Navigating USB Device Data Deletion: Where Do Deleted Files Go?
14 November 2023 Senior Product Manager
Summary
Learn the truth about where your deleted USB files actually go and how you can retrieve them with these helpful tips and methods.
Table of contents
You’ve probably experienced the sinking feeling of accidentally deleting an important file from your USB drive. And while you may have panicked at first, thinking it was gone forever, have you ever wondered where those deleted files actually go? Do they disappear into a digital abyss or can they still be recovered? In this chapter, we will explore the mysterious world of deleted USB files. Discover the truth about where they go and how you can retrieve them, in our comprehensive explanation of the process. So, let’s dive in and unravel the secrets of deleted USB files.
Understanding the USB Deletion Mechanism
When files are “deleted” on a USB flash drive, the files themselves aren’t immediately destroyed. Instead, the system simply erases the pointers to the file locations – much like removing entries from a table of contents without actually ripping out the pages from a book. The data remains on the storage medium until it is overwritten by new data. This is mostly due to the fact that external drives, like USB drives, do not have a Recycle Bin feature like internal HDDs or SSDs, where deleted files are temporarily stored. Thus, on USB drives, files are promptly set to be overwritten.
When files are “deleted” on a USB flash drive, the files themselves aren’t immediately destroyed. Instead, the system simply erases the pointers to the file locations – much like removing entries from a table of contents without actually ripping out the pages from a book. The data remains on the storage medium until it is overwritten by new data. This is mostly due to the fact that external drives, like USB drives, do not have a Recycle Bin feature like internal HDDs or SSDs, where deleted files are temporarily stored. Thus, on USB drives, files are promptly set to be overwritten.
If you want to enable Recycle Bin for external USB drive, please refer to the Chapter “How to Enable Recycle Bin for Removable USB Drives in Windows 10/11” below.
The Role of File Allocation Tables
The way the USB drive’sFile Allocation Table (FAT) or New Technology File System (NTFS) handles deletion is by marking the space previously occupied by the file as free. The file’s data continues to exist until the system allocates that space to another file. It is similar to an index that no longer points to a specific book, even though the book remains on the shelf.
The way the USB drive’sFile Allocation Table (FAT) or New Technology File System (NTFS) handles deletion is by marking the space previously occupied by the file as free. The file’s data continues to exist until the system allocates that space to another file. It is similar to an index that no longer points to a specific book, even though the book remains on the shelf.
Data blocks of the Deleted file is still exists somewhere in your USB drive.
Because the actual data of the deleted file is untouched until overwritten, recovery tools such as Renee Undeleter can scour the drive’s unallocated sectors to restore files. That said, for successful recovery, it is paramount to avoid writing any new data to the drive post-deletion to prevent the original files from being overwritten.
Tips:Avoid writing any new data to the drive post-deletion to prevent the original files from being overwritten.
The Restore Previous Versions feature on Windows
The Restore Previous Versions feature is a built-in function in Windows operating systems (including Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11) that allows users to recover deleted files without the need for third-party tools. However, this feature only works if it was enabled before the files were deleted. If this feature was not enabled, then it will not be possible to recover deleted files using this method.
How to use the Restore Previous Versions feature
To use the Restore Previous Versions feature, simply right-click on the folder or USB drive that previously contained the deleted files. From the menu, select the option to “Restore previous versions.” This will open a list of available recovery options.
Note: This method will only work if the System Restore feature was enabled before the files were deleted.
Step 1: Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder where the deleted photo was located.
Step 2: Right-click on the folder and select “Properties” from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: In the Properties window, click on the “Previous Versions” tab.
Step 4: If available, you will see a list of previous versions of the folder with their timestamp and size. Select the version you want to restore and click on the “Open” button.
This will open a window showing the contents of the selected version. From here, you can copy and paste the deleted photos to a new location on your device. After the process is complete, you should be able to find your deleted photos in their original location.
Tips:If you do not see any previous versions in the list, it means that either there are no available versions or the feature was not enabled before the files were deleted.
In the previous topic, we discussed how to retrieve deleted files from a USB drive using the “Restore Previous Versions” feature on Windows. However, this method only works if you have enabled the feature beforehand and if the previous versions of the deleted files are still available. But what if you have permanently deleted the files or emptied your recycle bin? This is where data recovery software comes in handy.
Renee Undeleter is a third-party data recovery software that specializes in recovering lost or deleted files from various storage devices including USB drives. It has the capability to recover corrupted, deleted, and formatted files without any compatibility issues. One of the unique features of this software is that it highlights the deleted files in red, making it easy to identify which files have been permanently deleted.
