How to Find and Restore Deleted Information on a Windows Computer

As a Microsoft user, you have a number of resources that you can utilize in the event that you accidentally delete information. Windows has a built in safeguard, the Windows backup for XP or Windows backup and restore for Vista and 7, to protect you from unintentional loss of data by restoring previously backed up files. If you neglected to utilize this feature, you can use the Recycle Bin to recover recently deleted files and restore them to their original location on your computer.

Open the Recycle bin.

Search for the deleted file or files by clicking "Search" on Windows XP or utilizing the Search box in Vista and 7. In the event that it is the only file in your Recycle bin, search is not necessary.

Highlight the file(s) once located. Right-click on the file and select "Properties." Take note of the location, such as your desktop or a specific folder, listed under "Origin."

Click the "Restore" button located at the bottom of the window. This will restore the file to its original location on your computer.

Tips

To preserve your deleted files longer in the Recycle bin you can increase its storage capacity. This can be done by right-clicking the Recycle bin and selecting "Properties." Enter a larger number in the "Custom size" box to extend the storage capacity. Alternatively, reducing the size of your Recycle bin will increase the amount of usable hard drive space you have at the expense of reducing the number of files that can be stored in the Recycle bin.

Set up an automatic file backup in Windows XP by clicking on "Start Menu," "Accessories" "System Tools" "Backup Status and Configuration," then "Set up automatic file backup." Alternatively, you can simply enter "backup" in your search box in Vista and 7 to locate Windows backup software.

In the event that the data you need is no longer in the Recycle bin, shut down your computer immediately, as this will give you the best chance of preserving the data. On another computer, contact a data recovery company. Keep in mind that you will need to mail in your hard drive.