Files are more than just manila envelopes. 93% of Americans use the internet, with most using it every day to upload and download files.
At some point, you are going to have one of your digital files go missing. This can be frustrating, but you shouldn’t panic. You can take many steps to recover a missing file and keep your remaining files together.
What are the first things you should do when you notice a file has gone missing? What tools can you download to help you find a file? How can experts help you out?
Answer these questions and you can track down a missing file in no time. Here are seven tips you should follow.
1. Check Your Trash
Many people delete files and then forget about them. Whenever you have a file you cannot find, you should go to your trash right away.
You may not be able to open your file while it is in the trash. You can drag it out of the trash using your cursor, or you can right-click on it and send it to your desktop.
Check your file to make sure it is the version you want. You may be able to undo steps so you can return to a previous version and start your work over.
2. Search Through Your Folders
Your file may be in a location you’ve forgotten about. Take a look at the folders on your desktop and the ones in your navigation bar. Click on the documents inside them, as you may have mislabeled the file you want as something else.
Your files may be hidden for one reason or another. You should google “show hidden files MacOS” to read guides on how to access your hidden files through file managers and Terminal commands.
If you still can’t find your hidden file, you should open your file system and use the search function to find it. Use a few different keywords, and try searching for the text inside the documents, not just their titles.
If you find your document, you should find a file location for it that you can remember. When in doubt, put it on your desktop. You should label it so you can access it again if it gets misplaced.
3. Download Your File off a Cloud
You may have uploaded your document to a cloud and then deleted the original off of your computer. You should examine your cloud server and try to find the document there.
If you find it, you should download it back to your computer. You should click on it and then follow the instructions to put it on your desktop.
Share your document with other people so they have access to it. If you lose it again, you can email them and they can send you a copy.
4. Use Third-Party Software
You can try using a few different apps to recover your files. Make sure you download an app that is specifically for your operating system. A Windows app may not run on a MacBook at all, or it may open up the wrong file.
Follow the instructions for your software so you can recover your files. You may need to connect the software to particular folders so it can look through them.
5. Use a Backup
You should back up your files every few months or so. If you rely on a lot of documents, you should consider backing them up every single month.
To recover a file from a backup, you should connect the storage device the file is on to your computer. You should then start a recovery program on your computer and look for your file on the device.
Some programs open up windows so you can drag your files out and put them on your desktop. Other programs require you to use an interface to restore your data. Try to find a program that is easy to use and keep the instructions on hand as you restore your files.
6. Bring Files Back From Previous Versions of Your Computer
If you have a Windows computer, you can use the Windows System Restore facility to recover a past version of your file. You can right-click on a folder and then click on “Restore previous versions” to bring back an old version of it. You can then search for the file you want to recover.
Mac devices have Time Machine, an app that lets you make versions of your computer system. You can open up Time Machine and then go to the previous version that has your files. However, you must update the app in order to have your files backed up.
7. Hire a Data Recovery Professional
If you’re struggling with recovering files, you should go to a professional for help. They can use advanced tools to search your hard drive and find the documents you want.
They can also give you advice on how to store your files so you don’t lose them again. They can teach you to use a hard drive or an app like Time Machine. Get as much advice from them as possible and write down their recommendations.
Find Your Missing File
A missing file is a pesky thing. You should check your trash and look through your folders first. If you shared the file with work associates, you can download a copy from them.
You can use third-party tools. You can try downloading apps or using built-in functions like Time Machine to restore your file.
Your last resort is experts who can use their own software to find your document. Get advice on how to recover a file by yourself.
File organization is more than meets the eye. Read more guides to files by following our coverage.