Step 1: Download, install and run Renee Undeleter on your Windows computer.
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Please avoid installing the software on the disk containing the data to be recovered in order to prevent data overwriting. Also, refrain from saving new data to the same disk partition after a file is lost to avoid further damage or complete loss of the lost file.
Step 3: Next, select the partition where the lost data is located, and click [Next].
Step 4: Select the [Fast Scan] option and click the [Next] button to scan.
The [Fast Scan] mode scans the initial 30GB of available space on the chosen disk. If desired files are not found, the [Deep Scan] mode can be used for a thorough scan of the hard disk partition, though it will require additional time.
Step 4: Wait for the scan to complete
you can double-click the file to preview, then check the files that need to be recovered, and click the [Recover] button to recover the files to other disks.
Tips:Please select a disk without any important data when installing the software to avoid overwriting it. If the quick scan mode doesn’t find the necessary files, we suggest trying the deep scan mode for a full search.
And that’s it! Your deleted files will now be recovered and available for use.
Advantages:
- Renee Undeleter is a user-friendly data recovery software that can be used by anyone, regardless of their technical knowledge.
- It has a high success rate in recovering lost or deleted files from various storage devices.
- It can recover all types of files, including documents, photos, videos, and more.
Disadvantages:
- If the deleted files have been overwritten by new data, they may not be recoverable.
So, if you have permanently deleted files from your USB drive, using a data recovery software like Renee Undeleter is your best bet to retrieve them. However, it is always recommended to regularly back up your important files and use USB drives properly to avoid data loss.
Next, we will discuss another data recovery software called Recuva, which also has the ability to retrieve deleted files from a USB drive. So, keep reading to learn more!
After exploring the in-built Windows options to recover deleted files from a USB drive, such as the Restore Previous Versions feature and data recovery software like Renee Undeleter, we proceed with another effective method using Recuva. This freeware utility, known for its ease of use and effectiveness, can help recover data thought to be lost from a variety of storage mediums, including USB drives which, as mentioned, do not benefit from a dedicated Recycle Bin.
Step 1. Download and install Recuva from the official Piriform website. The free version should suffice for most recovery needs.
Step 2. Open Recuva. A wizard will welcome you, offering guidance through the recovery process. Select the type of files you’re looking to recover, or choose “All Files” for a broad search.
Step 3. When prompted for a location, select Your removable media or use the Browse function to manually locate and select your USB drive.
Step 4. If your initial scan is unfruitful, opt for a Deep Scan, which takes longer but searches more thoroughly. It may retrieve files that were deleted some time ago.
Step 5. Post-scan, Recuva will display a list of files that can potentially be recovered. Choose the ones you wish to recover and click “Recover“, saving them to a different drive to avoid overwriting data on the USB.
Step 6. After recovery, check the integrity of the recovered files. Some may be partially overwritten and thus corrupted to a degree.
In summary, Recuva stands out for its user-friendly approach to data recovery from USB drives. However, it’s important to acknowledge that no data recovery method is foolproof. Overwritten files may be beyond recovery, and flash drives can fail unpredictably, as pointed out by data recovery experts in the industry. Swift action is crucial, and users should avoid writing new data to the affected USB drive. Moreover, as a precaution and in agreement with data loss experts, always keep multiple backups of valuable data to safeguard against loss; do not solely rely on flash media for long-term storage due to their inherent volatility.
In the previous chapter, we discussed how to use Recuva to retrieve deleted files from a USB drive. However, what if the deleted files are not visible on the USB drive? In this case, using the Windows file recovery in Command Prompt (CMD) can help you recover deleted files on a USB drive.
Tips:Windows File Recovery is a command-line software utility from Microsoft to recover deleted files. It is freely available for Windows 10 version 2004 (May 2020 Update) and later from the Microsoft Store.
Step 1: Insert the USB drive into the Windows 10/11 computer. Verify its presence by navigating to “This PC” or “Computer” to see if the drive is listed.
Step 2: Open Command Prompt with elevated privileges by typing
CMD
in the search bar, right-clicking on the Command Prompt result, and selecting “Run as administrator”.
Step 3: Use the Windows File Recovery command by typing
winfr G: D:/recovery_dest /regular
and pressing Enter. Replace “D:/recovery_dest” with the path where your want to store the recovered files and “G” with your USB drive’s letter.
Step 4: Specify the search parameters for the recovery operation, such as the file types (*.jpg, *.docx) or a specific filename if you are searching for something particular.
Step 5: Allow the scan to complete, which may take some time depending on the size of the USB drive and the volume of data being searched for.
