Lost a computer file? Don’t panic!

Check the recycle bin!

Before you hit the panic button, have a quick look in your Recycle Bin as it temporarily holds deleted files.

1. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.

2. Search for your lost file.

3. Right-click on the file and select 'Restore'

Your file should magically reappear in its original location. Phew!

Restore from a backup

If you’ve been diligent with backups (gold star for you!), now’s the time to use them. Windows users can use File History, while Mac users can rely on Time Machine.

For Windows (File History):

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup.

2. Select “More options” and then 'Restore files from a current backup'

3. Browse through your backups to find the lost file and click 'Restore'.

1. Open Time Machine from the menu bar.

2. Browse through your backups to the date before you lost the file.

3. Select the file and click 'Restore'.

Use file recovery software

When the Recycle Bin and backups fail, recovery software can be your hero. Programs like Recuva (for Windows) or Disk Drill (for both Windows and Mac) are just 2 choices.

For Recuva:

1. Download and install Recuva from the official site.

2. Open the program and follow the wizard to search for deleted files.

3. Select the files you want to recover and click 'Recover'.

1. Download and install Disk Drill from the official site.

2. Launch the program and select the drive to scan.

3. Preview the found files and click 'Recover' to save them.

Check your cloud storage

Many people use cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive for extra security. If you’re one of them, check if your file is safely stored in the cloud.

Google Drive:

1. Go to drive.google.com.

2. Search for your file in the search bar.

3. If it’s in the 'Trash'right-click and select 'Restore'.

Dropbox:

1. Go to dropbox.com and log in.

2. Click on 'Files' and then 'Deleted files'.

3. Select the file and click 'Restore'.

OneDrive:

1. Go to onedrive.com and log in.

2. Click 'Recycle bin' on the left.

3. Select the file and click 'Restore'.

Tips to prevent future file loss!

• Make a habit of backing up your files regularly. Use external hard drives or cloud storage services.

• Ensure your computer’s built-in backup tools are activated.

• Double-check before deleting files and avoid using Shift + Delete to bypass the Recycle Bin.

Remember, the key is to stay calm, check your backups, and use the right tools. And if all else fails, the pros are just a phone call away!