt (CMD) in Windows can be a straightforward way to recover deleted files from your pen drive. CMD allows you to interact with the file system and execute various commands that can help you recover lost data.

Steps to Recover Deleted Files from Pen Drive Using CMD

Begin by plugging in your pen drive to your PC. Make sure your PC has successfully recognized the USB. Press the Windows and R keys simultaneously to launch the Run window. Type 'CMD' into the box and click OK or press the Enter key to open the Command Prompt. To scan for errors and fix them, type 'chkdsk H: /f', where 'H' is the letter assigned to your pen drive. You can change the letter to match your pen drive's name. Press Enter to confirm. Type 'Y' when prompted to schedule the command for the next time the system restarts. Next, type 'H:attrib -h -r -s /s /d' (replace 'H' with your pen drive's name) and press Enter. This command will remove hidden and system files, allowing you to access and recover your data. Finally, press Enter one last time and wait a few minutes for your files to be recovered.

Using Data Recovery Software

For those who prefer a graphical user interface or if the CMD method seems too complex, using data recovery software can be a more user-friendly solution. These programs are designed to scan and recover lost data from your pen drive with ease.

Choosing a Reliable Data Recovery Software

There are numerous data recovery software programs available on the market, but it's crucial to choose one that is reputable and well-reviewed. We recommend Recoverit for its free and easy-to-use interface. Here's a brief guide on how to use this software:

Connect your USB flash drive to your computer. Ensure the recovery software can detect your drive and its contents. Run the recovery software and perform a deep scan. Deep scanning is more thorough and is recommended for a serious data recovery. Be patient. Data recovery can take a considerable amount of time, especially if you have a large number of files to recover. Allow the software to complete its process without interrupting it.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to use the command prompt or a data recovery software, recovering deleted or lost data from a pen drive is a feasible task. Understanding both methods will empower you to handle data recovery situations with confidence. Remember, usability and software reliability play key roles in successful data recovery.

Key Takeaways

1. Use Command Prompt (CMD) to recover deleted files with simple commands.

2. Choose a reputable data recovery software like Recoverit for ease of use and reliability.

3. Always be patient during the recovery process, as it can be time-consuming.