Step 6: Upon completion, Windows File Recovery will display a list of potentially recoverable files. These files will be restored to a folder on your system’s main drive, from which you can relocate them back to your USB drive if desired.
To wrap up, utilizing Windows File Recovery via the Command Prompt in Windows 10/11 is an efficient method to regain access to deleted files on a USB drive. This approach benefits from system integration, which bypasses the need for third-party software, and it is particularly useful when dealing with files that have bypassed the Recycle Bin or have been removed without user intervention, such as in cases of software bugs or virus attacks. However, users should note that success hinges on the command’s proper execution and that data recovery chances diminish if the storage space has been overwritten. Remember, it’s important to act quickly after data loss to avoid overwriting the now “free” space, enhancing the likelihood of file recovery. Therefore, if you find your USB drive deleting files, or if you’ve intentionally or accidentally deleted them, consider using Windows File Recovery before those spaces get reused.
To learn more about how to prevent data loss on a USB drive and avoid the need for file recovery, check out the following chapters.
Windows does not provide native Recycle Bin functionality for removable USB drives (also known as pendrives or thumb drives). This means that unlike with HDDs or SSDs, when files are deleted on a USB drive, they are immediately removed without being moved to the Recycle Bin. This can be risky, as it allows for accidental data loss without the safety net of easily restoring from the Recycle Bin. However, it is possible to utilize third-party software or manual methods to mimic Recycle Bin-like behavior for USB drives.
Step 1. Connect the USB drive to your computer, ensuring it is recognized by Windows.
Step 2. Download and install a third-party application that provides Recycle Bin-like features for USB drives. One such application is iBin, which is designed to act as a portable Recycle Bin for USB drives.
Step 3. After installation, run the application and configure it according to your preferences, such as setting size limits for deleted items and choosing which types of files it should monitor.
Step 4. Test the functionality by deleting a non-essential file and ensuring it appears in the application’s recovery interface.
While these steps offer a workaround, they do not change the fact that Windows does not officially support the Recycle Bin on removable drives. Users who adopt these methods should be aware of the limitations and complexities they may introduce. There is also the potential that security software could interfere with or quarantine these third-party applications, mistaking their functionality for malicious behavior.
Losing important files on a USB drive can be a frustrating and inconvenient experience. Whether it’s due to accidental deletion, a corrupted drive, or a virus, losing data can cause a lot of stress and loss of time. To avoid the need for file recovery, here are some tips to help you protect your USB data:
Step 1: Regularly Back Up Files
One of the most effective ways to prevent data loss is to regularly back up your files. This not only protects you from accidental deletions, but also from drive failures or viruses. Consider using a file backup software, such as EaseUS Todo Backup, to automatically back up your files. This software is user-friendly and allows you to create an image of your drive even if you don’t have technical knowledge.
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Step 2: Use USB Drives Correctly
Properly using your USB drive can also help prevent data loss. When inserting or removing a USB drive from your computer or laptop, make sure to do it carefully and use the “eject USB” option. This ensures that all data is safely saved and prevents potential data corruption.
Step 3: Scan and Remove Viruses
Viruses or malware can cause data loss and put your USB drive at risk. Make sure to regularly scan your USB drive with anti-virus software to protect against these threats. Be sure to keep your anti-virus software up to date with the latest patches and signature files for maximum security.
These are just a few tips that can help you prevent data loss on your USB drive. By regularly backing up your files, using USB drives correctly, and protecting against viruses, you can avoid the need for file recovery and ensure the safety of your important data.
In summary, here are some key takeaways to remember when it comes to preventing data loss on a USB drive:
- Regularly back up your files to protect against accidental deletions, drive failures, and viruses.
- Use USB drives properly by carefully inserting and removing them and using the “eject USB” option.
- Scan your USB drive for viruses and make sure your anti-virus software is up to date.
By following these tips, you can protect your important data and avoid the inconvenience and stress of data loss on your USB drive.
In conclusion, understanding the process of data deletion and recovery on USB drives can save us from potential data loss. We have learned that when files are deleted from a USB drive, they are not permanently erased but rather marked as free space. This means that with the right tools and techniques, deleted files can still be recovered. We have discussed various methods such as using the “
Restore Previous Versions” feature on Windows, data recovery software like Renee Undeleter and Recuva, and even using the Command Prompt to recover hidden files. Additionally, we have shared tips on how to prevent data loss on USB drives, such as regularly backing up important files and properly ejecting the drive before removal. By following these precautions and having a basic knowledge of data recovery methods, we can ensure the safety of our files and avoid the stress of permanently losing important data. Always remember, knowledge is power when it comes to protecting our files on USB drives.
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