Efficient Steps to Retrieve Recently Deleted Files on Ubuntu- A Comprehensive Guide

How to recover recently deleted files on Ubuntu

Losing important files on your Ubuntu system can be a frustrating experience. Whether it’s due to accidental deletion or a system crash, recovering those files is crucial. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to recover recently deleted files on Ubuntu. By following these steps, you’ll be able to restore your lost data and get back to work in no time.

1. Check the trash bin

The first and simplest step in recovering deleted files on Ubuntu is to check the trash bin. When you delete a file, it is moved to the trash bin, where it remains until you empty it. To access the trash bin, simply open the Files application and navigate to the “Home” folder. Look for the “Trash” folder and open it. Inside, you’ll find all the files you’ve deleted recently.

1.1 Restore files from the trash bin

If you find the deleted files in the trash bin, you can restore them by right-clicking on the file and selecting “Restore.” This will move the file back to its original location. If you want to restore multiple files, you can select them all and right-click to choose “Restore.”

1.2 Empty the trash bin

If you’re sure that you don’t need the files in the trash bin anymore, you can empty it to free up space. To do this, right-click on the trash bin and select “Empty Trash.” Be cautious when performing this action, as it will permanently delete the files.

2. Use the terminal

If the files are not in the trash bin, you can use the terminal to recover them. The following command-line tools can help you find and restore deleted files:

2.1. TestDisk

TestDisk is a powerful tool designed for data recovery. It can recover deleted partitions, fix partition tables, recover deleted files, and much more. To install TestDisk, open the terminal and run:

“`
sudo apt-get install testdisk
“`

Once installed, you can use TestDisk to recover your deleted files. Follow the on-screen instructions to select the disk, partition, and file system. Then, use the “File Recovery” feature to search for and restore your deleted files.

2.2. PhotoRec

PhotoRec is another excellent tool for recovering deleted files, especially for photos and videos. To install PhotoRec, open the terminal and run:

“`
sudo apt-get install photorec
“`

After installation, you can use PhotoRec to recover your deleted files. Similar to TestDisk, you’ll need to select the disk, partition, and file system. Then, you can choose the file types you want to recover and start the scanning process.

3. Use third-party data recovery tools

If the above methods don’t work for you, you can try using third-party data recovery tools. These tools offer more advanced features and may be more effective in recovering deleted files. Some popular options include:

3.1. Recuva

Recuva is a free data recovery tool available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. To use Recuva on Ubuntu, you can install it using the Wine emulator. Follow these steps:

1. Install Wine from the Ubuntu Software Center.
2. Open the terminal and run:
“`
wine /path/to/recuva-setup.exe
“`
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Recuva.

Once installed, you can use Recuva to recover your deleted files on Ubuntu.

3.2. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is another popular data recovery tool. To use it on Ubuntu, you can install it using the Wine emulator as well. Follow these steps:

1. Install Wine from the Ubuntu Software Center.
2. Open the terminal and run:
“`
wine /path/to/easeus-data-recovery-wizard-setup.exe
“`
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.

Once installed, you can use the tool to recover your deleted files on Ubuntu.

Conclusion

Recovering recently deleted files on Ubuntu can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and methods, it’s possible to restore your lost data. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to recover your deleted files and get back to work. Remember to act quickly and use the appropriate tools to increase your chances of successful recovery.