Accidentally Deleted Files?
They're Probably Still There.
When you delete a file, even “permanently,” it isn't actually erased. The space is simply marked as available. Until new data overwrites that space, your files can be recovered. Stop using the drive immediately for best results.
Can Deleted Files Be Recovered?
Yes, in most cases. Here's why:
- 1Deletion only removes the pointer — The file system marks the space as “available” but doesn't erase the actual data.
- 2Data remains until overwritten — New files must physically occupy the same sectors to destroy old data.
- 3Recovery tools scan for remnants — Professional software can find and reconstruct deleted files.
Professional Oversight and Verified Standards
Our Austin lab operates on a transparency-first model. We use industry-standard recovery tools, including PC-3000 and DeepSpar, combined with strict environmental controls to make sure your hard drive is handled safely and properly. This approach allows us to serve clients nationwide with consistent technical standards.
Open-drive work is performed in a laminar-flow bench filtered to 0.02 µm, verified using TSI P-Trak instrumentation.
Transparent History
Serving clients nationwide via mail-in service since 2008.
Media Coverage
Our repair work has been covered by The Wall Street Journal and Business Insider, with CBC News reporting on our pricing transparency. Louis Rossmann has testified in Right to Repair hearings in multiple states and founded the Repair Preservation Group.
Aligned Incentives
Our "No Data, No Charge" policy means we assume the risk of the recovery attempt, not the client.
Technical Oversight
Louis Rossmann
Louis Rossmann's well trained staff review our lab protocols to ensure technical accuracy and honest service. Since 2008, his focus has been on clear technical communication and accurate diagnostics rather than sales-driven explanations.
We believe in proving standards rather than just stating them. We use TSI P-Trak instrumentation to verify that clean-air benchmarks are met before any drive is opened.
See our clean bench validation data and particle test videoTypes of Deletion We Recover
Recycle Bin Emptied
Files deleted from recycle bin/trash. Usually 95%+ recoverable if drive wasn't used heavily afterward.
Recovery rate: Excellent
Shift+Delete (Bypass Bin)
Files deleted without going to recycle bin. Same recovery process as emptied bin — data still exists.
Recovery rate: Excellent
Deleted Folders/Partitions
Entire folders or partitions accidentally deleted. File structure usually recoverable with folder names intact.
Recovery rate: Very Good
Command Line Deletion
Files deleted via rm, del, or other command line tools. No different from GUI deletion for recovery purposes.
Recovery rate: Very Good
App/Program Deletion
Files deleted by software (photo editors, cleanup tools, etc.). Recoverable unless app performed secure delete.
Recovery rate: Good to Excellent
Secure/DoD Wipe
Multi-pass overwrite tools (DBAN, secure erase). Data is cryptographically destroyed — not recoverable.
Recovery rate: None
HDD vs SSD: Critical Differences
Hard Drives (HDD)
Traditional hard drives don't automatically erase deleted data. Files remain until the exact sectors are overwritten by new data. This can take months or never happen if the drive has free space.
- ✓ No automatic erasure after deletion
- ✓ Recovery possible months/years later
- ✓ Higher success rates overall
- ✓ Even partial files often recoverable
Solid State Drives (SSD)
SSDs use TRIM to optimize performance. TRIM tells the drive to erase deleted file sectors in the background. Once TRIM runs, those sectors are truly empty. Time is critical.
- ⚠ TRIM erases deleted data automatically
- ⚠ Recovery window may be hours, not days
- ⚠ External SSDs may delay TRIM (better odds)
- ⚠ Act immediately for best results
SSD Users: If you deleted files from an SSD, stop using it NOW. Every minute of use allows TRIM to run and permanently erase more data. Power it off and contact us immediately.
When to DIY vs. When to Call Us
DIY Recovery May Work If:
- ✓Drive is 100% healthy (no clicks, no slowness)
- ✓You have another drive to recover files TO
- ✓Files were recently deleted with minimal drive use since
- ✓It's an HDD (not SSD with TRIM)
Free tools: Recuva, PhotoRec, TestDisk
Call Us If:
- ⚠Drive makes any unusual sounds
- ⚠Drive is slow, freezing, or disconnecting
- ⚠It's an SSD and time is critical
- ⚠Data is irreplaceable and you need certainty
- ⚠DIY software isn't finding files
Deleted File Recovery Pricing
Healthy Drive
Drive reads normally, just need deleted files recovered
$100-$300
Drive with Issues
Bad sectors, slow reads, needs imaging first
$300-$800
Mechanical Failure
Clicking/failing drive + deleted file recovery
$800-$1,500
No Data, No Charge: If we can't recover your deleted files, you pay nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can permanently deleted files be recovered?▾
Yes, in most cases. When you delete a file (even from recycle bin), the data isn't erased — only the pointer to it is removed. The actual file remains on the drive until that space is overwritten by new data.
How long after deletion can files be recovered?▾
There's no fixed time limit — it depends on drive usage. If you stopped using the drive immediately after deletion, files can be recovered months or years later. Heavy use after deletion reduces chances.
Can deleted photos be recovered?▾
Yes, photos are often excellent candidates for recovery. Image files have recognizable headers that recovery software can identify even without file system metadata. JPEGs, RAW files, and other image formats have high recovery rates.
Deleted Something Important?
Stop using the drive and contact us. Free evaluation, no data no charge.