Summary
Recovering data with original file names is achievable using the appropriate tools and techniques. The article discusses factors influencing the success of such recovery, including the retention of metadata and folder structures. It explains the process that occurs when a file is deleted, emphasizing that the data remains intact initially, although its space is marked as available for new data. The article also outlines a detailed method for restoring original file names on a Windows computer.
Table of contents
Data recovery with original file names is not only possible but can be achieved with the right tools and methods. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that affect the success of recovering files with their original names, metadata, and even original folder structures. Additionally, we’ll provide a detailed guide on how to restore original file names using a Windows computer.
To understand how to restore original file names, it’s essential to grasp how a file name is stored and what happens when the corresponding file gets deleted.
When a file gets deleted, these main things occur:
1. The markers indicating the data’s occupied space are removed. Windows then identifies that space as “available” for new data storage. However, the original data is not deleted yet.
2. The space taken up by the file’s metadata – which includes original file names, size, date created, etc. – is also marked as available for overwriting, but it hasn’t been deleted.
3. The file’s entry in the File System Index (similar to a directory) is marked as “deleted.” However, this does not directly affect the file’s actual metadata.
4. When new data is written to the disk, the system efficiently allocates hard drive blocks, ensuring that any previously deleted data is securely overwritten . This process also applies to the file metadata, maintaining a clean and organized storage system.
In summary, when you delete a file, only references to it are lost. The data itself, along with its metadata, still exists and can be restored with the right tools. However, if the file system records are corrupted, the metadata might be lost even if the data is recovered.
Yes, it is possible to restore files with their original names, provided certain conditions are met:
1. You have a backup (optional).
Backups are the most reliable method for restoring files exactly as they were saved. If you have a backup, the other conditions are less critical. Without a backup, the following factors will significantly impact your success rate.
Windows system backup focuses on preserving your current files and system state. While it doesn’t include deleted files , this ensures that your backup remains streamlined and efficient. For recovering deleted files, there are specialized recovery tools available that can help you retrieve them.
2. No overwriting has occurred.
If the data and metadata of your files have been overwritten by new files, recovery becomes nearly impossible. If no new files have been saved to the drive, your chances of recovery are high.
3. Data loss was due to deletion, formatting, or MINOR logical damage.
File names are stored in a partition’s file system records. Severe logical damage can affect these records, making it difficult to recover original file names and metadata.
4. TRIM is disabled or didn’t run yet (SSD only).
TRIM is an SSD feature that actively cleans up data of files marked for deletion. If TRIM hasn’t run yet, data and metadata recovery is possible.
Disable TRIM immediately by executing the following command in Command Prompt
fsutil behavior set disabledeletenotify 1
Even if not all conditions are met, recovery of original file names may still be possible in certain situations.
Here are four methods to restore files with their original file names and sometimes their original folder structures. Start with Method 1 and proceed to the next if it doesn’t apply to your situation.
Previous Versions is a Windows feature that allows users to roll back a file or folder to an earlier version.
1. In File Explorer, right-click the folder that contained the deleted file. Click Properties .
2. Navigate to the Previous Versions tab. Select the version of that folder based on the date and time that previously contained the file you want to recover. Click the arrow beside Restore and select Restore To… .
3. Choose a location to save the restored folder and click Restore folder .
Data recovery software is a type of tool that can restore files using the data they left behind on the disk. However, not all data recovery software has the ability to access and interpret file system records, which is where all the metadata (including file names) is stored.
For example, popular open-source recovery software PhotoRec only has a signature scanner. While it works great for general data recovery, signature scans ignore file system records and instead find data through unique patterns or “signatures.”
Renee Undeleter is a professional data recovery tool that can help you retrieve lost or deleted files with their original file names from your computer. It is a user-friendly and comprehensive tool that offers a high success rate for file recovery.
Step 1: Download, install and run Renee Undeleter on your Windows computer.
Step 2: Select the [ Fast Partition Scan ] option in the main interface.
Tips: 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.
Data Recovery Features
Fast Partition Scan: Recovers files from accidental deletions or recycle bin clearance.
Whole Partition Scan: Restores files from inaccessible or formatted partitions.
Whole Disk Scan: Analyzes partition information for a comprehensive disk scan.
Image Creation: Generates a partition mirror image for backup purposes.
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 5: 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. Using a professional software like Renee Undeleter can greatly increase your chances of successful file recovery. It is important to note that the longer you wait to use this method, the lower your chances of successful recovery become.
Local backups save exact copies of files and folders, including metadata. Windows machines commonly use File History and Backup and Restore (Windows 7) for local backups.
File History – An incremental backup tool that saves snapshots of your files and folders every time they are modified. Access File History by opening Start > typing and opening Restore your files with File History .
Backup and Restore (Windows 7) – A legacy backup tool that lets you save and restore specific files and folders. Access it by opening Settings > Update and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7) .
If you enabled a cloud storage service like OneDrive or Google Drive, files and folders synchronized to the cloud retain their original file names and metadata. Deleted files may be found in the cloud’s trash folder.
1. Open any browser and log in to onedrive.live.com .
2. Click the trash can icon in the left sidebar. Mark the spheres beside the files you want to recover and click Restore .
Restoring lost files with their original file names is more challenging than general data recovery but is achievable under the right circumstances. All storage devices have finite lifespans, and logical damage can strike unpredictably. Establishing a backup routine is crucial to ensure the safety of your most important data.
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