The OMG Moment- I Deleted Something Important

For Windows 9.xx to Windows XP/Vista Tip # 0013

We have all done it. We back up and make backups of backups, but sooner or later anyone who uses a computer will inadvertently delete a file they didn’t mean to.
What I refer to as an ‘Oh My God!’ moment. The instant we realise something of use was by accident, or stroke of the wrong key – sometimes without even realising it – something was deleted that you’d like to undelete. The moment when you silently – in my case sometimes not so silently – say to yourself, “I can’t believe I did that.” This is one of those cases though that our misery does not want company; we want our file back. Now!
The first and most obvious solution of course is to open your Recycle Bin – by default located on your Windows desktop. This is where all deleted items go on the way to eventual digital oblivion. Many times something that was deleted is still in the trash. And it may not yet have been permanently deleted. If this is the case, the fix is simple. Open up your Recycle Bin and highlight the item you would like to restore, and right click choose Restore. The problem is resolved.
More often though, the items was disposed of and was cleaned out during a regular cleaning. This is a bit trickier. But it is not the end of your options.
There is a great freeware programme aptly called Restoration. It was created for just this eventuality. It is simple and well written and I have found it works remarkably well.
It can be downloaded as a zip file from the following location: http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_download/fid,23108-page,1-c,filemanagement/download.html
A long URL, I know. I suggest you go to the on-line version of Tip and Tricks, located here:
http://bulldogtipstricks.blogspot.com/.
This is a zip file which is geek-speak for a compressed file. If you don’t already have a Zip File extractor, you can download a version of WinZip at: http://www.winzip.com/downwz.htm. I know they seem to be trying to sell it to you, but you can download it and install it for free. It will work just fine. Don’t be alarmed by the price-tag, just download and install. Don’t register it or do any further follow-up. If you get to a place where they ask for billing or credit card information, just close out the browser and go back. You only need to download it and run it. Ignore all other requests.
All right, back to Restoration. This is a fast download (even with dial-up). Save it to your Hard Drive in your downloaded files – and then right click to extract it.
Once extracted, open the file titled Restoration.exe. Right click or double click to run the programme. Almost instantly Restoration will pop up. It has a simple interface. Restoration will locate your main hard drive location and list it on the top right corner of the programme. Usually it will be C:.
Now it is time to search for your missing file. The more precise you are with the name, the better you chances are.
Take a moment and try to remember, was it Letter to Auntie B or Aunt B letter?
Whatever your best guess is, enter it in the space that says, All of Part of The File. Now, Click on Search Deleted Files. Restoration will try its very best to find your deleted file. If successful, it will list it to the left with details. You may find there is more than one. Use the Restore by Copying button. That is it. Your deleted file will now be restored.
If you get no result the first time, go back and put in your best guess for the file name and below the Search Deleted Files, you will see a check box for include even if the file size is zero. Check it, and hit the Search button.
I cannot guarantee your missing file will be found, but this is a terrific programme and if it is easily retrievable, your file will be back in no time.
Restoration is a handy utility. I suggest you keep a copy around. It is easy to copy to a floppy, CD or thumb drive. It is simple, easy to use and of course it is free.
This will resolve many of your OMG moments, I hope.
Restoration has not been updated in quite a while but I checked it on the various Windows platform from Win98 to Vista. It worked well for me on all versions.
Sooner or later, I can almost guarantee you will find this programme useful and for some it will seem to be a godsend.
As always, dear Bulldog readers, let me know if this helped or if you have any questions.
You can reach me at: guygriscom@gmail.com