Retrieving deleted photos

[shivvy]

I thought that I had saved a set of photos in 2 different places (ie once on my laptop and once on my external memory) so I decided to delete one set.
Before I did, I tried to cut the photos from the laptop and paste them into the external ,memory - just to make sure that they were duplicated. A message popped up and although I can't remember what exactly it said, it made me think that they were duplicates so I didn't paste them into the external drive memory. I then went back to the laptop photos and deleted them.
However now when I look for the photos on the external memory they aren't there.

I have looked in the ereceyle bin but they aren't there. Have I deleted them for good or is there anyway I can get them back?

Thanks

[Wak]

If you have deleted the files then don't use the computer they are on or you will probably overwrite them.
With another computer Google for and download one of the following recovery programs.
Fast File Undelete
Recuva
Rest2514.
Campicrestor,
They are all FREE programs (or were free when I got them) and should recover the files if they have not yet been overwritten.
Put one of the programs on a memory stick and use that on the computer where the lost files are.
I have used all the above files but note that some lost file names can be changed slightly when recovered, often it's the first letter which changes.
Best of luck.

[shivvy]

Thanks wak - i will give that a go tomorrow.

[shivvy]

Hi wak (or anyone else who might be able to help)

I tried using the programs you suggested but they don't seem to be able to recover from an external memory?

[Wak]

Hi Shivvy, FastFileUndelete.exe does work with all drives and directories. I have just copied a deleted file from a memory stick (Drive G:\ on my comp) to a folder on my C\ drive.
Download "FastFileUndelete" to either a memory stick or a Floppy disc.
Insert and open the FFU1.exe file.
Click FILE, Highlight the SOURCE drive and the DESTINATION drive.
Click CHOOSE DIRECTORY and select suitable folder in the new right hand panel.(it will eventually show all folders in the selected drive)
Give the program time to sort itself out as it can be a bit slow at times.
After choosing the destination folder, click DONE and panel will change.
Go to FILE, click Scan source drive. GIVE IT TIME.
Highlight the required lost files, Click OPTIONS and click COPY SELECTED FILES.
As mentioned before, the file names could be slightly altered or have a * for the first letter but you can always go by the date and size of the file.
This program does work but take your time with it and you'll recover your files if they have not yet been overwritten.
Hope this helps. Don't rush it.
Wak.

[Old_Geezer]

Simple file recovery applications can often not work as well as disk/partition recovery applications in my experience. There are a few out on the market. One that has worked well for me in the past is R-Studio Not cheap, but the first valuable recovery is probably worth it.

[Old_Geezer]

By "external memory" I trust you mean an "external disk".

[shivvy]

Hope you get this post Wak cause I have more questions for you!

I downloaded fastfileundelete on a memory stick and have opened it on the computer where the photos went missing. However I dont see where it says File for me to continue with your instructions. The options I have are
Build Drive List
Build Indexed File List
Build File List Only
Copy Files

I tried clicking on the Build Drive List option but nothing happened.
It says that the version I have downloaded is Fast File Undelete ver 5.03222.05 Demo. Is that the wrong version?

[Wak]

Hi, With the memory stick plugged into the computer, open Windows Explorer, find the memory stick, find FastFileUndelete and double click the FFU1.exe file.
I assume you have already done that but I'm just making sure.
The window which then opens in FFU is the Status and Configuration Panel and there should be FILE. OPTIONS HELP at the top.
Click FILE and then click "Choose source and Destination drives" in the dropdown panel. All the available drives will appear and you select Source (where the photos should be) and Destination (where to want to copy them)
Now click Choose Directory button (bottom left)
A panel will open on the right showing all the folders and files in the Destination drive.
Give it time to find them all and then highlight the one where the photos are going to be copied.
Now click the DONE button at the bottom
Next window shows FILE OPTIONS HELP.
Click FILE. Click "Scan Source Drive" and wait while it downloads the full index of the source drive.
Highlight all the wanted files, Click OPTIONS and select "COPY Selected Files".
I am assuming that you downloaded the same FFU program that I have and things should therefore be the same.
However, if you still have problems I can send the program to you via the YOU SEND IT web site. I'll keep checking this site to see how you get on.
Cheers,
Wak.

[Wak]

Hi Shivvy, I've just downloaded FFU from a site and it is now a much newer version (and a DEMO version) of what I have.
I suggest that you Click on the BLUE question mark at the top and this will give you a HELP file and a Quick Start panel.
Try that if you wish and see if you can recover your photos.
If it doesn't work out, let me know and I'll send you a ZIP file of the copy that I have.as you already have the instructions relating to it.
Wak. I'll be back

[LeMarchand]

The afore-mentioned Recuva or (my favourite) Restoration ( http://download.cnet....-2094_4-10322950.html ) will both search internal hard disks and external memory devices. They're both very easy to use.

[shivvy]

Oooh this is beginning to annoy me now!

I cannot get the fastfileundelete to work Wak. I am not very good at this sort of thing but I have tried what you have suggested and nothing seems to happen.

I also tried the Restoration that you suggested LeMarchand but it says that I have to log on as an adminisdtrator or something like that?

I am being asked to extract files and have no idea what this means or whether I should be doing it or not.
Beginning to think that I'm not fussed on getting the photos back!

[Wak]

Hi shivvy, Below is a link to the original FFUndelete.zip file that I use.

http://rapidshare.com...093578/FFUndelete.zip

Paste this link into your browser and when the site comes up, click the FREE USER button and then click the DOWNLOAD button. This will download the file onto your computer so you will have to select where to save it.
Unzip the file onto your memory stick or floppy drive and then follow the instructions that I gave in my second and third replies as above.
Don't use your computer unnecessarily as you could overwrite your photo files.
Please let me know when you have downloaded the file then I can remove it from the site.

[Wak]

Hi Shivvy, After 4 days I assume that you have either got the above file so that you can retrieve your photos or that you are not interested any longer and so it will be removed today.

[shivvy]

Hello Wak. I hope I haven't annoyed you by not responding. I didn't get the usual email from answerbank to say that you had left a reply so I didn't know you had added more advice. I probably would have checked anyhow but then I was away for most of saturday and sunday.
I really appreciate the help you have given me and would like to try the link you sent but am not able to do it until later this evening. Would that be ok?

[Wak]

Hi Shivvy, No, you hadn't annoyed me at all, I just thought you may have given up on getting your photos back?
The file is still there if you wish to try it. Just click on the link then click on the FREE button.
Unzip it to a memory stick and then follow all the previous instructions which relate to this earlier file.
I'll keep checking on here until you either succeed or give up.
Good luck.
Wak.

[shivvy]

Hi Wak. Thankyou for all your help but I think I am going to have to give up with my attempt to retrieve my photos. I really don't think I have enough IT ability to do what is required. I have tried following your (very clear) instructions but I can't seem to get it to work.
I didn't know how to 'unzip' the file but it opened when I clicked on it. Then I clicked on FILE but when I click CHOOSE DIRECTORY it says that I have to choose a destination - but there are no destinations in the column on the right.

I had previously sent a couple of the photos to a friend so I found that email in my sent file and saved the attached photos - so at least I haven't lost all the photos.

Thank you again for all your help Wak - I really appreciate your patience and your support.

[Wak]

You're welcome, any time, Shivvy.
At least you've got your photos back.
Wak.

[shivvy]

I really am very thankful for all the help that you have given me Wak. You have provided me with 2 weeks worth of IT knowledge/support and I have learned a lot on the way!

Can't wait to hit you with my next IT query (it will be sooner than later I'm sure!!)